Chargerette gives advice on returning back to school this fall

Dear Chargerette,

School is starting back up and I have to admit, I got a little lazy over the summer. I wasn’t working out, I wasn’t outside enough, I barely read, I barely did anything! I need to get back into a routine that is going to help me better myself. I don’t want to get into the habit of just sitting around doing nothing productive. I feel like a slug half the time and I hate it. You know that thing people say, “Don’t just survive, thrive?” Well I want to thrive, but I’m just not right now. What are some things you think I should start doing regularly to get me back into a beneficial routine?

• Anonymous

Dear Stuck in a Rut,

Oh, yay, this is my thing! I’m all about trying to work on myself and find different things that will benefit me and my family. Especially since my brother went off to basic training, because if he’s going to be out there working his butt off, why do I think I can just sit around chilling all the time? I mean, chilling is fine, but not all the time, not to the point where you become a lazy bum. About a month ago my family and I made a goal to find something to do every day that we wouldn’t normally be doing like working out every day or taking a walk every evening. There are plenty of simple tasks that anyone can do to start improving their life:

1. Start working out regularly. I’m not saying you should go crazy and work out every day at high intensity, but getting into a routine of working your body more than you would normally would be good for anyone.

2. Take daily walks. My favorite time to walk is in the evening. Fewer people are out in my neighborhood so it’s nice and calm. It’s a great way to collect your thoughts, be active, and get fresh air. Having a designated time that you just get away from your homework and your phone and get outside is great. Jogging is good too.

3. Have a good sleep schedule. Go to bed earlier than you usually do and wake up a little earlier. It helps you wake up feeling more refreshed and rested.

4. Read a bit every day. Books are a free source of knowledge and wisdom, why would we waste them? You don’t have to read a boring book for an hour, read something that interests you and spend as much time on it as you want. Go to the library, borrow from a teacher, just get a book and read at least a few pages every day.

5. If you’re religious, spend more time with God. My pastor told us about what he calls, “The Fifteen Minute Challenge.” You spend 5 minutes reading the Bible, 5 minutes worshiping, and 5 minutes praying. It is very effective and not at all time-consuming. I recommend doing it in the morning before school, that’s when I do it because then I start my day with my mind in the right place. You should try it.

I hope, for your sake, that you add all or at least a few of these things to your daily routine. Maybe you won’t do anything I suggested, maybe something I said inspired you to try something completely different that you believe will benefit you, whatever the case, try something new and if it works for you, make it a habit.

Wishing you the best,

Chargerette