Do you hear that? It’s the sound of moms around the globe shouting praises that school is back in session. Not that we don’t adore those cuties and the whirlwinds they bring, we’re just ready for structure. And regaining structure after a free-for-all summer can be tough for everybody. So how do you transition from chaos to organized? Here are some helpful tips on how to get into a better back-to-school routine so that every minute counts.

How To Get into a Better Back-to-School Routine

1. Sit down and write out your recurring weekly schedule.

Piano lessons, gymnastics, soccer practice…sit down and write it all out to the very detail. Who needs to be where and when. You can even go so far as to color code everyone’s activities. I have a friend who keeps a white board calendar in her kitchen and every member of the family has a color. It’s the most effective calendar system I’ve ever seen—essentially a Google Calendar in your kitchen for every family member to see.

Once you the schedule of all recurring responsibilities, you can then see the spaces in your schedule you can pencil in extras like working out or meeting with friends.

2. Make exercise part of your routine.

The multitudinous benefits of exercise are tough to dispute. Simply put, make exercise a part of your routing and you will reap plenty of perks. Regular physical activity elevates your energy, boosts your mood, and helps you be more productive. I currently follow the that includes workouts for the gym and/or at home!

If you prefer following along to a video, Jillian Michaels gives a great total body workout, along with Beach Body’s T25. No matter when or how you do it, make time to exercise.

3. Try waking up one hour earlier.

There are two types of people in this world: morning people and…not morning people. If you are the latter, you might want to try switching sides. Morning people tend to be more productive and science can prove it. Research has linked early risers to getting better grades, doing better in college, and being more proactive.

If you’re doubtful, try waking up just one hour earlier than you normally do. During that one hour, get a jump start on your work, home responsibilities, or exercise. You’ll be amazed at how much more you are able to accomplish while the kids are still sleeping. And for school-age children, waking up regularly with sufficient time to do homework, prepare lunches, and get ready for school is important. Here’s a great little alarm clock to help kids rise and shine.

4. Consistent bedtime routine is crucial.

Similarly, an effective back-to-school routine includes consistency at bedtime. For our family, that means starting at 7:00pm and to bed by 8:00pm. The kids take a bath, get jammies on, brush teeth, and then settle down to a book. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that school-age children (ages 6-13) get 9-11 hours of sleep per night.

And a bedtime routine isn’t just helpful for kids, it’s great for adults too! Unwinding to a book, a relaxing bath, or a beauty regimen will help normalize the craziness of a typical day.

5. Keeping all your ducks in a row…

Once school hits, life gets hectic. Johnny has a spelling test every Tuesday and Janie’s science project is due Friday. There are school activities, after-school activities, and a million other sports, clubs, and obligations. Keeping all that straight can make a person downright insane.

Here are some cool, creative ways you can help keep all those ducks in a row:

Jumbo Dry Erase Wall

Family Organizer

Do It All Mom Planner