Timetable for Health

One of the important steps we discuss with people in our centre is the importance of having a timetable or schedule. Usually we would see many parents and families in our centre, all with busy lives, clubs, work, school, home, exercise and other commitments. A timetable/schedule/planner is a great ingredient when balancing life and health goals. It’s true that as I write this, we are in lock down and not going out to attend regular meet-ups, groups etc, which does mean that many of our usual activities have had to adopt a different format or be postponed. Initially for many people, this understandably bought about a lot of confusion as packed diaries suddenly became null and void (at least to begin with). All schedules and plans were sent into turmoil.

A few years ago, we had a really tense and challenging start to the summer holidays with the boys. We had a holiday planned, but not until the end. We were working up until that point. After about 10 days in I realised what the problem was: I hadn’t thought to timetable the summer holidays. We had the basics in place, but because we hadn’t worked out when we were going to exercise, or who was going to work and when it turned into a free for all, with us trying to entertain the boys and work at the same time. Once we realised this and arranged our timetable, things ran a lot smoother and we got the things done that we needed to whilst having a great summer. Since then I have always ensured that timetables cover holidays as well (to a certain extent). (We even joked last year that I had planned-in spontaneity into our holidays).

I now rely on my timetable and have done for many years. I colour code, draw and include the whole family for the week. It’s how we know who needs to be where and when, who is taking them etc. It also includes, for example, time to ensure everyone gets exercise time. It has the 7 Habits7habitsofhealth.blogspot.com factored in. For the first week of lock down I really missed having this, until I realised I just needed to adapt. I do actually believe though that there has never been a more important time to introduce, or continue to have, a planner.

We are all having to spend a lot more time in the house together and where possible continue about our daily lives. It can be a really stressful time as we are trying to juggle working from home with home schooling and maintain a healthy lifestyle along with our family relationships. Emotions can be challenging at times, but having some sort of routine will help. Trying to keep a routine may seem a little pointless and impossible but actually I feel it is necessary for health reasons. We all like to feel that we are accomplishing something and that we are making the best use of our time, and developing a planner will help.

Usually I would develop our timetable at the start of each school term; that way any changes in after-school clubs can be easily added. It can be changed at any time though.

If we think back to our time at school, we all had to work to a timetable e.g. Monday 9am Maths, 10am Biology and so on. This continues on into higher education and for some of us into our working lives. 

So, what if we were to look at doing the same with our own planners?

1.     List all the jobs/ events etc you currently do each day.

2.     List all the things that you want to fit in but don’t feel you can. This may be reading, Date Night, going for a walk...

3.     Check back to your scorecard from the 7 Habits of Health (found in my blog post The 7Habits of Health 29/03/20). Are they any action points that need including e.g. daily meditation, early morning exercise, daily music practice etc.

4.     Is there anything on list one that you can get someone else to do/ help with?

5.     Place all items onto a timetable. “Fun” stuff first. See over page for example.

6.     Tell your family what you are doing so they are aware and run with this for a week or so. If something needs a slight amendment then go for it, but stick with it. It will make all the difference to your time.

N:B Be aware of logistics such as who needs the computer/laptop and when. At the moment everything is being done remotely and this means more computer time which can cause frustration if everyone needs to use them at the same time.

Tips when working out your schedule

1.     You will find that some tasks have to be done on specific days eg, kids clubs etc. Put these in first.

2.     As much as possible plan the schedule to how you want it to look. If it looks complety different do two then compare and plan to move to the ideal.

3.     Make sure you schedule in a date night as well, even if you don’t go out, which we can’t do at the moment, simply watch a film or attend a virtual quiz.

4.     Don’t be put off by the initial organisation involved, once done it will make a world of difference.

5.     Be prepared to alter it over time as the family’s lifestyle and needs change. It will obviously need changing again soon once the lock down has been lifted and we have more freedom.

I have included below a simple design template that I started out with. Using this design each family member is given a different colour. I also use a diary and journal when planning. Now though my timetable is set to start at 6am each day and finish at 10pm. Please note though I do not always fill every single hour with something. There does need to be an element of flexibility, and you need to be able to adapt when needs- be. Especially when you have children around.

Now I also plan in things like what we are going to eat for the week to save time when shopping and also each day at meal times. Obviously at the moment shopping is a bit more of a challenge though, but it can be done.

	Early	AM	Lunch	PM	Eve
Mon
Tues
Weds
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun

So, get organising and creative with your planning factor in your 7 Habits of Health for the entire family. Starting now will give you a great start. Enjoy. And let me know how you get on.