This month in PE we are addressing the importance of routine. We are going over how much of our days are planned around routine and how it is important to have good, healthy routines put in place from our morning routines to bedtime routines, to everything in between. In PE we have started laying out our routine on exercise and explaining that on certain days we are doing certain activities from our bar work, endurance, and strength training. We are all working on getting on a good healthy routine for this new school year. Having a routine can be helpful at any time, particularly if you are trying to establish healthy habits, but these routines can be particularly important when aspects of your life feel uncertain or overtaxed. “So, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

A lack of structure and routine can exacerbate feelings of distress and make you pay more attention to the source of your problems. When we do not have routines in place, we can get overloaded with our daily tasks that can build up and come compounding down all at once. We are addressing how important it is to have a routine so we can stay on task and not get burdened with stress which can have unfortunate effects on our health. It also leads to a more time-efficient day with being able to get all our planned activities and tasks done. And therefore, leads to a feeling of self- accomplishment.

Here’s another crucial bonus: routines allow you to carve out time to pursue your passion every single day. Daily practice is a game-changer for creativity. Among other things, it keeps projects constantly turning in our minds—and just how powerful the mind is, helping us to reach better decisions than active thought. Routine is freeing up more time to follow our passions and hobbies because we are in a better state of calm and order. It may seem like routine is adding more to our lives, but it is creating more freedom. I truly believe everyone can benefit from a good solid routine, including our students. So, keep perspective, and make each day count. Make each day significant even if it seems hard. It will pay off.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that our “bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” and that we should honor God with them. This includes the things we do in our day-to-day schedule—our habits.

Crystal Palmer
Libertas Academy Athletic Director/PE Educator