So you are a returning student to University and you know that you OUGHT to create some new routines for your life.  Don’t let laziness keep you from putting into place some habits that will help you in the long run.  And, don’t despair new habits really do take time and practice to establish; some people have suggested that it takes 42 days to put a new habit firmly into place.

Routines like brushing your teeth and washing your clothes–well we hope those are in place.  But if you are just showing up as a new student or you were really went on holiday even from your routines over the summer, now is the time to get some of these in place.  Its unlikely that you will get them all going but here’s a few.  At Origin, You Were Born for More we talk about two sets of habits or routines:  Get Alone habits and Get Together habits.  These habits are supportive of Jesus’ call for us to love God and to love people.

Here’s a list of possible routines that would really help you during University.

• Sleep routine.
• Study routines.
• Work-Out routines.
• Set up a study group.
• Nail down when you are going to do laundry.
• Get connected in a faith community.  These groups have regular rythms of life that  often contribute to a healthy life.
• Pay attention to your money:  When do you pay the bills, check your balances, contribute to your assets and savings?
• Call home.  Stay connected with family and friends.
• When do you grocery shop and where?
• Prayer.
• Get into a regular Bible study group.
• Study breaks — walks work for me!
• Meditation and personal reflection.
• Join a group to regularly “give back” through community service.
• Journalling.
• Set up a dinner group.
• Set up a learning group.
• Set up a social group for whatever you really like to do.
• Join a club–Participation in the club might even pull several of these needs together for you.
• When do you clean the place up?  Clutter distracts!

You may have noticed at some of the Residences or at Irving K Barber, The UBC Chaplains are encouraging students to put routines in place this month.  Many routines connect to the spiritual side of life!

Here’s a picture of my friend Kevin, from St. Marks, connecting with students at the Irving K Barber Centre for Learning at UBC.

What routines are you putting in place this month?