Kasey is an educator with a passion for equipping people for success. Whether she is teaching in a classroom or learning lessons from her own husband and children, Kasey is a life-long learner and enjoys sharing the insights God has impressed on her. Kasey’s first book, “7 Ways To Be a S.M.A.R.T.E.R Mom” is available in major bookstores and online. As founder and president of Smarter Moms LLC, Kasey has the opportunity to network with and speak to women’s and mom’s groups across the country. Kasey is married to Matt Johnson, and has three sons: Matthew (8), Tyler (6), James (3) and a puppy – Charlie. Kasey and Matt live in Olathe, KS.
Check out Kasey’s blog for moms at
http://smartermoms.wordpress.com.
No matter what you’ve done with the month of June, this month is muy importante (cue the Spanish accent) for preparing your mind and body to go back to school. I always see July as the “last chance” month. The next four weeks will be, for some of us, the last full month to fit in whatever travel plans, memory-making events and road trips we might have planned.
Outside of the social gatherings that fill your calendar, this is also a great time to start transitioning yourself back to a schedule that helps you prepare physically, mentally and spiritually for school. Taking some time to create a plan for this month will help you be successful and feel prepared for the demands of academia. So let’s look at those three areas and the prep that goes with them:
Physically – I know it sounds silly, but it’s true – sleep matters! If you’ve gotten into a habit of going to bed late and waking up late it’s time to change that pattern. But let’s be realistic, our social plans haven’t stopped – so this transition needs to be gradual. My suggestion is to go to bed about 10 minutes earlier each night, starting three weeks before school starts. This small shift in time will allow your body to relax and accept sleep earlier than it is used to.
Mentally – You know those silly books on the books stands at stores that claim to “boost your brain power”? Some of those are actually really fun! Frankly, I’m a tightwad, financially speaking. So I like going on-line to find puzzles that keep my mind sharp and help my problem-solving skills. Whether you type “mind puzzles” into your search took, or whether you purchase a book, try to find some exercises that challenge your mind. The sites that appeared in my search covered everything from physics and chemistry to basic optical illusions. Using both sides of one’s brain is important, and many of these puzzles help sharpen skills on both sides of the brain. (Any fellow Sudoku fans out there?)
Spiritually – Spending time in God’s Word is the best prep any girl could hope to have as she starts school. Taking time to study a certain book of the Bible, do a 4-week Bible study or just set aside 10 minutes a day to read Scripture will make a huge difference in how you handle the challenges of a new school year. Along with studying the Bible, our prayer life should become a rich and fulfilling source of peace for those times when we are nervous, stressed or just plain exhausted.
It is a new day, a fresh start. Let’s take time to make a plan and order our life so that we not only have a balanced life but we can live in the fullness that can only come from Christ.
I can say with confidence that if you take time for these three areas you will be blessed because of your efforts. You will discover new strength in the arms of your Creator and you will gain discernment as you continue to seek out the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow His leading.
How about sharing some of the ways you squeeze time in your busy schedule to grow in these areas? Some of you have a fantastic routine that allows you to have fun with friends, grow in your faith and discover the freedom that comes from knowing who we are in Christ. One of my favorite scriptures comes from 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul writes: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Thanks for sharing your ideas, your plan and your goals – we are strong women and together we will discover new successes along the way!
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Kasey