The school year is here, and It comes with fresh routines. But how can we use these changes to build healthier habits for the future?
Establishing a routine can be challenging, especially with family life or as a student, but it comes with many benefits. A regular routine can improve sleep, support mental health, and help manage stress and anxiety. For parents, setting a consistent pattern now can ease the morning rush and help children feel confident and prepared for their day.
As a new phase begins, it’s the perfect time to refresh your routine. Planning now can lead to long-term, positive changes.
Tips to get you started:
Timing: Set a consistent wake-up time for everyone.
Prepare: Pack bags, lunches. and clothes the night before.
Schedule: Make time for lunch, exercise, or other daily activities.
Resources: Use calendars, planners, or apps to stay organised.
Transport: Think ahead about travel options for your family, and how they impact both your day and the environment.
New routine, new ways to move
One of the biggest parts of any school or work morning is getting there. Travel choices affect everything, from what time you get up, to when you need to leave the house. Planning ahead makes the school run smoother, builds consistency, and helps children build time management skills.
So, what options do we have and what are the pros and cons
Walking
Pros
Free- Great form of daily exercise
- Boosts mood and mental wellbeing
- Avoids traffic
- No emissions, good for the environment and local air pollution
Cons
- Slower than other options
- Weather dependant
- May not be practical for longer distances
Driving or car sharing
Pros
- Quicker for longer distances (depending on traffic)
- Warm and comfortable in bad weather
- Car sharing offers social interaction and reduces vehicles on the road
Cons
- Traffic can cause delays
- Produces carbon emissions
- Parking can be difficult near schools or workplaces
- Fuel costs add up
Public transport
Pros
- Affordable, especially with student passes
- Encourages independence for older children
- Fewer cars on the road
- Often quicker than driving in traffic
- Lower emissions, better for air quality
Cons
- Can be crowded at peak times
- Delays or cancellations can disrupt routines
- Rural services may be limited
Cycling
Pros
- Fun exercise
- Good for the environment
- Faster than walking, avoids traffic
- Builds independence and confidence
Cons
- Finding a safe route and bike storage can be tricky
- Weather makes it harder sometimes
- May require extra time for changing or freshening
Why transport choices matter
The way we travel affects not only our time but also the environment. Active travel such as walking or cycling creates no emissions, keeps air clean, and supports nature. Building in extra time for these options helps make sustainable habits easier to stick to all year round.
Cycle September
The start of term is also the perfect time to join Cycle September, an annual campaign run by Love to Ride. It encourages everyone, new or experienced, to cycle to school, work or simply for fun.
By taking part, you can cut your own emissions, improve your health and connect with others. Families, schools, and even workplaces can compete. One rider, who is featured on their website, said that the campaign is “a great catalyst to start cycling regularly…”.
Get involved
Getting involved is easy. You can join on the Love To Ride website. Even if you ride once you will be entered into prize draws and make a difference.
So far, 15,179 riders (including 541 new riders) have covered more than 745 thousand miles, saving over 97 thousand pounds (lbs) of CO2 emissions. You can add to this impact and maybe win prizes too.
Making lasting changes
Will Cycle September inspire to cycle more often? Or will you carve out time for a daily walk instead? Whatever you choose, small changes now can lead to lasting habits that benefit your health, your schedule, and the environment.
We would love to hear from you
Share your stories, experiences, and photos of nature, and send us a few lines on how you are helping protect our environment in County Durham. Whether it is something you do personally, a community project you may be involved in, a business change or action, or even a great photo of nature. We want to celebrate and share your efforts and views.
Send us your stories or photos (with a short explanation) by emailing climatecountydurham@durham.gov.uk or by filling in our “Get in Touch” form and help inspire others across our beautiful county to take action. And don’t forget to sign up to our Climate Change and Carbon Reduction Pledge.
