Whenever people look at my schedule, the reaction is usually some version of, “Are you crazy?”
Between teaching high school science full-time during the school year, running a summer day camp for over 40 high-energy kids, and running a math, science, and ACT/SAT tutoring business on the side, my calendar looks packed. From the outside, it looks like pure chaos. And for a long time, my life was chaotic—but not because of my work.
I’ve been away from this blog for three years. During that gap, I went through a deeply challenging, heavy personal season where survival was the only daily goal. When you survive a situation that strips away your control and your peace, coming out on the other side means you have to deliberately decide how to rebuild.
Thankfully, God saved me from that storm. When you are rescued from a place of fear, rebuilding isn’t just about time management—it’s about resetting your foundation. For me, that meant creating a daily routine rooted entirely in my faith. A good routine isn’t about being rigidly perfect or filling every second with productivity. It’s about creating a safe, predictable framework so you can handle the external chaos without losing your internal peace.
If you are trying to manage a heavy load—or just trying to reclaim your life after a hard season—here are the non-negotiables that keep my lab running smoothly.
1. Starting the Day in the Word
When you give your energy to students, clients, and campers all day, you have to be fiercely protective of how you start your morning. I don’t jump straight from my bed to my inbox. My day starts with a cup of coffee and a solid devotional by Priscilla Shirer. Pouring into God’s word before the world starts asking things of me is what sets my perspective. It anchors me. You control the day; the day doesn’t control you.
2. Finding Healing in Community and Service
When you’ve survived a difficult season, it’s easy to want to isolate yourself. But I found my healing by diving headfirst into my church community. Whether I am just attending a service to fill my own cup, hanging out with the elementary kids, or serving at dinner church handing out free meals to anyone who shows up hungry—showing up for others has changed everything. Serving reminds me of God’s goodness, and surrounding myself with that community has been a massive part of my restoration.
3. Clearing the Head Space Through Movement
When you spend all day solving problems—whether it’s balancing chemical equations, breaking down SAT data, or managing camp logistics—your brain gets crowded. For me, going to Pilates or for a walk/jog is a non-negotiable part of my routine. It isn’t about fitness metrics; it’s about physically shaking off the stress of the day. If I don’t move, the mental clutter builds up. Find the thing that helps you physically sweat out the day’s noise.
4. The Power of a Defiant ‘No’
You cannot protect your peace if you are constantly trying to please everyone else. Part of recovering from a difficult season is realizing that your time and energy belong to you. I had to learn to say no to commitments, obligations, and people that drain my battery without adding value to my life. Saying no to the extra noise means I can say a resounding, high-energy yes to my classroom, my tutoring clients, and the ministry spaces where I actually want to be.
The Takeaway
If you are currently in a chaotic season, or if you’re trying to pick up the pieces after one, start small. You don’t need a perfect life to have a peaceful day. You just need a few solid anchors in your routine that belong to you and God.
Tutoring With Jen 
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