It's likely that over the Christmas period many people will have abandoned their daily routines, embracing erratic meal times and accepting the turbulence which usually ensues when families and friends gather over the holiday season. I expect that today, as the New Year springs into action, many will return to their familiar, everyday schedules - possibly reluctantly.
A structured lifestyle should not be underestimated. The Prince's Trust Youth Index, released today, warns that a lack of daily routine - such as regular bedtimes and set meal times - can impact on a young person's future prospects, harming school grades and general wellbeing.
Our new report shows that one in 10 young people feel their days lacked structure and direction while growing up, while those with lower school grades are almost three times as likely to claim this.
The Youth Index, an annual report by The Prince's Trust, provides an insight into how young people feel about their lives across a range of areas from family life to physical health. This year's findings show a significantly lower index number for young people who claim to have lacked structure and direction while growing up than for their peers.
More than a quarter of young people claim they did not have a set bedtime while growing up. This increases to 39% among those who left school with fewer than five A*-C grades at GCSE.
The Index paints a picture of the nation's youth and highlights where we need to focus our support and energy. Without the right support, directionless teenagers can become lost young adults - unconfident, under-qualified and unemployed. This is why The Prince's Trust works hard to provide young people with support when it is lacking.
Through our work we understand the importance of giving young people guidance and direction to learn skills and develop confidence. Our in-school xl clubs give the hardest-to-reach young people intense, structured support - helping prevent potential drop-outs and exclusions. Similarly, our Fairbridge programme, an individually tailored personal development scheme, builds self-esteem through one-to-one support outside the classroom.
Schemes such as xl and Fairbridge make a real difference to young lives, helping the hardest to reach to get their lives on track. At this critical time of high youth unemployment, these schemes help equip young people for a tough jobs market - giving them the confidence and motivation they need to move successfully through their education and into the workplace.
Last year, more than three in four young people helped by the Trust moved into work, training or education. This coming year, with support from funders and partners, we aim to help 50,000 disadvantaged young people.
Today, the Trust launches its largest ever consultation with teachers and education practitioners exploring the support they need to help the hardest-to-reach pupils. We look forward to presenting the findings of our consultation to the government later this year.
To take part in the consultation or for more information about The Prince's Trust Youth Index please visit www.princes-trust.org.uk