September is here and fall is right around the corner! The next few months are a busy time for many, and it can get a bit overwhelming. We all have little tasks that must get done on a daily, weekly, and even monthly basis. This never-ending to-do list can lead to a great deal of stress and anxiety, especially when you don’t have a plan of action. So, how about setting up a system to stay on track with everything? Establishing routines and rituals can greatly simplify your work and personal life, reduce stress, and facilitate relaxation.
The Why:
Designing and implementing routines can help you streamline your life and be more productive. It allows us to know exactly what tasks we need to do each day without having to contemplate or think too much. Activities become automatic and as a result we become more efficient. Having a predetermined routine and schedule can also help save time that would otherwise be spent on planning, decision-making and preparation. When we carefully design and follow a set schedule, it takes the guesswork out of our day and allows us to wake up and ‘do’ instead of wake up and ‘plan’. Finally, adhering to a routine allows us to adopt habits that match our goals and aspirations. We all know that the secret to building good habits is repetition. Routines encourage us to perform the same tasks over and over again, thereby building momentum and making it easier to persist. Similarly, routines can also help to eradicate bad habits that do not serve us well.
The How:
Here are a few key tips to think about when you are designing a routine:
- Make a list of all the things you want or need to accomplish in your day, week or month, and then map out a daily routine. You don’t need to schedule every minute of your day, but have set times each day when you do certain tasks.
- Start with something small and simple like a morning and/or bedtime routine
- Figure out what time of day you are most productive and schedule the important tasks for that time of day.
- Group similar tasks together to save time. For example, do all your “errands” in one shot (like grocery shopping, going to the bank or post office).
The What:
Things you may want to incorporate into a routine:
- Shower/bathing
- Tea/coffee
- Exercise
- Meal prep (lunch, snacks, dinner)
- Journaling
- Walking outdoors
- Yoga
- Reading
- Self-care
- House chores- laundry, cleaning
- Groceries
- Emails, correspondence
- Paying bills, bookkeeping, etc.
It’s also okay for your routine to change, depending on what you have going on at the time. Adjust whatever is not working and re-assess after a month. Just remember that the purpose of implementing a routine is to create a sense of sanity and calm in your life. Once you find a good set of routines that work for you, make a goal to stick with them for 30 days. If you can commit to following to these routines for 30 days, they will become a habit and require less energy.
Examples of Daily Routines:
Morning:
Drink water upon rising (5 min)
Meditation (5 min)
Exercise (30 min)
Coffee + podcast (10 min)
Bedtime:
Prepare next days lunch (15 min)
Skin care (10 min)
Gratitude journaling (5 min)
Reading (30min)
