Hey friend, let’s talk about routines. Do they make you cringe a little? If so, you’re in good company. Routines have a bad reputation for being rigid, boring, and downright impossible to stick to—especially when life throws you curveballs every day (hello, motherhood and full-time work).
But here’s the thing: a good routine shouldn’t feel like a set of rules to follow. It should feel like a tool that makes your life easier and more intentional. It’s not about cramming more into your day but about making space for the things that matter most to you. Let’s dive into how to build a daily routine that actually works for you.
Rethink What a Routine Means
Forget the idea that a routine has to be rigid or perfectly scheduled. Life isn’t a straight line—it’s more like a rollercoaster, and your routine should reflect that. Think of it as a framework, not a script.
What This Looks Like:
Instead of planning your day minute by minute, focus on broader rhythms or themes. For example:
- Mornings: Focus on family and self-care
- Midday: Prioritize work or errands
- Evenings: Wind down with connection and relaxation
Theme Your Days
One of the easiest ways to simplify your routine is by assigning themes to your days. This takes the guesswork out of what needs to get done and helps you focus on specific areas of your life.
Examples of Day Themes:
- Monday: Admin, Budgeting, and Planning
- Tuesday: Passion Projects
- Wednesday: Wellness
- Thursday: Home Management
- Friday: Open (or Creativity and Fun)
- Saturday: Family Time
- Sunday: Self-Care and Weekly Prep
Theming your days gives you structure without feeling overwhelming. Plus, it’s super satisfying to dedicate focused energy to one area at a time.
Prioritize Flexibility Over Perfection
Spoiler alert: no routine will go exactly as planned every single day—and that’s okay. Building flexibility into your routine is the key to making it sustainable.
What This Means:
- If your kids have an unexpected meltdown, you can pause your work tasks and pick them back up later.
- If you miss a planned workout, you can walk in the evening instead.
The goal is progress, not perfection. Give yourself permission to pivot when life happens.
Use Tools That Work for You
Let’s face it—our brains weren’t designed to hold everything we need to do, plan, or remember. That’s why tools can be a lifesaver.
Some of My Favorite Tools:
- Digital Planners: Apps like Notion or Google Calendar for scheduling
- Physical Planners: If you love writing things down (there’s something so satisfying about crossing things off!)
- Timers: Try the Pomodoro Technique to focus on tasks in 25-minute intervals
- Lists: Keep a running to-do list for tasks that don’t fit into your themed days
Find what works for you and don’t feel like you have to use every tool out there. Simple is best!
Make Time for Yourself
A routine that doesn’t include “you time” isn’t a routine—it’s a recipe for burnout. Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, carving out time for yourself is essential.
Ideas for Self-Care Time:
- Morning coffee or tea before the house wakes up
- Journaling or reading before bed
- Taking a walk to clear your head
- Meditating or practicing deep breathing
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just for you—it helps you show up better for everyone else too.
Final Thoughts
Creating a daily routine doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It’s about building a rhythm to your days that works with your life, not against it. Start small, experiment, and let your routine evolve as your needs change.
What’s one thing you’d like to incorporate into your daily routine? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!