Week 3: Simplify Your Routine

We say it for pets, we say it for kids, try saying it for yourself: “we thrive off of routine”. I know it’s not very trendy but having a routine helps to take the guesswork out of what to do next. It also helps to keep your home and your life ticking along when life pushes and pulls you in different directions.

But I get it, you’re not a routine kind of person. You live your life with lots of spontaneity and fun. Being routine would squash your creativity and you’ll have none of that. You like to live in the moment and go with the flow. Flexibility and spontaneity are your happy place.

But what if establishing a few good routines could simplify your busy life and allow you even more time to be your fun-loving free-spirited self? There are ways!!

Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Being well rested is the key to maintaining high energy, reducing weight, beautiful skin and keeping a clear mind.

Write a list of what you need to do that day. How detailed you make your notes is up to you. Include things like walking the dog, preparing dinner, reading a chapter of your book, having a shower. If it needs to be done, pop it on your list!

Prioritize. If you take a look at your list, have you included on there things that you really have to do? Or have you made it into a wish-list of things you’d like to do? Or perhaps even a list of things that you think you ‘should’ be doing?!

Although creating a daily routine is going to help you carve out more time and freedom, now is not the time for that. Now is the time to be crystal-clear on what you need to do, not what you want to do. What you want to do will come later!

For the moment, assess the priorities on the list and the things you definitely must get done. You can always add a few more things that you’d like to do when you’ve established and settled into your own daily routine.

Learn to Say No. Saying no may seem hard at first but just remember, it’s okay! If you want a simplified daily schedule that works for you and your family then learning how to politely decline requests is essential.

If you have a lot of people in your life who matter to you then learning how to say no will be important. Simplifying your schedule starts with those closest to you and how they interact with the time that matters most for you.

Wiggle Room. Being flexible is so important when it comes to how you can simplify your daily schedule! It will take some time and practice but eventually, with enough trial and error (and patience!) you’ll find a good routine that works for everyone in the house. And, it’s okay if a few things don’t get done that day, if you factor in unexpected tasks or interruptions into your daily schedule, you’ll still have enough time to get to the most important things on your list.

Schedules or routines should not rule your life. You may think it would be great to have an hour of quiet time in the morning, but if that does not happen it’s okay. Your day doesn’t have to be ruined just because it doesn’t go 100% according to plan. Be kind to yourself.

Simplifying your life (and your home) is about removing the clutter in your home, but also your mind and your schedule.