Overcoming Busy

Overcoming Busy With Routines

August 21, 2009 by Marci

One of the most important tools I can think of to overcome busy is a routine.  A routine is just a habit that may help us get our day going, keep us on track or help us end the day well.  For instance, my morning routine consists of getting showered, dressed and ready for the day before my kids get up.  That way, I am ready to start the day as soon as they are awake.  The basic necessities are taken care of.  That routine is essential if I want to get anything else accomplished in the morning without stressing us all out!

My children, also, have morning routines that get our day off right.  Get dressed, make beds, breakfast, brush teeth, brush hair.  Just that little list of habits is huge!  There is no guessing about how our morning starts and once the routine is established, I don’t have to walk them through every step.  They can do it on their own!  So while I’m cleaning up breakfast, they are finishing their routine.

Routines can be used through out the day.  You might have an  after school routine or a dinner time routine or a bed time routine.  These habits can make the rest of your day go so much smoother.  If the necessities are taken care of, then those days when you have a list of errands to run or events to attend or when the unexpected happens, you are ready to roll.

While my morning routine gets me up, moving and ready for the day, my bedtime routine is almost as important.  That includes loading the dishwasher, clearing the kitchen counters, running through the living room with my laundry basket looking for whatever doesn’t belong and taking it to the appropriate room, cleanse and moisturize my face, yoga and reading.  That whole routine takes about 45 minutes.  That 45 minutes spent at night saves me lots more time in the morning.  I love waking up to a clean kitchen and de-cluttered house!  What a peaceful start to the day!

For the most part, being “busy” can be controlled.  It can be that overwhelmed feeling that although you are frantically running from one activity to the next, you are not getting anything accomplished.  If you have routines set up, there is that peace of knowing that you have taken care of the basic needs of yourself and your family.  All the rest is just extra anyway.

I encourage you , if you haven’t already, start using routines in your life.  Start small.  Your new routine may be as simple as waking up, brushing your teeth and showering first thing in the morning.  Start with whatever needs to be done to set up the next part of the day successfully.  I know a couple that has a routine of sitting on the porch swing each night after dinner, alone, to talk about their day and about any family issues that need to be discussed.  Add a routine that works for you.

Here are some great links about routines that I have discovered and used.

Flylady – my first source for my routines

Zen Habits

Complete Organizing Solutions – back to school morning routines and back to school evening routines

Organizing Your Way – back to school routines

The Inspired Room - great routine for keeping your house “clean enough”

List PlanIt – routines for kids