Overcoming Busy

Ahh…..the bliss of routines

August 26, 2009 by Marci

This week marked the end of summer for us and the beginning of school.  Thus, the end of our lazy, unproductive ways and back to our routines.  And it has been blissful!  We have gotten more accomplished in the past 2 days than we have in the past 2 weeks or more!  Our lives are more productive, yet less stressful.  I actually feel like I have more time during the day.  Imagine that!  Our routines add such stability and predictability to our lives.  They actually allow for more time to get things done.

So, what is our secret to successful routines?  Here are 3 simple steps to get you started.

1) Keep it simple – Having routines doesn’t mean that each part of your life has to be regimented with no flexibility.  Routines are simply habits that help make sure the “have-to’s” get done so you can get on with your life and be as spontaneous as you want to be.  The best routines are the simplest.  They are the easiest to follow and the easiest to make a habit.

To keep it simple while you are implementing routines into your life, I would recommend starting with at morning or an evening routine first.  You may already have one and not even realize it.  Your morning may start with waking up, shower, brushing teeth, doing your hair, putting on make up, getting dressed and breakfast.  That would be your routine.  Even if you haven’t written it down somewhere.  You probably feel out of sync all day if your morning routine is interrupted.

Simple routines are especially helpful for children. They thrive on predictability and stability.  We have found that there a lot less discipline problems during mornings an bedtimes when the kids are in the habit of their routines.  They know what to expect and what is expected of them from the start.  My four year old son is a night owl.  He would stay up all night, if you let him.  We used to have all kinds of trouble getting him in bed and getting him to stay there.  So, we started a bedtime routine.  He gets his PJs on, brushes his teeth, goes to the bathroom, has a bedtime story, prayers, hug, kiss and lights out.  As long as we follow thatsimple  routine, he stays in his bed with no problem.  If we miss a step, he lets us know!

2) Find out what works for  you -  You will probably get all kinds of suggestions for items to add to your routine from this blog and others.  These ideas might sound great to you, but don’t add them just because they worked for someone else.  Routines are supposed to make your life easier and less stressful.  It is very stressful trying to fit someone else’s habits into your life.  Sit down and decide what is best for you.  Try it out for a while.  If it needs a little tweaking, tweak it.  Its yours!

3) Stick to it! -  Routines need to become habits.  They don’t help you if you don’t use them.  Predictability is the key. Hit or miss routines are just frustrating.  To help make them stick, print them out or write them out.  Put them where you will see them everyday.  Your morning routine might go on the bathroom mirror.  Your bedtime routine might go on the fridge.  Where ever works for you is the right place.

Hopefully, these simple tips will help you in starting and maintaining your routines.  I really don’t know what our family did before.  I really don’t want to think about it!

Does your family already use routines?  How do they make your life easier?