Ep 7: How Routines Help Achieve Balance

I have learned that my levels of balance flow directly from the routines I have established in my life. I may know my priorities well enough. But if I don’t have a routine in place to live each of those priorities out, I exist in a constant state of imbalance.

So, I’ve decided, for the sake of my balance, I need to take a look my priorities and begin the hard work of establishing routines for each one.

The Benefits of Routines

Routines reduce decision fatigue.
Routines increase productivity.
Routines reduce overwhelm from looming projects.
Routines provide inner security.
Routines prepare your body for what’s next.
Routines determine the outcome of our lives.

Tips for Establishing Routines

Start with identifying your priorities
Start with only one daily habit.
Start super small.
Pair your new routine with something you already do on a regular basis.
Give yourself lots of time.
Extend yourself grace.
Sometimes adding a new routine makes way for other routines to naturally follow.

Some Good Places to Develop Routines

Early morning, before anyone gets up.
Getting kids off to school.
Mealtime prep and clean-up.
First thing when you arrive at work.
Last thing before you leave work.
After school.
Kid’s naptime
Kids’ bedtime.
Nighttime, after kids are in bed.
Weekly household chores or individual recurring chores (like laundry or yard work).
Writing, if you blog. Or creating whatever you create.
Exercise.
Prayer/Bible reading.
Saturday morning.