Routines help a person save time and mental energy. Woman can gain efficiency by making routines which serve her well. To create a routine, she lists her morning and evening activities. Then, she decides which are priorities and which are not. She arranges the prioritized tasks on a checklist. Each day she repeats them until they become almost automatic. Routines increase productivity and lower stress levels. These endeavors lead to a healthier physical and mental life.

Personal Story

I was a young mother with a newborn. Getting up to feed my son every few hours all night long was exhausting! I had many things to carry out every day, but I couldn’t get them done because I was tired and didn’t know where to start. When my baby was a few months old, I decided to get my day back. I needed a plan! I started to order my day with a consistent “wake-up” time. I set my alarm for 8 am. It was hard to wake up! I made myself get out of bed the first time my alarm rang. I made my bed so I wouldn’t be tempted to crawl back into it! I set my alarm a little earlier each week. I had some time every morning before my son woke up to do something on my list.

I now had a better perspective on my life. I could get something important done every day, while still taking care of my infant. In a few months, I started an evening routine which included getting my baby ready for bed and putting him to bed at 8 pm every night. My morning routine helped me get a few minutes for myself and my evening routine helped me claim a few minutes with my husband. These were great accomplishments for me as a new mom.

Morning Routines

Here is an example of my morning routine. Your routine will look very different from mine, especially if you are mothering an infant or work second shift.

1. I wake up to an alarm at 5:30 am on weekdays and usually 6:30 am on the weekends.
2. I get out of bed and make it.
3. I eat a healthy breakfast.
4. I exercise by going for a walk and spending time in prayer.
5. I spend read my Bible and pray.
6. I list tasks for day. I choose my Most Important Task (MIT).
7. I plan tasks for each block of time during the day. My MIT is the first thing put into a time block. My “day” job takes a big time block. My business gets several small blocks each day.
8. I work my plan; realizing that children and life “interruptions” happen.

Evening Routines

Evening routines are also important.

1. I set an alarm to help me head to bed at a consistent time.
2. I put things away in their places.
3. I try to relax and spend some time evaluating my day.
4. I try to go to sleep at the same time each night.

My routines work for me. You can come up with a plan that works for you. Routines are healthful endeavors which can help you lead a healthier life.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. These are my routines. What are yours? Please encourage others by writing in the comment section above.