Do you have a hard time getting motivated in the morning? Would you like to be more productive? If you’ve said no to developing a morning routine in the past, you need to start one now!
When my kids were young, we implemented a morning, afternoon, and evening routine.
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It made life so much easier because everyone knew what to expect daily!
Every summer before school would start, I would tweak our schedules based on each boy’s bedtime and extra-curricular activities.
Now my boys are grown, but I still have a routine that I re-evaluate every Summer!
Why do the same thing every morning?
On days that I ignore my morning schedule, I am always sorry!
I find it’s easy to jump into my blog work and forget about cleaning the house or prepping food for dinner!
I would much rather paint a piece of furniture or make a craft than clean the toilets!
I’m embarrassed to tell you this, but sometimes I get so involved in a project, and halfway through the day, I wonder why my teeth feel yucky, then realize I haven’t brushed my teeth yet!!
Can you relate, or am I the only one that is that scatter-brained??
If I want to be productive and get everything done, I have to have a routine!
WHAT TASKS SHOULD Be in a routine?
Plan tasks that are important to you and your family!
Here are some ideas you can incorporate into your new routine!
- Wake up at the same time each morning
- Drink water and take vitamins and/or medications
- Read the Bible, a devotional, or a self-help book
- Pray or meditate
- Journal or write in a planner
- Exercise
- Fix and eat breakfast
- Daily hygiene and dress
- Meal prep
- Housework
How long does a morning Routine take?
The time will depend on what you prioritize to do when you wake up.
Typically a morning routine will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
It depends on whether you work inside or outside the home and how many tasks you want to accomplish!
steps to create a morning routine
Are you ready to change your life and get more done in less time?
I have four steps to help make it happen!
1) make a task list
Write down tasks that you need to act on every day.
Next, add tasks you are not currently doing but would like to accomplish.
2) determine how much time each task takes
Time yourself doing each task, and write down how long it takes.
3) Prioritize the tasks
List the tasks in order of priority.
4) designate a start time for each task
Do you have enough time to do every task on your list?
Write down the start time for each task and see how long your new routine will take!
It’s that simple! Now you have a clear map of what needs to get done each morning!
How do I stick to my new routine?
It’s great that you made a new routine, but how do you plan to stick to it?
I have four suggestions to help you start and stay on your new schedule!
1) Don’t hit the snooze button
I know how easy it is to roll over and hit snooze when the alarm goes off!
Make a rule that you will not do that!!
If you hit snooze, something on your list has to go!
If it’s important enough to add to the list, you should wake up on time to achieve it!
2) Make a visual Checklist
Write or type your routine on a piece of paper!
Place it where you will see it each morning!
I suggest you put it in a frame and use a dry erase marker to check off each item!
Do this until you have established a habit, and remember to do everything on your list!
3) Don’t allow distractions
Don’t do anything that will distract you from going through the steps of your routine.
You might want to make a rule to avoid the TV, phone, or computer until all your tasks are complete.
4) Re-evaluate your routine often
Seasons change! And so will your schedule!
Re-evaluate your routine as needed.
If it’s not working, figure out why and then make adjustments!
If you have kids, your routine may change during holidays and the summer!
My morning routine
Here I am reliving my glory days as a ballet dancer, lol!
Trying to do Barre Blend on Beachbody!
I can’t believe how much flexibility I have lost through the years!
But I’m loving it and getting stronger every day!
Would you like to see the rest of my morning routine?
Here are all the tasks I try to accomplish before I start work on the blog!
Honestly, I sometimes skip making the bed, lol!!
- Wake up
- Take meds
- Read Bible and pray
- Exercise
- Fix breakfast and eat
- Hygiene
- Dress
- Chores-daily
- Open curtains
- Unload dishwasher
- Prep dinner
- Make bed
- Start one load of laundry
- Chores-weekly
- Monday-bathrooms
- Tuesday-dust
- Wednesday-floors
- Thursday-clean out fridge/meal plan
- Friday-catch-up day/shopping
This list helps me have a productive day!
When I stick to it, I don’t feel overwhelmed!
Do you have a morning routine, or would you like to start one?
Let me know in the comments below!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
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I’m a firm believer in a morning routine. I do the Pilate Reformer 6 days a week and I couldn’t live without it!
Glad to hear it! I did Pilates in KY and loved it! The reformer is an amazing piece of equipment! I miss it but now we exercise at home! Have a great day!
I didn’t think I had a morning routine but this made me realize that I pretty much do the same things every morning during the summer. When homeschool ramps back up, we will implement a full weekly routine to keep the kids and myself on track. This includes prayer. Thank you!
Hey, Lyric! When my kids were small I also had an afternoon and an evening routine to keep us on track! Sounds like you do the same! Good luck with the new school year!! Blessings, Donna
Donna, you and I are in the same boat as far as brushing teeth!! Too many times I have had the same experience out in my workshop – still in my jammies 😉 Thanks for the inspiration in your post! Others need to read it so I am featuring it in this week’s Tuesday Turn About! Thanks so much for linking up and I hope to see you at the party this week!
Hey Cindy! You just made my day! Glad to know I’m not the only one who gets so wrapped up in my work that I forget to brush my teeth! Also excited to be featured on Tuesday’s Turn About! Have a wonderful week!!
Love these helpful tips and tricks for having a productive and successful day! I can definitely tell the days that I’ve made time for my morning routine and the days I haven’t. We’ve been traveling lately and my sleep schedule is SO off. I feel like I’m having to sleep train all over again but I know it’s important so I’m going to stick with it. Thanks so much for the extra inspiration and the gentle nudge! Big hugs, CoCo
So glad it was helpful! We just had friends from out of state stay with us, and I’m having to get back into my routine as well! It can be hard at first, but I’m always glad after I get rolling again! Hugs, Donna