routines ~

Some people cringe at the thought of a routine. What they don’t realize is that even a 20-minute routine can save them a daylong headache trying to play catch up.

We all have things that must be done daily…like feeding the pets, making school lunches, making coffee, checking email, and returning phone calls…why not set aside a little bit of time in the morning and evening to tackle these daily tasks? No more rushing around in the morning to throw the kids lunch together or turning the car around because you forgot to check Sparky’s water bowl. These are things that will be wiped from your “mental work” and free up your mind to focus on other more important “to do’s” throughout the day and allow your family to have a better more peaceful day.

Morning Routine - find a 20(ish)-minute block of time in the morning and tackle these daily tasks.

Here is an example ~

1. Feed/water pets and plants

2. Start laundry – (on laundry days)

3. Clear sink, empty dishwasher and re-load

4. Thaw meat for dinner

5. Return calls

6. Straighten up house (straighten up only…not clean)

This is pretty simple (mine is a bit longer)…feel free to make it as detailed or simple as you would like. I have even included taking my vitamins in my morning routine.

Evening Routine ~ if done quickly should only take about 20 - 30 minutes and if the kids are old enough they can be a part.

1. Straighten up house (again) ~ this way you can overlook the mess that accumilates during the day and tackle it all at once in your evening routine

2. Make coffee for in the morning (using an automatic coffee maker)

3. check email

4. Load backpacks – forms/notes/hand outs, homework, library books, show & tell, (depending on the day)

5. Set out “tomorrow items” by the door - returns, bible study book, (that casserole dish you need to return!) (the camera for your kids spelling bee!) etc.

6. Lay out kid’s clothes for tomorrow

7. Make a “To Do” list for tomorrow - Check planner for appointments

8. Charge phone

I usually begin it around 5:00 each night ~ I put on some music, pour some wine and get started. Try it...it may seem confining at first, but I promise when you wake up to coffee already made, and a charged phone you will breath a sigh of “stress free” relief and have some brain cells freed up to focus on more important things throughout the day!