Whenever I post a recap of my day on my Insta Stories, I usually wake up to a number of DMs asking about, recognizing or admiring how structured and routine-oriented my days are. I never actually realized this about myself until last year when I got a number of compliments and recognition about it and when I think about it, it really is who I am and what I’ve always done. Actually one way to know I’m not in the best mental space is by seeing that I’ve thrown structure and routine out the window. It’s one of the reasons I left my job, I felt like I was lacking in structure and I simply cannot function at an optimum level that way. Once I push myself to get back to routine and structure after having a funk, I get back up so quickly and I’m able to get shit done and get out of my funk.
Sticking to a schedule or routine is super helpful when trying to stay focused, and get things done and actually helps you make time for the things that are important to you. Having structure doesn’t mean throwing spontaneity out the window, in fact, having structure helps you do what’s needed and make time for things that bring you joy. Having my routine set in place allows me to have my shit together especially during those hectic work weeks where up is down and everything is all over the place. With routine, I don’t have to wing it or constantly feel like I’m catching up and cleaning messes. There’s absolutely no issue with winging it and being flexible, in fact it’s important to practice flexibility too, but having a plan helps us feel balanced and stable.
Without structure, we tend to feel overwhelmed, distracted and unmotivated which often leads to doing things at the last minute and in a rush. So if you’re looking to find a little more stability and structure in your life, here are a few ideas that can help you along the way!
1. Establish a Healthy Morning & Bedtime Routine
You know me. I love my mornings and nights and for those who know me personally know I take these very seriously. Having a structured & good quality morning routine helps you get started with control and helps you take care of yourself. A healthy nighttime routine on the other hand has quite the positive impact on your sleeping habits and improves your quality of rest. This means a healthy bedtime routine can indirectly have a positive effect on your performance, energy level, mental sharpness, emotional wellbeing and overall health. A good bedtime routine consists of going to bed at a similar time every night, tending to your personal hygiene and skin care, and doing some relaxing activities such as meditation, reading a book or journaling.
Recommended Read: Why You Need A Morning Routine
Recommended Read: Healthy Morning Habits We All Have Time For
Recommended Read: Why You Need A Nighttime Routine
2. Batch/Theme Your Days
If you’re keen, you’ll notice that every week you do similar tasks. For instance for me it’s bookkeeping for my business, Yumborghini, typing up blog posts etc. Batching is when you group similar tasks together to streamline your workflow and workload. When you focus on similar tasks together, it’s much easier to get in the zone and stay focused. So for me, I have a day or two for doing all Yumborghini tasks and a day or two to create content and type up blog posts each week.
3. Plan Your Weeks
I will never grow weary of preaching the gospel that is Nyash’s mindful planning course! If you haven’t signed up yet, here’s the link. Since I started planning my weeks (I usually do this every Sunday) I’ve been able to feel more prepared for the week and know what’s ahead of me. It also really helps you make small actioned steps towards your goals. On Sundays I go through emails and calendar to see what appointments, meetings or calls I have that week, what projects are due and all that jazz. Doing this consistently since April 2021 has transformed my life and helped me stay organized and reduce the chaos.
4. Make Time For Self Care & Other Activities You Enjoy
Of course I had to preach self-care! It’s one of the most important elements of productivity and structure that we so often neglect. It’s important to intentionally schedule time for self-care and activities you enjoy. You’re not a robot and as that old saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. As you plan your week, make time for winding down by adding your favorite (or needed) self-care activity or just slotting in time to do absolutely nothing -you’ll need it babe! Doing this will help you stay sane after all the work you put in, and also help you reconnect with yourself and others and improve your quality of life.
Recommended Read: The 7 Dimensions Of Self Care
5. Tailor-make Your Structure & Routine
Making sure your routine suits you and works for you is super important. We all have different work habits, demands and preferred behaviors. For example, I cannot for the life of me work out in the evening. If I don’t workout in the morning we’ll just have to wait till tomorrow to get it done. Your life is unique so whatever structure works for you may not work for your friend or sibling. If you’re an undergrad student, your routine will differ from someone working a 9-5 job, or a grad student, or a freelancer who happens to be a night owl. The point is, make your routine your own. The only rules here are to make sure your routine has healthy habits that help you maintain a balanced life and serve you.
I hope this helps you find some more stability, balance and structure and also helps keep you focused. Do you have a daily routine? What do you think of this post? Anything you wanna add? Feel free to let me know in the comments below and I’ll see you next week!
-All the love, Wendy xx