16 Factors to Keep in Mind When Creating Routines

Setting a routine for you and your household is not as easy as 1-2-3 sometimes, and you carefully need to consider a few things before you settle for one that works. However, it is good to note that most of the things that make up your routine list are things you do regularly or hope to do as often only that there is no proper planning.

We have looked at setting morning and evening routines and, in both cases, we have tried to highlight the benefits of each.

Do you have a morning routine?

Do you have an evening routine?

How are your routines working to your advantage and that of your household?

If still in the process of setting one or what you currently have is no longer serving you as intended, it is time to tweak it a little. There are some factors to consider.

Let us see some things we need to note when prepping either a morning routine, evening routine, or both.

Factors to note when crafting your routine

1..Consider your current schedule and find a realistic time to slot in either of the routines. What are your current obligations and commitments? Factor this in.

2..Reflect on your preferences and lifestyle and choose activities you enjoy and fit seamlessly into your daily life.

3..Your sleep quality affects your morning routine activities more. Watch your sleep patterns and carve a morning routine that allows adequate rest. Quality sleep equals a good morning routine.

4..Determine what you want to achieve with either of the routines. What are your goals and objectives in partaking in whichever activities you set? Is it better health, maximize productivity, manage stress, personal growth, quality family time, etc?

5..Be honest with yourself and decide how much time you can realistically dedicate to either morning or evening routine (or both), without stretching yourself too thin, leading to overwhelm.

6..Consider when you feel most energetic and schedule activities per your energy levels. You can deal with tasks that require high energy early in the day and schedule slow tasks or activities for later.

7..Add activities that contribute to your mental and emotional well-being. You do not want to engage in any activities that throw you off balance at the beginning or end of the day. There is enough chaos to deal with in between days, LOL!

8..Plan for flexibility in your routines to accommodate unexpected changes or disruptions.

9.. Consistency is key to building healthy routines. Always go for activities you can consistently commit to. That is why I insist on starting small and building your list as you move. However, it is good to challenge yourself sometimes with a ‘tough’ activity but know the ideal time to do so.

10..Select activities that you find motivating and you enjoy doing. A routine should be something you look forward to rather than a chore.

11..Consider the equipment and resources you may need in your chosen set of activities. For example, if part of your morning routine is doing some paintwork, you need the right tools to do your paintwork.

12..Evaluate and consider your household and family dynamics to ensure your routine does not conflict with responsibilities nor disrupt others.

13..Determine the ability to set boundaries to prevent your routine from extending too long and affecting other responsibilities. This mostly applies to your morning routine. You don’t want to spend too much time on routine activities and rush on other responsibilities.

14..If any of your activities are likely to incur some costs, please factor these into your planning.

15..Find simple and creative ways to create an environment that supports your routine. It can range from having a well-organized space for physical or mental activities to a quiet space that promotes a good night’s sleep.

16..Determine how often you will evaluate your routine/s to ensure they remain relevant and effective. This will help you adjust and tweak your routine based on seasons and changing needs.

How to display your routine

New habits are acquired through learning and repetition. Often it takes daily repetition to learn something and forming a morning or evening routine is no exemption.

At the beginning, you may need to know how activities are lined up, and that is why I love working with lists (still pen and paper). I advise you to make it a habit to list your activities and there are several ways to do that.

–Pen and paper

–Making use of your phone’s notes application

–Use any other device you are comfortable with (apps, smart watches, tablets, whiteboard, magnetic glass board, etc.)

Display your routines in areas where you can easily view them and serve as a constant reminder of what needs to be done. You can display them on your bathroom walls, along a corridor wall you pass by several times a day, on your refrigerator, or open a homemaking binder and add these lists.

Find the balance in your routine

As homemakers, creating an effective routine involves balancing household responsibilities and well-being. That balance should be in place for things to run comfortably. Consider the above-highlighted factors to tailor your routines to fit your unique lifestyle.

Any other factors you would like to share with us that help you build a sustainable routine for yourself? Please share in the comments below.