We’ve all been there… Feeling like we are constantly failing at a routine, daily. Some of us don’t even know how to implement a routine into our lives. Or we’re “too busy” to make a routine and stick with it. But mostly we think this because it sounds like a good excuse not to have a routine. Though, there are ways to help you create a routine and stick with it, you just have to be willing to use the tools regularly. Here are 5 effective ways to rock at a morning routine.
How Do You Start And Keep A Routine?
A good way to starting a great morning routine and keeping it… You ready? A good bedtime routine. Generally meaning, Pick a time to go to bed every night, and make sure you are going to bed every night at the same time. Make sure you are getting 8 hours of sleep. Getting any less than that for some people makes it hard to get up in the morning. Don’t eat meals close to bed time. You could have a decent bed time to begin with, but because you ate then went to bed, you may feel very sluggish in the morning. So, in a nut shell, decent bed time.
Keeping a routine means to be consistent with your schedule. A good way for being consistent is to sit down and write a plan of what your days will look like for the next week. Then follow it. New habits are hard to stick with, but over time, habits develop and become part of a routine. So instead of trying, you will be doing it out of habit.
Paper VS Apps
I have always found it easier to write things down. That way, I don’t have to pick up my phone or laptop, open an app, click all over the place to find out what my to do list is today. Generally, I use a Happy Planner, and my planner pages. My Happy Planner I use to keep track of what days I need to update my newsletters, and what category I am going to post in, not to mention personal errands and agendas. My planner pages I use to coordinate with my Happy Planner, so I can keep track of my passwords, titles to posts, what days to post to social media, and so on.
Some of you would prefer apps over paper. Writing might just seem at times like too much, and look for something for menial. There are a lot of websites and apps that are low in price or free to keep track of your day if you would rather ditch the paper and pen method. Or, if you have an Iphone, you can use the Notes section, or the Reminders app.
Apps and Websites
Here’s a list of websites and apps to help you start a routine and stay organized:
- Trello– The girls that run things over at the Blog Buddy Program use this, and say it is the best way to stay organized. The good thing about this site is it is also an app.
- Todoist– An app, which also not only helps you get organized, but also tracks your progress, and you can also share your schedule.
- TimeTree– Which is a free app, You can also share this with your group and family. So none of you get sidetracked, you can all be aware of the goings on and when.
- Wunderlist– This app you can use on your phone, tablet or computer. You can set due dates for getting things done, and also use notes and reminders in this app as well.
Final Words
Writing things down and visualizing what your plan(s) is will make things a lot easier to make a routine. Your 5 effective ways to rock at a morning routine are:
- Set a good bed time
- Write things down
- Be consistent
- Follow your plan
- Stop the excuses!
Happy planning ladies!
Yes! Consistency is important if you want to create a routine! I’ve tried almost all the apps you mentioned AND using paper, and in my case it is usually a combination of the two that works. Awesome post!
Consistency is hard even for me! I mostly prefer the paper method. It’s easier to remember to look at paper than to check an app. Plus, I like to spiff up my planners and such. I can’t do that with an app! Lol! And thank you!
I’m trying to understand Trello — slow going. I like paper & pencil too — if I pick up my phone or open my laptop I get side tracked, which defeats the morning routine!!
Thanks for stopping by a Dragon’s Eye View!
I definitely get that! Lol! The moment I log onto my computer I have things I need to get done, I get side tracked and a couple hours later, I finally remember what I need to be doing. I’ve looked at Trello, and man… It seems like it would not be a simple thing to learn quickly. And through the years you forget how to spell certain things, I find myself asking Siri how to spell stuff. Lol. I think writing is the best way. Makes the brain work harder! And no problem! Thanks for stopping by ICB!