The “Routine” of Life
Wiping out some “mental work” and make more “good mental space” for what really matters!


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 and maybe even give a daily routine.

We all have things that must be done daily…like feeding the pets, making school lunches, making coffee, and returning some 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 and you will be out all day. 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 daily routine.


Here is an example…
Morning Routine - find a 30-minute block of time in the morning and tackle these daily tasks all at once
1. Feed/water pets and plants
2. Start laundry – (on laundry days)
3. 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 more complex…feel free to make it as detailed or simple as you would like. I have even included taking my vitamins, and checking my email in my morning routine. if you would like a copy of my routines, just contact us and I will send you one.


Evening Routine (if done quickly should only take about 30 minutes and if the kids are old enough they can be a part)
1. Straighten up house (this way you can overlook the mess 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. Make kid’s lunches
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


I even have check mail, charge phone (I used to forget all the time), turn on porch lights, etc in my evening routine…I usually do it from about 5:00 – 5:45…I put on some classical music (I can give you some recommendations for that too) and give the kids something quiet to do or if they are older they can all help in the routine, dividing up the responsibilities…same with the morning…this can be a time the whole family attacks the daily tasks and knocks them out with one blow! Try it...it may seem confining at first, but I promise when you wake up to coffee already made, lunches ready in the fridge 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!
Again – if you would like a copy of my routines, just contact us and I will send you them.

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