Feeling overwhelmed? A simple homemaking routine might be the answer you have been looking for. So let’s create a routine that works for you.
Last week, I talked about breaking free from stress when motherhood is hard. One tip I shared was to create a simple homemaking routine in order to reduce stress. In this blog post, we will work through what a simple routine consists of, identify your priorities, identify your high-stress areas, and finally how to design your own routine.
WHY YOU NEED A HOMEMAKING ROUTINE
When the Coronavirus shut things down in March 2020, everyone’s routine was altered. Although I’m a homebody, not being able to take my children to our usual outings began to affect my mental health. Having a routine established can provide a sense of control and improve focus and productivity.
During this period of isolation, over a year now, I struggled with high levels of anxiety. It wasn’t until I established my routines that I began to see a notable difference in my stress levels, daily habits, health, productivity, and focus.
When you know when in your day, week, or month certain tasks will be addressed you are able to be present with what is in front of you. So let’s brainstorm for a moment.
WHAT A SIMPLE HOMEMAKING ROUTINE CONSISTS OF
- Self-care routine- how are you making time to care for yourself on a regular basis.
- Cleaning routine- which days of the week or time a day are you cleaning certain areas.
- Meal planning and/or preparing- when are you grocery shopping, premaking meals, or cooking dinner for the day.
- Morning and evening routines- breaking up your day into blocks can help you maintain your overall routine.
- Business- whether you work from home, outside the home, or homemaking, you should include a routine for business time.
- Themed Planning- decide which day of the week or time in the day you will do all of your planning. Here are examples of themed planning areas.
- Appointments
- Gardening
- Homeschool
- Projects
CUSTOMIZING YOUR ROUTINE
If you, like me, are a planner and thrive on routines and schedules, then you have most likely searched the internet countless times for the perfect routine.
The problem is, we try applying someone else’s routine to our lives and wonder why it doesn’t work. We need to identify what is or isn’t working with our current routine. Then we need to address issues in the new routine and identify what our priorities are. Finally, you will break down your routine into monthly, weekly, and daily categiories.
IDENTIFY YOUR HIGH-STRESS TASKS
We all have a routine or rhythm to our day. I want you to get out a piece of paper and think about what your day and week looks like. Write it down. That is your current routine.
Highlight areas you tend to feel anxious or most irritable. Those tasks you get frustrated with when your child interrupts you. Those tasks you dread doing. Write them down. We need to find a different time of day to do those tasks.
DECIDE WHAT YOUR PRIORITIES ARE
Okay, now that you’ve identified your high-stress tasks, let’s prioritize. Time blocking will allow you to look at what tasks need to be completed by a certain time of the day.
When you have small children, you want to avoid an hourly time blocked routine. Our time is constantly interrupted by our children. When you plan out each hour of your day, you could be setting yourself up for more stress and frustration.
Instead, consider using 2-3 hour blocks of time when creating your new routine.
BREAK IT DOWN
Remember those mini-routines I listed earlier (self-care, cleaning, etc.)? Decide when you will complete those tasks within each routine. For example, maybe you clean the kitchen daily, deep clean the bathrooms weekly, and dust ceiling fans and wash baseboards monthly. Decide what works for you and your family.
- Monthly
- Weekly
- Daily
Routines and schedules are not one-size-fits-all. They are also ever-changing. I encourage you to check in with yourself and your routine on a regular basis. When you start to feel your stress levels rise, it may be time for a new routine.
OTHER BLOG POST YOU MAY ENJOY
35 SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR MINDFULNESS AND WELLNESS
BEST PODCASTS FOR THE CHRISTIAN HOMEMAKER
BREAKING FREE FROM STRESS WHEN MOTHERHOOD IS HARD
COMMENT
Is your current routine just not working out? What are your high-stressed tasks? Share below and maybe we can find support within each other’s learned lessons around routines.
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