Do you ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels, getting nothing done? Or maybe your day starts with a million decisions, and you have no idea where to even begin?
When life is full of tasks, routines can be a lifesaver. Doing the same things, in the same order, regularly, can help simplify your day.
Here are a few examples of my routines:
- Wake up when the alarm goes off.
- Set up the coffee pot.
- Mix the tube feeding.
- Make coffee.
- Take a shower.
- Get to work, get report, take care of any immediate patient needs.
- Do my first assessment, eat breakfast, then start the med pass.
I don’t have to think about these tasks—they’re automatic. It’s like being on autopilot. The more routine I make things, the fewer decisions I have to make. I’m less likely to forget things. For example, I can quickly check that I’ve packed everything my kids need for school. I also have a designated time to eat, something I might otherwise forget or skip.
If you’re trying to build your own routines, start by writing down tasks and going through the list visually. Over time, you’ll need to check the list less and less. Eventually, you might just glance at it to confirm you’ve done everything.
Helpful tip: Write down appointments and deadlines—don’t rely on your memory. Use your phone’s calendar or a desk calendar you can see easily. This way, you can stay on top of what’s coming up. Make it a routine to check your calendar for the next day and set an alarm to remind you.
Another routine I have is packing my food for the weekend on Fridays. I set aside a couple of hours to prep meals or decide what I’ll eat. This is crucial for me because I know I need to eat, and eating well gives me more energy. It prevents me from getting too hungry and scrambling for something to eat. My family knows that Fridays are for cooking, so they don’t expect me to go out to eat.
By making meal prep a standing appointment, I’m set for the weekend. I don’t have to worry about what I’ll eat, and I’m not scrambling at the last minute.
What parts of your day feel out of control? What tasks do you repeat daily? Could a routine help you turn off your brain and simplify your day?