In this post I’ve rounded up 10 ways routines are helpful because creating a routine is one of the best ways to live life on your own terms. 

What Is A Daily Routine? 

A daily routine is a set of habits or activities that you do everyday that typically don’t change no matter what else is going on. With a routine you can live a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle, because you’re always reinforcing your priorities through simple, repeatable actions that operate on autopilot.

10 Ways Routines Are Important

Routines are one of the most efficient ways to achieving a goal because they help you:

1. Create stability
2. Understand yourself better
3. Manage your time 
4. Reduce stress
5. Feel fulfilled 
6. Reduce decision fatigue
7. Promote wellbeing 
8. Focus on what you can control
9. Increases productivity
10. Builds momentum

How to Build a Daily Routine

Creating a daily routine doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple steps to get you started:

1. Start Small:  Don't try to overhaul your entire life at once. Begin by focusing on one or two key areas where you'd like more structure. Maybe it's your morning routine, your bedtime routine, or how you manage your work tasks.
2. Identify Your Priorities:  What matters most to you? What goals are you working towards? Your routine should reflect these priorities. If health is important, include exercise and meal prep. If creativity is a goal, schedule time for writing or making art.
3. Design Your Ideal Day:  Imagine your perfect day from start to finish. What does it look like? What activities fill your time? This exercise helps you visualize your ideal routine and identify the necessary steps to get there.
4. Build Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, so build some flexibility into your routine. Don’t stick to one that doesn’t serve your needs. As you change and grow, so should your routine.
5. Keep Checking In: It's important to track how your routine is working for you. Pay attention to how you feel as you go through your day. This helps you figure out what's working and what's not. Don't be afraid to tweak things along the way until you find a routine that helps you feel great and reach your goals.

An Example Of A Morning Routine

Here’s an example of one of my simple, go-to morning routines:

1. Wakeup/Morning prayer
2. Drink a few sips of water
3. Do a few light stretches
4. Brush my teeth 
5. Make coffee
6. Write 3 things I’m grateful for in my gratitude journal

This works for me because 1. It’s quick 2. A few of my wellness and self-care priorities are accomplished first thing in the morning.

I think it's worth repeating that it’s important to adjust your routine to fit your needs. If something no longer works or feels good, ditch it and try something new - your routine should reflect you!

Final Thoughts

Creating a daily routine isn’t just about having a system in place to take steps to build momentum and progress on your goals, it's about creating a lifestyle that you love. So, consider adding some structure to your daily life and discover the experience of living intentionally.

Xoxo,

Nicole