I like to think of myself as a free-spirited and spontaneous.
But actually, over the years I’ve learned a few things.
Number one, I don’t like surprises.
Number two, I need my daily routines to keep me happy and calm.
I have a few daily routines ideas that I want to share with you. You know, just in case you might be interested in living your life as the happiest, calmest and best version of yourself.
Developing daily habits in the form of routines can help you be in control of your life, instead of just being a pawn on a giant chessboard.
So the thing is, many of our habits develop unconsciously.
We don’t think about the stuff we do very much, and we go into autopilot mode, especially when we are under a lot of stress (it’s a survival thing, and very normal!)
It is only when we try to do something new or different, that we realize the hold that our old routines or habits have over our behavior.
Fortunately, it is possible to create new habits or routines which will improve your life, and here are some daily routine ideas for you.
10 Daily Routine Ideas
1. Daily routine ideas to boost your energy
It’s no secret that doing some form of physical activity is good for your energy levels, mood
I get it that not everyone is an athlete, but there are many different activities that you can do, from going for a brisk walk to swimming.
If you don’t usually exercise, it is a good idea to start small and work your way up.
Do some stretches or yoga after you wake up to get your circulation going and to boost your energy levels.
During the day, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Find a parking spot that is a little further away than your usual one, or get off the bus or tram one station before so that you can walk some.
2. Daily routine ideas to improve your emotional and spiritual wellbeing
Consciously focusing on your blessing can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
Start a daily gratitude practice where you write down 3-5 things that you are grateful for in your life.
Writing it down instead of just thinking about it, increases the chances that you will actually do it every day.
3. Daily routine ideas to achieve your goals
Have you ever set goals for yourself, only to find the little piece of paper you wrote it on months later, all but forgotten? I know I have.
It is easy to lose sight of where you want to go in life.
Take a few moments each evening to review your big goals and acknowledge your achievements for that day.
4. Daily routine ideas to be more organized
When everything in your house has its own place, it is easier to find things. If you can’t find a place for something, consider getting rid of it!
Try keeping your sunglasses, keys and wallet or bag in the same place.
Clear your purse every evening by filing receipts you need to keep and shredding and recycling the rest.
You can even prepare your outfit for the next day (or at least decide on what you will wear the next day, which is what I often do).
Make your bed as soon as you get up. A tidy made-up bed gives you a sense of accomplishment and it reduces clutter. Double bonus!
5. Daily routine ideas to eliminate clutter
You know how quickly your house can get messy unless you regularly tidy up after yourself.
Instead of spending hours over the weekend to do a pick-up, do a quick 10 minute tidy as part of your evening routine.
Walking into a messy kitchen first thing in the morning is enough to break anyone’s heart (or motivation). Clean up the kitchen before you go to sleep, you will thank yourself in the morning when you walk into a tidy kitchen.
Clear clutter from collection places like the kitchen table, bathroom basin or table in the entry hall each morning before you leave for work.
6. Daily routine ideas to simplify your life
Clutter doesn’t only consist of the physical possessions that we accumulate during our lifetime.
Clutter also includes toxic relationships and those routines and habits that are not helpful or healthy for us.
Simply your life by cutting down your time on social media, watching less TV and canceling subscriptions and memberships that you don’t use.
Start meal planning to simplify grocery shopping and cooking. (And to make sure that you eat a few well balanced, nutritious meals each week!)
7. Daily routine ideas to be more productive
Take a few minutes each evening to decide on 2-3 goals for the next day.
This way, your day has both
Reduce your to-do list from 20 overwhelming tasks to a few prioritized items. Even if you get nothing else done, other than the 2-3 things most important things on your list, you will have had a most effective and productive day.
When you feel stuck, write down what is on your mind. It clears your mental clutter by getting the ideas floating in your head out onto paper.
8. Daily routine ideas to practice self-care
I’ve written before about how self-care can help you deal with the effects of stress.
You don’t need to spend money on self-care. You just need to do something that will relax and recharge you.
Self-care habits you can incorporate into your daily routine include things like making sure you get enough sleep, eating healthy and taking care of your emotional needs.
9. Daily routine ideas to sleep better
An evening routine eases you into the end of your day.
Consistently following the same routine, can help you switch off from the day’s activities and help you sleep better.
If you struggle to fall asleep, stop using any electronic devices about 1 hour before you plan to go sleep. You should also avoid drinking caffeine too late in the day.
Writing down anything that is on your mind, as it can help you get perspective and ease your mind. You can even keep a little notepad and pen next to you so you don’t need to get out of bed!
10. Daily routine ideas to improve your relationship with your partner
I love love love what Kahlil Gibran has to say about the nature of a relationship
“Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.”
Instead of well-meaning but insipid advice about daily routine ideas where you and your partner kiss and hold hands and look at the sunset together, I have another suggestion.
Have you ever tried looking at your partner as if you
Try to see them, not as your partner that you’ve been with for x amount of time, or the parent of your children, but a unique person with their own thoughts and feelings.
When you develop the habit of seeing your partner as separate from you, it allows your relationship to develop new dimensions.
Improve your life
The whole reason behind creating routines is for you to purposefully and with intention, design a life that fulfills you.
Just imagine what your relationships, your health, or even your home could be like if you start implementing these daily routine ideas to create a happier and calmer you!