Happy Wednesday, friends!
It’s another edition of SHAY’S WAYS and ironically, this time, instead of sharing one of my “routines”, I’m sharing MY ROUTINE TO HAVING A GOOD ROUTINE 🙂 .
Now, over the years, I’ve blogged many, many, many different types of “routines” with you: MY SELF-TANNING ROUTINE, AT HOME STRENGTH ROUTINE and ASHBY’S PRE-OP ROUTINE just to name a few (you can see them ALL HERE…there are so many!!), and today, I’m going to share with you my 8 KEYS TO CREATING DAILY ROUTINES YOU LOVE.
We all have routines, and in my opinion, if you don’t love yours, you should tweak it. My dad has taught me so many valuable things in life, but one of the more important ones is that everything can be special/enjoyable if you just look for an opportunity to make it that way.
Growing up way back in the ’90s, I remember so many times going to the gas station with my dad. Anytime he needed to fill up our cars, he would ask Sean and me to go. Let’s stop right there. First of all, he could have just gone by himself, but instead he always invited one of us along which gave Sean and/or me a special outing with dad. Now that I’m a parent, I see the value in just doing that alone…instead of “ugh, I have to get gas”, he made it an opportunity to ride along with his kid(s) and chat in the car. My dad didn’t stop there though, he would let us pick the radio station, let us pump the gas (something every kid wanted to do way back in the day), he would share his gum and mints with us that were in his car, let us go the ‘back way’ there just for the scenery and often, he would let us go inside the gas station and get a fountain drink. He made the boring chore of going to get gas FUN and…MEMORABLE! I’m almost 42 years old, and I can still remember the gas station at 183 and Esters in Irving, TX that my dad always took us to when he needed to “get gas”. Needless to say, that was just one of many, many, many ways that both of my parents took “routines” and made them special.
So, fast forward to today, and I had on my “list of things to blog about” a reader suggestion where I blog about making my routines fun, and thus, this post 🙂 .
Now, this quote here speaks right to my soul…
…and I think without a doubt that a lot of joy can come from a nice routine.
Routines don’t have to be “boring” or “redundant”. If that’s how you feel about routines, I am here to tell you that you need to tweak that routine. I’m just going to offer a few suggestions (super random and in no order) about how you can spruce up any old daily routine so that at the end of the day, you have added more moments of joy and contentment into your day.
In no particular order, I’m going to share some keys/tips/ideas/ways on how I personally make mundane routines more enjoyable. I kept trying to tweak this post as to not make it sound “preach-y”, but the subject matter just seems a bit “this is what I do and here is my advice” so I apologize if it’s not as “light” as a normal blog post. I am a big mess and my life is often chaos, so take everythinnnnng with a big ole grain of salt.
Okay…
My 8 Keys to Creating Daily Routines You Love
#1: DON’T MAKE IT BORING
I love connecting with you guys online through my blog, email, DMs, in person when I’m speaking…all the ways. One of the most common questions I get is “I want to be as productive as you, but I can’t do the same thing every day because I’ll get bored.”.
I get that a lot.
I can only answer this question from the very limited perspective of Shay Shull, so please show me grace if I flub it up, buuuuuuut here’s the thing…does it look like I’m super bored with my life? I don’t think it does or else you probably wouldn’t be asking me for advice on how to “be as productive as you”. I get a lot of joy out of my life and not because it’s so exciting but because I can watch When Harry Met Sally for the one millionth time and drink coffee while paying my monthly bills and that makes me HAPPY (and you see the happy). I don’t mind doing the boring monthly chore of paying the bills because I’ve made it “not boring”.
I would say that if your routine is boring, then make it not boring. My routines don’t feel boring to me. My routines give me energy because I know them so well, do them well, do them quickly, with ease and always with a pop of something “fun”, so they give me confidence and happiness. My routines also free up a lot of time for me to do other things because I didn’t waste time. I got in, I was productive, I did my thing and now, I’m done and free to do other things that spark my curiosity (it could be reading, being active outside, playing with my kids, etc). I think words like scheduled/routine make some people shudder because it sounds so dull, so I would just say proactively and consciously change your routine so it’s not boring to YOU.
#2: STOP DOING THINGS YOU DON’T LOVE
I say no a lot. It’s kind of a running joke. If I’m saying yes to something, that means I’m saying no to everything else…so I better be super excited about that “yes”. For example, I often get asked to speak at women’s events at night. I love speaking to women’s groups! It’s truly one of my favorite things. I don’t love being away from my family at night though more. I don’t love missing out on their sporting events, arranging crazy carpools to make up for there being one less driver, not eating dinner with my people…as much as I love speaking, I do not love missing all of that, so saying “no” is actually a really easy “yes”. I’m saying “yes” to my family time which is a routine I love. If you’re routinely (see what I did there 😉 ) saying yes to too much, it’s probably really messing up the “routines” you love (making them feel rushed/you feel frazzeled/them feel like a burden because your plate is too full). I would say “no” to things that make your every day routines a lot harder…unless you realllllly want to do it, and then, that’s an easy yes 🙂 .
#3: BEING INTENTIONAL
I am constantly working on this and very much still a work in progress. I am always trying really hard to be intentional about my routines. For example, someone asked me to commit to something one morning a week for one hour this school year. I told her that I could try it out for a few weeks to see if I was genuinely excited about it each week and could organically incorporate it into that day’s routine, but if it became a burden, I would have to stop. She was totally open to that idea and guess what? I loved it the first time and was excited to go back again the following week, so it became easy to bring into my routine for that day of the week.
Another example is how I’ve been intentional over the last 18 months when it comes to scheduling doctor/dentist/etc appointments. First, I changed the time of when I visit the doctor. I used to always make my doctors appointments in the morning (as I’m a morning person!), but then I realized about two years ago that since I am a “morning person”, the last way I want to spend my most productive/happy time of the day is rushing around to get to the doctor/be at the doctor’s office. I started making all of my doctors appointments for early afternoon, and that has totally changed how I feel about them. First, by early afternoon, I have my work finished/almost finished/under control, I’ve handled my email, I’ve enjoyed my lunch (so I’m not hungry), and overall, I feel good about my day and not behind the eight ball. I either make myself a cup of coffee at home for the car or I’ll stop at Starbucks on the way, I turn on one of my favorite podcasts and the voila, I’m excited just to be driving to the doctor (coffee + podcast= happy me!). When I get to the doctor, I always have my Kindle in my bag, and because my work is “finished/near finished” for the day, I can sit back, sip my coffee and read while I’m waiting. This now makes me want to go to the doctor instead of rushing around in the morning, hurrying there, frantically checking my inbox while I wait and then rushing home to work.
#4: SET THE SCENE
It depends on the routine, but I always like to “set the scene” to make the whole thing feel more enjoyable. For example, waking up really early in the morning would be terrible for me except I love my routine! I love my coffee, my favorite mugs, my cozy chair and two blankets, I love my Bible study, my book, I always light a candle and often, turn on music and/or the fireplace. That’s not just waking up early, that’s a whole morning routine that I L-O-V-E and get excited about just because I’ve set the scene and made waking up feel special/cozy/relaxing/enjoyable for me.
#5: TWEAK, TWEAK, TWEAK
If something doesn’t work for me, I change it. Any time I stop getting excited to go to the gym, I do something else. My workout routines are only going to work for me if I love them. Sometimes, I just take the day and do something else and then other times, I quit. Last year, I was going to this one class in a neighboring town on Tuesday mornings and after about three months, I just didn’t love it any more. I actually started to dread Tuesday mornings. The workout was great, the instructor was fantastic, but it just wasn’t what I wanted to do…so I quit. Andrew can do the same thing over and over again even if he hates it…I cannot. I don’t ever like to “make” myself do things. I hate that feeling. He would have kept going to the class because it’s a good class, but I would rather my workout routine be enjoyable to me than effective.
I used to not love folding the laundry until I started using that time to watch a show. Laundry time is just about the only time I get to watch whatever I want on Netflix/Prime. I prop up my phone and turn on a show/movie. I used to loathe folding clothes, and now, I love it because that’s my “watch TV” time without anyone interrupting me (my family never wants to bother me while I’m doing laundry in case I ask for their help…sigh…) or asking me to change the show. Same thing goes for when I empty the dishwasher. This is when I turn on The Office Ladies podcast and enjoy their banter while I put dishes away. I save some of my favorite podcasts for moments just like this!
#6: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THINGS YOU LOVE
If I’m about to drive kids around all afternoon, I bring a La Croix and maybe some trail mix and turn on a podcast/favorite radio station. Bam. I just made that hour of driving more enjoyable. Whenever I’m in the car with Ashby driving around, we listen to “true crime” podcasts together. You have no idea how many times we have said “I wish we had somewhere else to drive” just because we wanted to finish an episode. If I have to address all of my Christmas cards (a task I do not enjoy!), I turn on a holiday movie, the twinkle lights, pour a cup of coffee or glass of wine, find my favorite red and green markers for addressing and cozy in by the tree. It’s not always possible to do things like this, but I always look really hard for ways to make even the most mundane routine better simply by adding things to the moment.
I spend a lot of time waiting in the car, and the best thing I’ve done is always have my AirPods with me (to catch up on a podcast or Netflix show) and my phone with the Kindle app (so if I don’t have my actual Kindle, I can still pick up and leave off in the exact right spot in my book). Being able to read/enjoy a show while waiting makes the waiting fly by. Now that I consistently bring those things with me, I’m always a little happy to wait (and when you ask “how do you really read all of those books each month”, this is how!).
#7: GO OUTSIDE
You all know I love to be outside, so anytime I can take a routine outdoors, I do it. If I need to make my meal plan or grocery shop, I’ll do it from my patio. If I need to make a phone call and chat with clients, I take my MacBook and phone outdoors. It’s way more energizing to chat outside than behind my desk. Boring old chicken dinner again? Eat it outdoors. Anytime I can, I take tasks outside. I am the only one home on school days during lunch time, and even though my lunch is only about 15 minutes, I take it outdoors. Some days, I sit at the table, some days, I sit on the steps and some days, I’ll sit in the grass. I always feel a little special outside by myself listening to the birds while eating my lunch. It’s a very boring routine eating lunch alone every day…unless you’re outdoors with your phone and a great Netflix show sitting on the grass…then it’s special!
#8: RECONFIGURE YOUR SPACE
When I shared our HOME GYM with you guys, what I didn’t share was that inside one of the cabinets is a space for wrapping paper. I had this wild idea that if I had a great place for my wrapping paper and supplies, it would stay more organized, and I would be able to wrap more efficiently. Ask me how well that’s working out? It’s not at all. I prefer to wrap on the floor. By the fire. In front of one of my favorite movies. I don’t like to wrap in the gym. I wasn’t wrapping because I didn’t want to go in there. The minute, I pulled it all back out of the drawer (and added seasonal linens to the space instead) and went back to using a bag that I could load down with my wrapping supplies and move to wherever the coziest spot in my house was…I was excited to wrap. I just had to reconfigure my space.
So those are just 8 really easy ways I’ve routinely made my routines better.
I would LOVE to hear how you make routines more enjoyable! I am such a fan of a solid routine. My dad jokes all the time that if I were ever in prison, by day three, I’d have a solid routine down. The guards would be like “you’re in solitary confinement with no outside hours, how do you have such an elaborate routine?”. Trust me, I would have one 😉 .
Okay, don’t forget, you can also catch my…
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
22 Keys to making Fall Cozy
19 Key Fall Kitchen Essentials
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 Keys to simplify BACK TO SCHOOL
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
17 Keys to my Holiday Prep
11 Keys to a Cozy Winter
9 Keys to Returning from a Trip
12 Keys to Leaving Your Kiddos When You Travel
13 Keys to Meal Planning
Thank you in advance for the comments today! I always get so excited to read how you “do” life too!
I’ll see you tomorrow, friends! xx
Elspeth says
I love a good routine and rhythm! I always try to build in more time in my routines so I enjoy them more. For example, rising my time to wash mg face in the morning or night instead of rushing through it. I really try to appreciate the little moments through the day instead of them being rushed.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jennifer J says
I think this might be one of my favorite posts yet! There’s a lot of awesomeness in here!
J says
My most treasured routine? Coffee :). I love lattes so I buying a milk frothed changed my life. I make my cup then settle down on the floor to play with our puppy. Bright spot in the morning! I will say, Im a morning person and I always appreciated getting up earlier to have alone time, but now that my 4 year sometimes wakes at 515 (!), I feel like I’m being shot out of a cannon to start the day. Makes for such a better day when you can do it at your own pace!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for sharing! I love your most treasured routine 🙂 .
Paula says
Shay, you really are encouraging & motivating. I always appreciate your tips & tricks that help you get through this crazy life.
I would say my most important routine is my Bible time. The Before Bible Recap, I jump from study to study. Which was fine, but it didn’t feel consistent and the time it took was always different from 10 minutes to an hour. This is now my 4th year reading through and I LOVE IT. I look forward to it. I have my spot, blanket, pens, highligters, Bible & I grab cooffee and turn on instrumental worship music. This sets the tone for my whole day. If this gets skipped, I feel it.
So, I would say, whatever sets the tone for the day, DO IT! So important how you feel & take that energy out to family & others.
Thank you for sharing.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that you love The Bible Recap too, Paula! I get excited every day to sit down with mine. Thank YOU for encouraging and motivating me! xx
Gianna says
Hi Shay! I have been a reader for almost 10 years (!!!) and I rarely comment but have implemented so many of your pieces of advice into my life. I just want to say this is one of my favorite posts from you. I hope one day you feel called to write a book, although your blog is like one big, big book. Thank you for being such a bright spot in my life! Xo
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, this is just so sweet! I am so grateful for busy ladies like yourself who spend minutes out of your day here in my part of the internet. I know you’re busy and I know the internet is pulling you in a million other directions, so thank you. Thank you for commenting. Thank you for the encouragement. You’re a blessing to me. xx
Trudi says
What a great post, my routine is about to change a lot as my youngest is off to uni next month & it will just be me & my husband at home, eek! This has given me some really good ideas how to make this transition enjoyable for me, thanks Shay! 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, so much love, mama! I cannot imagine what a bittersweet season it is for you guys.
Jennibell says
I, too, love routines! My thing is, though, is that I like to do things WITH people. So, unlike you, I would probably continue to drive to a class in another town just to be around people. Now that my kids are out of the house I find it a lot harder to keep up with routines because it was so enjoyable doing them together (either with them or for them). I agree, doing something in a space you enjoy is KEY! Also, I have advised people that if they don’t love doing something one way to stop. There seem to be so many “expectations“ out there, but if it doesn’t “fit“ for you, then change it…. my example was to a young group of moms one time… I personally do not like opening and closing drawers (for my clothes). So I devised a system where I have many shelves in my closet with baskets, and now, all my clothes get put away! Figure out why you dislike something and see if there’s a way to change it – like you, with your wrapping paper 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
LOVE! Thank you for sharing!! Your routines speak right to my soul!
Kristen says
Our mornings getting 4 kids ready for school were always a little hectic. I sat down to figure out why, and it was because everyone stuff was in a different place. I made a drawer in my kitchen with deodorant, toothpaste, brush, etc. That way no one is running around everywhere. I also got everyone the same kind of socks and keep them downstairs by the shoes so everything is together. It’s been a nice change/help to our morning routine!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this!! Thank you for sharing, Kristen!
Laura says
I say no a lot too. Some of the things are things I enjoy. I’m in grad school and cannot do all the things anymore.
I also pair a chore I don’t like with a podcast, audio Bible, or Netflix. Makes the chore more enjoyable.
And, your Dad was definitely on to something with the trips to the gas station. I’d bet he didn’t NEED gas many times. Car time with a teenager alone is GOLD.
Ashley says
Could you share some kid friendly podcasts you listen to? The driving kids around routine is killing me right now but I love your ideas to make that more enjoyable!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have to pick and choose with the crime podcasts because some are certainly more mature than others (I read the comment section and the description). Crime Junkie is always a hit for my three older kids (I don’t listen with Mades). Ashby and I recently finished The Deck Investigates series was was really great and then just The Deck is good too.
Lauren says
The deck investigates…about the mother who was murdered at home while her young children witnessed it and fleed for help? Yikes! That’s some intense content for teens and elementary age children. There’s a lot of research on how true crime content affects developing brains- trauma, adrenaline response, desensitization, hyper vigilance etc.
Mix and Match Mama says
It is about that the murder of that woman. There is probably a lot of research on leaning into your kids’ curiosities, interests and bonding with them one on one too. Every mama is out there doing her best for her individual kiddos. I trust you are too 🙂 .
Julie says
My kids love 6 Minutes. It’s almost like an audio book family drama. Each episode is only 6-8 minutes long so you can do as few or as many as you like…I totally hit into it too!
Emilee says
This was a fun post to read! It reminded me
of romanticizing your life. We have two young children and my husband is a police officer with evening hours. I’m exhausted by the end of the day! I’ve been pouring myself a La Croix over ice and playing music during my newborn’s last nursing session of the day. It makes it a time I’ve been really looking forward to!
Mix and Match Mama says
What a wonderful routine!! Thank you so much for sharing! xx
SS says
I love your honesty. I try to always set my appts for everything as early as possible….less chance they are running behind!! I don’t want to spend my day waiting. Lol. Yesterday, I went to appt with son…we waited like 45 mins to be seen. Crazy. But they were running behind, so what do we do? If we had known, son was like we could’ve dropped car off to get oil changed across the street. Ugh.
We do like trying to make everyday things into fun things… You only live once so make it special while you can…for you and those around you.
Mix and Match Mama says
You only live once. No truer words, friend. xx
Grace says
Shay! This is one of the reasons why I love your blog. I felt out of sorts with my routine lately, and the tips you shared will be helpful. It is just what I needed. Thank you! Thank you!
Tiffany says
Thank you for sharing your tips for maintaining routines. I feel inspired to tweak mine after reading that!
Would you mind sharing what program or app you use to manage personal finances? This is an area I have been struggling to keep organized. Or please link to a previous blog post if you have already written about it.
Thank you and have a great day! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We use Quick Books to keep everything organized and together. I hope YOU have the best day! xx
Eliza says
My family often jokes that snacks are my love language. It all started when I was a kid my mom always stopped in the middle of our errand running to get me a treat…frozen yogurt, hot pretzel, a can of Coke (etc!) as we were leaving the grocery store kinds of things… I loved running errands w her & being together. We’d listen to fun music. She figured out that the fastest way to my heart was time together doing simple things made fun with a snack. Now my kids are in college my parents are elderly, but those simple outings/days or some of my happiest childhood memories.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this! xx
Lauren says
Oh Shay, that part about your dad making going to the gas station fun really struck a chord with me this morning. We are in a phase of life that is particularly crazy/chaotic and I love the idea of making something like running errands special with the kids. I would LOVE a post of other examples like that of things your dad did for you and Sean growing up!! It’s just so sweet and a great way to enjoy even the most mundane of activities.
Mix and Match Mama says
My parents have always been great at quality time. Thank you for your comment. I will try to infuse more of this into my posts. xx
Samantha says
I would also love to hear about this, please!! 💗💗
Sheaffer says
Lots of great tips! The best one: if it’s not working for you, CHANGE IT!
Mix and Match Mama says
AMEN!
Clair says
I have been following your blog for many years. This is one of my favorite posts ever! One of my routines is keeping a gratitude journal. Each night, I write about the beauty, craziness and miracles that I have been blessed to witness. Due to my husband’s health challenges, I don’t stray too far from home, but I find there are always reasons to celebrate
Mix and Match Mama says
Clair, God bless you. Thank you for the encouragement this morning. Sending you so much love!
Amy Caldwell Design says
OH MY WORD! THIS HAS TO ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE POSTS EVER!!!! Thank you for sharing and being so intention. Have a great day!
Amy
PS You’ve turned me into a bookworm once again!!! THANKS
Mix and Match Mama says
Goodness, thank YOU, Amy! Seriously, thank you so much. xx
Sally says
Hi Shay! I find it amazing that at age 63 I can still learn about new ways to get more joy out of my life. Thank you for always being such a positive influence!
Mix and Match Mama says
Sally, thank YOU for the sweet words of encouragement! Have the best, best day. xx
Lois says
Can you share what true crime podcast you listen with Ashby??
Someone gave me great advice recently about making new, better habits – instead of doing New Year’s Resolutions for January 1st, start them the first day of the new school year! Your routine and habits change with each new school year, so why not start them off with new goals then!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have always felt like the school year signifies more change than January 1st. I love your comment so much! Thank YOU for sharing! Okay, I always read the descriptions first before we play the episodes to make sure they’re not too mature, but we’re really into series right now (instead of just one episode). We, of course, turn on Crime Junkie too! Our favorite series recently was The Deck Investigates (but we listen to just The Deck too).
Sonya Z says
This couldn’t have come at a better time. I love this post so much, thank you for sharing…better yet- INSPIRING me to make changes to my routines, for myself. It’s funny, it seems selfish to enjoy something so mundane. 😊
Kay says
This post came at the perfect time! As you now understand completely, we are still in Summer mode outside Boston. With a short time until school starts, I feel like all my routines have been a mess. I gave up structure so I could just be around my kids more (i.e. I stay up a little later than I normally would bc they are up! but then I sleep later, meh). Anyway, this was JUST the little spark I needed to make me actually look forward to back to school and Fall routines-yay!
One thing I do when I’m dreading something is promise myself a “gift.” These gifts can be big or small but 99% of the time are very small. i.e. if I have a new client call I’m nervous about, I promise myself that right after I can put PJs on-even if it’s 4pm! Or if I get a huge household task done, I’ll buy that little candle I’ve had my eye on. Weirdly, this really helps!
Thanks for sharing this-I LOVE your tips!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this idea!!! It’s so simple but probably so motivating. Thank you for sharing! This is something I can implement into my own routines. Also, I’m now so jealous of the New England school calendar. It’s just way too early for school.
Beth Valenta says
This was so nice to read. I love a good routine and what brings you JOY. I manange to take my boring routines such as bills, meal planning, and put them into a cute notebook with colors codes that make me happy. I love leaving for school and knowing my dinner is in the crockpot (almost giddy here) and I have learned to also stop what is a burden and learn to forgive myself if I did not get to that task. So I went to wander TJ Maxx instead of the gym today. I needed that JOY. Reading your blog is my 10 minutes of happy thoughts, and BTW I MISS my BESTIE BREAKDOWNS! I actually revisted one the other day on my walk. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Beth, you’re a girl after my own heart! You bring ME joy! Thank YOU! xx
Erika Slaughter says
Who knew I was SO looking forward to my back to school routine? A quiet clean house while I work is AMAZING! 😉
Kelly says
Routines are key!!! Whenever my daughter tells me something that she needs to start doing with her children, I always tell her to build it into her routine. I am starting a new part time job after being home for over 20 years. I will be leaving the house around 7am and am now seriously thinking about my new morning routine.
I would love to hear about your planner routine. How you implement it daily, weekly, monthly etc. I know if I had a good routine set up that I would get so much more out of it.
This was a great post, thank you for sharing!
Jessica says
Love the story about your dad, it’s the little things that can become the big things. Ministry happens in the mundane! Still learning how to revise my routines. Perfect timing for back to school in a few weeks. Thank you for sharing!
Arika says
Netflix recommendation – Swamp Kings! Since Andrew played college football, I bet he might like it. It follows the Florida Gator program when Tim Tebow was quarterback and it’s intense and crazy. I’ve only watched the first episode but I’m hooked.
Jen says
I LOVE this post today! Such a great reminder that we can change our own mindset to improve our joys. Great motivation to change things if you don’t like it and that we can be in control of our own happiness and routines!
Tina says
Love this! I’ve been implementing so many suggestions from your blog over the years (Playing French Cooking music to help me enjoy cooking more 😋, a cozy morning routine to help my night owl self look forward to mornings ☕️, etc.). Reading this post, I’m realizing I need to add something to make showering more enjoyable.😁🤔 Sounds crazy, but I loathe having to take a shower and wash my hair. Probably for the same reason you hate going to the dentist. I get SO BORED and just want the whole process of washing my hair, shaving my legs, fixing my hair, etc to get over with. As much as I hate showering, I like being clean more.😂 I just need to make it more fun so my nighttime self will stop passing the buck to my morning self. Lol My morning self gets so mad because she HAS WAY TOO MUCH TO DO to have to stop and take a shower.😄 Do you happen to have something that makes you look forward to this process??
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh listen, I totally relate!! I think this is why I loved the outdoor shower so much on Nantucket…it felt SPECIAL! Yes, yes, yes! I just try and speed through it. That’s my solution…go fast and get out and then watch a show on your phone will your moisturize and get ready. Thank YOU for the sweet comment!
Tina says
These are all great tips! Thanks, y’all! Everyone’s waiting for The Jetson’s flying cars🛸….but I’m still holding out for that machine they got in for 10 seconds and came out showered and dressed, with hair and makeup included. Yes, please!😄
Mix and Match Mama says
YES AND YES! Bahahahaaha!
Kelly says
I keep a waterproof speaker in my shower and listen to my favorite music while I shower. It makes the time go by much faster. I also added a handheld shower wand to my faucet recently and it literally makes my rinse time go much faster.
Jules says
This has always been a problem area for me. Some peoole find showers and self care moments relaxing – I have always found it to be a task. During covid where all normal routines went out the window, I had to find new ones to keep me motivated. I started making my showers something I enjoy. We got a light up shower head, and I light a candle and eseentially shower in the almost dark. This helps me sensory-wise; I am actually able to relax. I also started listening to audio books in the shower. I start the candle, my audio book, and get a beverage (coffee if in the morning) ready to enjoy as soon as I get out. I try to both stay and enjoy the shower for a full chapter, and make sure I am done before it ends. Having soaps/oils with scents I enjoy helps too, even if its just essential oil or bath salts in the corner of the tub. Sorry so rambly, but thought I would share because it was a game changer for me.
Jenn Workman says
Tina, I put a Bluetooth speaker (shower-friendly) in my shower and I love that I can listen to some of a podcast while in there! It really does help.
K.K. says
I’m late to my blog reading today, but I’m so glad I made time at the end of my work day… LOVE all THIS! I needed these reminders – so good! And thank you for sharing about your dad. I love that tradition he started. Great idea.
Katie Compton says
Yes! Just yes to all of this! My coffee, in my seasonal mugs, with my seasonal creamer is my favorite morning routine. I curl up with my fuzzy blanket and either read, watch GMA, scroll my phone. I get up a good hour before I have to head to work just for this routine. It makes for such a smooth transition into my day… with 24 2nd graders!! Who also love (actually crave!) routine. I’m in my 23rd year of teaching and my advice to new teachers is always try to have a consistent routine/schedule. Of course, tweak as needed and keep it exciting. But my kids know Morning Meeting will always have some kind of sharing and exercise brain boost. Language Arts will include a gather on the carpet, get cozy read aloud, etc.
Of course, tomorrow we have our first fire drill so all bets are off! 🤣
Katie says
I love this post so much! I can’t stand making phone calls about bills, calls to insurance companies, calls to schedule doctor/dentist appointments, calls to solve service issues, etc….they always feel like they take such a long time! So, now I color in my adult coloring book (sounds X-rated, but I bought it at Target, and I am coloring flowers (-: ) during my calls. It is so relaxing, I never care if it is a longer call, and it puts me in a good mood to talk to the person on the other end of the line.
Also, I don’t comment much but wanted to let you know that my daughter (going to be a sophomore in college) saw you and your littles out and about in Nantucket (we both read a lot of the books you suggest, so she recognized you…she did not say hi because she did not want to seem like a stalker!). She loved Nantucket so much, she wants to live/work there next summer…so looks like our family may be heading to Nantucket next summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I wish I could have met her! If we see you guys next summer, please say hi!!
Beth Knecht says
Your last comment about having a routine in prison made me chuckle! I’m a routine lover too, and one of my co-workers and I always talk about how we don’t know how to do life without a routine, would be late to work if we decided to ever alter our routine! I love prepping everything the night before so that the morning just runs so smoothly!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s true. Those guards minds would be blown by how quickly I had us all on a schedule. 😉
Emily says
Have you ever read Atomic Habits by James Clear? A lot of how you stack tasks with something fun reminded me of his book. I think you would like it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Googling that right now!
Anna says
Great post! Thank you for sharing really good, practical advice. A thought for all of you with little ones:
-My kids are both seniors in college and our nest is almost empty. My suggestion is to shift some of your routines gradually to help prepare yourself to change with the seasons of your family life. So much of our day to day is centered around our kids routines that some couples can feel at loose ends when their kids want more independence/leave home for college, work etc. Don’t let your routines be so centered around your kids that you forget about your spouse. As your kids get older, make more of your day more intentional about connecting with your partner – having coffee together in the morning, doing some errands together, a walk together – nothing fancy – just together. We’ve seen a number of peers recently separate/struggle/divorce. Even if it’s folding laundry together – it’s time well spent. We are loving our ‘nest’ having a little more room in it but a good foundation makes all the difference😊
Also – a little plate of the Trader Joe’s dark chocolate mint star cookies make all holiday tasks better!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love every single thing about this, Anna! xx
Kara says
This might be my favorite post.. as my children get a little older (4,7,8) I am implementing so many of your tidbits of life and it has changed me for the better!! I already do a few of these things but so much to learn! Thanks for being so open and offering help for us mama’s a few years behind you!
Becky B says
These are all such good tips! I need to somehow bookmark this!
Maria says
I love your routines and you have inspired me over the years in so many ways (been reading your blog since 2013) I am an early riser (5am) and love my quiet time as I have 4 children aged 20,14,7 and 5 all living with us so my morning quiet time to journal, read and drink coffee, swim and do yoga is sacred and makes me a much nicer person so thank you for inspiring me your blog is beautiful and you should sooo write a book!
Mix and Match Mama says
You are too sweet for commenting. Many blessings to YOU! xx
Meghan H says
I have been a silent follower for years, but I think this is one of my favorite posts! I love following you because I love your joy, enthusiasm for life, and your ability to make things fun! Thank you for sharing your routine, the thinking behind your doing, and how you create the sparkle in your life. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Awww! Thank you so much! It means the world to me that you’ve been following along. Please comment again soon! xx
Anne says
Thank you for this post. It brought answer to a prayer about making a commitment to something I love but just doesn’t seem to fit right now. I let the coordinator know I wasn’t going to teach religious ed.this year and she reay affirmed that decision.
Mix and Match Mama says
Sending you so much love!
Jessamyn says
This may have been my favorite post of yours! Thanks for the simple easy tips to adding some bit of happy into life. We have so much to be grateful for!