Finally we are at Step 5 in the mini series : 5 Simple Steps to Gain Time Everyday to Spend on The Things You Love. (definitely learning to love this heading!!)
We have started to put things away when we are finished with them, we have given them homes and created zones for things we need to find easily and regularly. We have set up a basic weekly routine and last week we looked at creating a basic morning routine. We are ending the whole series by looking to create a basic evening routine.
Many people use their evening routines to set them up for the following morning so that they have a head start. And you can include setting out your clothes, preparing the breakfast table or tomorrow’s lunch in your routine if this is how you want to go.
In my basic evening routine I tend to have the focus on winding down and preparing for a restful nights’ sleep. This is because I can have problems waking up during the night and so if I can be as calm and rested as possible by bedtime I am setting myself up as best I can for a decent night.
As with everything in the 5 Simple Steps - we are trying to create a simple strategy to save us time and make life a little easier. However, once you have developed and got used to your initial basic routine you can begin to add in any more routines or habits you wish to create. My evening routine has developed from the basic routine involving skincare, teeth, no gadgets and a quick journal and read, into a more comprehensive routine which starts earlier in the evening and includes ‘wrapping up’ the kitchen and having a quick tidy up and putting out my uniform for the next day and thinking about my lunch.
Use the templates on my website - available for free in the shop - or draw up your basic evening routine. Don’t add more than 4 or 5 items (2 or 3 may be all you want to start with). You can start by listing the things you do already and then adding a couple more. As always don’t overwhelm yourself. You can always add more when you feel ready, or remove items you don’t need to do.
By following these 5 Simple Steps you will be starting to see how you can save time by doing things in a routine rather than haphazard way. And by developing the routines using things you may already be doing but not consistently you should begin to see real benefits.
On a side note there is another real benefit from starting off with a basic approach to your routines and then developing them further when you are ready - if ever you find yourself in a time of struggle, anxiety or when life is getting hectic and you have more and more going on - if you can go back to the 2 or 3 items on your original Basic Routines you will always be moving forward.
You can comment below or look at the end of the blog for all the ways you can contact me privately. I love hearing from you with all your ideas and photos of the areas you are working on!!
If you want to delve deeper into finding a system which will work for you, you can contact me via my email lindajharper@yahoo.com or using the chat bubble on my website, I would love to help you!
You can message me on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Linda-J-Harper-Professional-Declutterer-and-Organiser-107805011001601.
I am also on Pinterest and Instagram if you need some inspiration! https://www.pinterest.co.uk/adnilenaj1314/boards/
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