A (Somewhat Reluctant) Return To Routine
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I took this picture last year on the first day of school...
and I do think it is worth a thousand words, to say the least.
This week, for many of us, it was time to shed the carefree ways of summer, and get back to the more structured days of school...and some of us were more happy about it than others. :)
Because of this change, each September is a good time for us to talk about our houses & our routines...
(Please don't roll your eyes at me...)
How do you feel about routines?? I know that to some, structure can seem like a straight jacket, but I want to invite you to look at regular routines as the groundwork for tons of fun and free time.
After all, the sexiest of designs and prettiest of rooms can't be enjoyed if they are buried under dirty socks, piles of unopened mail, or stacks of soiled pots and pans--these are the kinds of things that aren't fun, but always need to be dealt with. HELLO, ROUTINES!
Here are three of my favorite routines that take very little time, but can make a world of difference:
1. Make Your Bed Each Morning- This simple habit has actually been shown to increase your happiness. Pulling up the sheets and comforter as soon as your feet hit the floor takes less than 5 minutes.
2. Give Me 15-- Each day, right after everyone is off to school and work (and my kitchen looks like a box full of gremlins were let loose), I set a timer for 15 minutes, and quickly straighten and put away breakfast dishes, lunch-making items and and anything else that is out of place. Most days I even have time to empty the dishwasher and wipe down the counter before the buzzer goes off. Just fifteen minutes a day on a room that drives you nuts can be life-altering....
What room make sense for you and your house?
3. A Load a Day Keeps the Crazies Away- Laundry can be so demoralizing, especially if on the floor is the heaping pile of clothes that needs to be washed, on the bed is the pile that has been washed and is waiting to be folded, and on the dresser is the basket with folded items that need to be put away. UGH-how overwhelming.
The routine of completing one load of wash from start to finish every day can give you a sense of mastery, accomplishment, and peace.
In the morning, throw a load in before you leave for work. As you start dinner that evening, throw it in the dryer. As everyone goes up to bed at night, have them take their clean clothes up to their rooms and put them away. You will be amazed at how little time it takes, and how there isn't stuff just laying around in transition.
Do you have a favorite routine that keeps your household afloat? I would love to hear about it in the comments below! I always love to hear what works for you, and what makes a difference in your house, day-in and day-out!