Developing a Routine

One thing that helps reach my goals and live a optimal lifestyle is to develop a routine. I have never been good at keeping a routine and that is part of why I created this blog. I tend to slack off and let things slide. Finding excitement in the mundane, get excited about doing every day ho hum activities that add up to create a healthy and happy lifestyle.

There is a morning routine a get home from work routine and a nightly, before bed routine.

I now have a newborn to take care of which adds another layer to my routine. More responsibilities and more tasks to complete. 

I also want to get in the habit of working out. Whether that be at the gym after work or an at home exercise before work. Another option is exercise at the gym before work and after I drop the baby off. The daycare and gym open at 6:30 so that is enough time. But I am not a morning person so I'm not going to try that now. 

Let's start with the morning routine. My baby has gotten to where he can sleep through the night, but usually wakes up around 5:30 am wet and hungry. So I change him and feed him. My first alarm goes off at 6am. Lately I have been laying back down to sleep and it makes it more difficult to wake up on time. I need to stay awake and start my morning routine then. I want to be on the road by 7:10 am and get to daycare around 7:45 so I can make it to work by 8am. 

Morning Tasks:

1. Feed and Change baby at 5:30 am (20min)
2. Make and drink tea and or eat breakfast while watching a morning show or reading devotional (15min)
3. Exercise (30min)
4. Get dressed
5. Pack bag for baby and me
6. On the road by 7:10am
7. Drop baby off at day care by 7:45a
8. Get to work by 8am

I have more flexibility on the after work routine. Some times I need to run errands, have a counseling session, or go to the gym. 

After work routine with exercise at gym:

1. Clock out at 4:30p
2. Move my car to gym
3. Change clothes
4. Start exercising by 4:40pm
5. End exercise by 5:10pm
6. On the road at 5:15pm
7. Pick up baby at 5:25pm

Home from work routine:

1. Relax watch some TV have a snack or tea
2. Pump/Nurse
3. Do some chores
4. Cook dinner at 7pm
5. Eat dinner around 7:30pm
6. Clean up from dinner
7. Get ready for bed (start below)

Making sure I get to bed on time is the number one thing to help me stay mentally stable. It also helps me get good sleep and prepares me to wake up on time. Getting my tasks done the night before helps me prepare to be more easily ready for the day. 

Night time tasks:

1. Clean up dinner dishes
2. Pump or Nurse baby
3. Put baby to bed by 9pm
4. Clean bottles and breast pump
5. Pick out my clothes and baby clothes for tomorrow 
6. Take meds at 9pm
7. Wind down caffeine free tea/watch TV or browse phone (this could also be after dinner)
8. Shower
9. Go to sleep by 10pm

This is a set plan to help guide me in my process to develop a routine. Following this will help me be better prepared in the mornings so I am not late to work. Help me maintain my kitchen so I have clean dishes to cook and eat with. It will help me get in the habit of exercising. And help me to feel better and do better. I will keep you updated on how it pans out. 

Finding excitement in the mundane.