5 Tips For Creating Structure In Your Day
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When my daughters were young, we were constantly on a pretty strict schedule. They always napped at a certain time, we would go to the park at a certain time, and we’d head out to the zoo or the library at a certain time. But if I were to be completely honest with you, it wasn’t just for the kids - it helped me stay on top of everything, too.
I'm a firm believer that both structure and routines are important for everyone. From students to young professionals, new parents to folks in retirement, creating some sort of structure in our day can help us take control over our lives and stay on top of our responsibilities. However, I also realize that the thought of setting routines can feel quite cumbersome.
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I’ve heard many people say over the years that they’re struggling to just make it through the day and that the thought of creating any amount of structure feels all-encompassing. I absolutely understand how difficult it can be to think about adding anything to your plate when you’re already feeling maxed. Today, I wanted to share 5 easy tips for creating more structure in your day. The hope is that it can make it more manageable and less overwhelming to think about.
5 Tips For Creating Structure In Your Day
1. CREATE ROUTINES
I know the thought of following routines can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren't used to them. I love routines because they can help us maintain structure by giving our brains a prediction of what to expect next. They can help us navigate our days with more ease as well as help us stay on top of our schedules. When setting routines, focus on your own, individual needs. They don't need to be complicated or overly detailed - just focus on creating some sort of rhythm for your day.
2. USE TECHNOLOGY
If there is an area in your life that could use more structure, chances are there's an app that will help. If you need to organize your time better, use your calendar app to schedule your day. If you're struggling to remember things after work or to pick up certain things when you get to the store, use your reminders app. If you need help drinking enough water in the day, download an app to keep track of how much you drink. Regardless of what you need, technology can add a ton of structure throughout your day.
3. ALLOCATE TIME FOR REST, SOCIALIZATION, AND BEING ALONE
Creating structure in your life doesn’t necessarily mean filling your schedule with work. Balance is important for creating a well-rounded, happy life, which includes things such as making time to rest, socialize, and alone-time.
4. BE REALISTIC
Have you ever decided to be become more organized, only to find yourself overdoing it slightly? You're not alone. Many folks may end up swinging too far in the opposite direction when they decide it's time to become more organized. Focus on creating small, realistic changes to add more structure to your day. If you normally wake up around 8 am, maybe don’t stress yourself out by waking up at 5 am. If you're just trying to make it through the day right now, don't worry about scheduling out every last minute. Be realistic with yourself, and trust that your best is absolutely enough.
5. BE CONSISTENT
It’s okay if you mess up, fall off track, or get lost along the way - be consistent and keep going. Every time we try and fail, we learn something new, so listen to your needs, make changes and adjustments along the way, but stay consistent. You’ve got this.