Have you ever made a perfect daily schedule, only to watch it fall apart by midweek — or midmorning? You’re not alone. We all dream of having a structured day where everything flows with ease — wake up early, get things done, eat well, rest, repeat. But more often than not, life gets in the way. Still, having a routine isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating rhythm in the chaos.
A routine isn’t just a schedule — it’s a structure that grounds us. Here’s why it’s important:
- Reduces Decision Fatigue: When you already know what your morning looks like, you don’t waste energy deciding what to do next.
- Boosts Productivity: A well-planned routine prioritizes your most important tasks, making sure they get done.
- Improves Mental Health: There’s comfort in predictability. Routine can reduce anxiety, especially during uncertain times.
- Encourages Healthy Habits: Repeating small, positive actions daily leads to long-term change.
What a Good Routine Looks Like
A “perfect” routine is different for everyone, but a good one often includes:
- Morning Rituals – Something calming or energizing to start the day, like journaling, stretching, or coffee with no rush.
- Work Blocks – Dedicated time for focused tasks and short breaks in between.
- Movement – Even a short walk or stretch to reset your mind and body.
- Nutrition – Regular, nourishing meals to fuel your day.
- Evening Wind Down – Slowing down with no screens, maybe a book, meditation, or simply quiet time.
Most importantly, a good routine is realistic and flexible — not crammed with pressure to be productive every second.
Why We Fail to Follow It
Even when we know all this, we still fall off track. Why?
- Too Rigid: We plan every minute and forget that life isn’t that predictable. One delay throws everything off.
- Perfectionism: If we miss one part, we feel like we’ve “failed” and abandon the whole thing.
- Lack of Motivation: On tough days, it’s easy to lose sight of long-term goals.
- Not Personalised: We follow someone else’s ideal routine instead of building one around our own needs and energy patterns.
Final Thoughts
Creating a routine isn’t about controlling every second of your life. It’s about giving yourself a supportive framework that helps you show up as your best self — most of the time. And on the days it doesn’t go to plan? Be kind to yourself. That, too, is part of the routine.
Speaking for myself, I’ve had so many days where I planned everything — only to have it all go off-track with one unexpected thing. Especially as a mum, or someone juggling multiple roles, it’s not easy to stick to a fixed routine. But slowly, I’ve learned that even small daily rituals — like having my morning coffee in peace or ending the day with a few quiet moments — make a big difference. I’m still figuring it out, and that’s okay. Because routine isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress.
With love,
Anu 💛
Unfiltered thoughts by Anu 