I’m a big fan of habits
There are a few habits I engage in that are central to the running of my household. They also serve to give me peace amidst (what could be the potential) chaos that is a large family. They are:
Making A To-Do List Each Week – on Sunday evening I make a list of things I want to accomplish in my business that week. I find that a weekly list makes more sense for me than a daily one, because of the flexibility it provides. Since I’m a stay at home mom with no regular childcare arrangements, I have to stay flexible. I use a Bullet Journal to organize my life and my brain.
Weekly Menu Planning – I started doing careful meal planning after my third child was born. Knowing what’s for dinner makes my whole day feel smoother. My routine is simple: the day before I grocery shop, I take a look at the ingredients I already have. I also check the deals at my favorite grocery store. I build a menu around that, and create a grocery list. (This is automated using my meal planner.)
Daily Movement – exercise, especially outside, has such a powerful effect on my mood. A couple of days this week I felt unusually stressed, and it hit me that I had skipped my daily walk for two days in a row. After taking my walk I felt better immediately.
Getting Up Before Kids – this habit allows me time to pursue personal goals, and have a bit of breathing space at the start of the day before I’m “on” as a homeschooling parent.
Each of these four things creates massive spillover in my life. For example, making a to-do list means that when I sit down to the computer, I’m much more efficient. I don’t waste time on social media, I get right to work writing or doing other activities that impact my income.
Meal planning saves lots of money and makes us healthier. Being outside and exercising reduces my stress and makes me a better person. And getting things done early in the morning removes that niggling feeling in the back of my brain and allows me to be more present with my children all day.
What habits contribute most to your sanity and well-being?
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