If you take a look at my Instagram or my website, you may think that I am consistently productive. Trust me, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes the days seem to stretch on forever and my brain starts to turn to mush. Other days I would much rather binge-watch a new show on Netflix instead of sitting down to work.

However, I have found that the most consistent thing that helps me stay productive is not another app or new productivity hack, but simply having a ROUTINE. This principle may sound pretty basic, but hear me out. Having a routine has changed my work day in three ways.

ROUTINES HELP ME GET IN THE PROPER MINDSET

My Pinterest is saturated with morning routine blog posts and for good reason. Having a morning routine can help you fill up your cup with things that bring you joy, whether that is a warm cup of coffee, a sweat session, or time to journal. The point is to get your day started in the right way. Routines help my mind and body realize what is going on and that the work day is beginning.

A workday routine can do the same exact thing! Try switching up your routine to find out what works to get you in a productive mode. Whether that’s starting with your hardest task first or doing a few daily tasks to build momentum before tackling big projects, no two routines are the same. Build a routine that gets YOU in the right mindset.

ROUTINES ALLOW ME TO KEEP THINGS GOING

When I already have a routine in place for the day, my brain can go on autopilot because I’m not constantly stressed about what task I’m going to work on next. There is a peace of mind in knowing how your day is going to go!

When I’m done with a task, I don’t have to waste mental energy combing back through my to-do lists, but I can simply move onto the next thing. Routines are a powerful way to make sure that the workflow keeps flowing and help you to not hit a slump.

ROUTINES HELP ME PRIORITIZE WHAT IS NEXT

Some days I jump out of bed ready to conquer the day and some days I just want to stay in bed. On those days I don’t feel like doing much, routines help me realize what is a must-do and what can be moved. 

Routines have absolutely changed the way I work for the better! If you want more specifics on how I implement routine into my week, head over to this blog post to see what my ideal work week looks like. There may or may not be a freebie waiting there 😉