Simplifying Routines for Peace of Mind

Things Don’t Have to be Complicated

I’ll be the first to admit that I overcomplicate the simplest of tasks. Cleaning becomes a marathon, organizing never seems to end, and sometimes things mysteriously disappear out of drawers. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I routines can become cycles of frantic disorganization. How do we take back control of our habits and routines in a hectic and complicated world?

Plan and Prioritize

Let’s talk about schedules. I’m not someone who journals or uses habit trackers because I simply find them overcomplicated and too detailed. I prefer to plan things to be more flexible, but I still put regularly scheduled tasks and appointments in a digital calendar. My weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleaning routines are neatly placed on my calendar as repeating tasks. Each cleaning set is listed out in the details, and it can be easily checked off my calendar.

To combat inefficient routines or habits, try writing down a list of things you wish weren’t as complicated or time-consuming. Then, start prioritizing tasks by their importance or frequency. In my case, I delegate certain cleaning tasks into smaller groups and tackle them as I go. I don’t need a long checklist or to-do list, and some things get checked off early simply because I choose to take care of it sooner.

Passive Tasks & Activities

Identifying passive tasks in your routines allows you to concurrently tackle active tasks. For example, the washer can be running while you vacuum. If you’re using an oven to cook a meal, you can use the time it’s cooking to put laundry away. By knowing what can be done first to free up the rest of a time slot (such as an hour that begins by starting the washer), you can complete more tasks within a set timeframe.

Passive tasks are not exclusively cleaning or household tasks. If you’re downloading or uploading large amounts of data on your computer, use that time to take care of an active task. While waiting for a return phone call, walk to the mailbox and get the mail. Take advantage of these moments and master multi-tasking without burning out.

Know when to Delay

Our technologically advanced lives have made us more reactive to calls, messages, and notifications. We receive information instantaneously, but should we react to it just as quickly? Unless it’s truly urgent, delay your response to it. The desire to immediately solve problems can derail us from our schedules. Minimizing notifications on your phone or computer can make a world of difference. Some devices even allow you to turn of specific types of notifications within an app, so take some time and cut out the notifications that will never be urgent.

If you’re running multiple errands during the week because you forgot something, take time to make a well-planned list and consolidate your trips. This will also reduce your travel related expenses and can help you save money by omitting unnecessary impulse purchases. Some stores offer in-store or curbside pickup but be sure to consolidate these into larger purchases instead of multiple smaller ones.

Make breaks productive

If you’re working from home, then this is something to take note of. When you get up in the morning, consider taking care of passive tasks (such as laundry) before you start working for the day. Taking short breaks during the day keeps us active, so consider taking care of these tasks on a few of your short breaks.

Meal planning can be incredibly helpful as well. Having a prepared meal frees up a bit more time during your break. Use the extra time getting some physical activity in or meditate. Remember: The goal is to not over-plan and overwhelm yourself. It’s about freeing up more time while keeping things simple.

Items Can Multitask, Too

There are plenty of things in our lives that accomplish a single task or serve a single purpose. Consider things that can accomplish more than one thing. Certain kitchen items can accomplish multiple things, clothing can be styled to match the occasion, and some cleaners can be safely used for different areas. The less there is to keep track of, the less thinking it takes to accomplish a task.

Pay attention to your habits and routines and look for alternatives that consolidate tasks or goals. It might take a bit of research, but you might find a way to simplify these routines simply by cutting out single-purpose items. Less really can be more.