Simple routines help women balance life with less stress. (click to tweet)

Routines are key to keeping life manageable. You can make the best laid out schedule with lots of breathing room, but one unexpected visitor or event can throw it to the wind. Routines are different though. When babies are born, they have a basic routine: eat, potty, sleep. Motherhood deals us a basic and complimentary routine: feed, clean, cuddle. This may take "KISS: Keep It Simple Silly" to an overly simplified level, but if we think about it, what more is there really?

• Eat/feed: We all must be nourished. All our health depends on proper nourishment. Exercise might also fit into this category.
• Potty/Change:  If the baby doesn't get changed, bad things happen. Smell, chapped skin, discomfort... The rest of our lives are the same. Keeping ourselves and our homes in clean & orderly condition keeps us comfortable. (Keeping the bowels moving properly is very important as well...)
• Sleep/Cuddle: The relationships we have with God and others help us cope and grow as individuals. This time and affirmation empowers us to become all we are meant to be.

Routines help keep all this in balance.

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Here is my sample/basic routine. I've tweaked this through the years. It was harder when I was up all night with a fussy baby, exhausted from chasing toddlers, and/or stir crazy on bedrest... You want a routine that is simple, something you'll be able to do on vacation, in the hospital, or when you are sick. Some things will change, but the basics will always be. My grandmother said, "Honey, you just do what you have to do." She was right.

Evening routine:

• “The Evening and the morning” is how God laid out our day in His Word. Prepare for your day in the evening.
• Lay out your clothes for the next day.
• Make sure your sinks are shiny and ready for the next morning.
• Have the children pick up their toys and things before bed.
• Make a list of things you need or want to do the next day.
• Pray!
• Go to bed with a Bible verse in your heart & mind.
• Cuddle the hubby and give him a complement.

Morning routine:

• Smile. Place something by your bed that you can look at first thing in the morning that makes you smile. I painted our whole room sea-foam green with a lilac wallpaper boarder. I love it and it makes me smile. I also love daisies, so I have a beautiful crystal vase of silk daisies next to my bed...
• Personal appearance. At least brush your teeth & hair and dress in something you wouldn't mind wearing out to eat. Not fancy, just nice. Something that makes you feel pretty. If you put your hair up, use a flexi-clip instead of a rubber band or claw. It's a simple thing that can make a big difference.
• Drink a quart of water. I know some of you will balk at this, but really, before you eat anything or have any coffee, drink that water! It helps flush the system and prepare you for the day.
• Stretch your muscles. Touch your toes, reach for the sky get the oxygen and blood moving through your muscles & joints.
• Eat some protein. Basic protein, not carb-based protein. Preferably with coconut oil. Coconut oil is wonderful for helping jump-start the adrenals.
• Take your supplements. ...Probiotics, Omega 3-6-9...? Whatever works for you. I have a little different regime every two weeks. Sometimes I think I need a little extra vitamin C or something... Listen to your body and do some research, but don't try to fix everything at once. Make sure you're getting enough fiber too.
• Read, listen, or watch something edifying. If you can't get personal Bible time because of a baby or busy toddler, stick in an audio, watch a periscope devotional or even plug in a Bible video for the children & enjoy it yourself! Remember, the Lord wants us to come to him “as little children” so nothing is too elementary for Him to speak to your heart for the day. (Matt 18:3-4, Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17)
• Set ingredients out for supper or even better, put it in the crockpot.

Early afternoon:

• Make lunch special. Either a special food, a special place setting, or put a blanket on the floor and picnic in front of a Little House on the Prairie or Christy episode ...or Gospel Bill Show... Something fun! AND talk about it a little bit. What could one of the characters in the show have done differently? How does God work in real life similar to what happened in the show?
• Rest. Yes, stop and rest for a little bit. Some people can take a 5-10 minute power nap. I'd be more tired than I started if I did that. If I nap, it must be at least an hour. I might even take a bit to read a book or just sit on the floor and sip my coffee or hot tea while the children nap or play.
• Swap laundry, do dishes, wipe or dust something... spend about 15 minutes on your home.

Evening:

• Keep it simple.
• Clean it up.
• If you have trouble sleeping or you are stressed for some reason, maybe have a warm magnesium drink or some hot Chamomile tea to help you unwind...
• See above...

Remember, these will change a bit depending on what season of life you are in. Give yourself some grace. Some days you may not be able to much at all, but if you already have a good, established routine you will find it easier to stay on top of things and not get way, way behind.

If you are already behind & your life is overwhelming, start the baby steps routine at FlyLady.net. She's been a major blessing to me for many years! No matter how bad it is, it's never too much for God to help you overcome. (Click-to-Tweet)

Disclaimer: I am not a health care professional. These are suggestions based on my own experience. Please do your own research or ask your doctor...

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