Day 2 of our TIME TO SHINE challenge, woo hoo! Today we are doing something a little different... Comment below with a) how you feel BEFORE you do your Routine and b) how you feel AFTERWARDS! I'm excited to hear what you think - rah, rah, rah! 🎉🎉🎉😍
I didn't want to do them and felt lazy. After the routines I felt great after because I got them done and didn't have to worry about them! I got more energy to do other things!
Diane, I was feeling ‘busy’ in my head before my routine this morning. I have surgery in a week and I want to get a lot of things done before I go as I will be in hospital for three weeks and then out of action for some time afterwards. But after doing my morning routine, checking things off my list for today, I was a lot ‘calmer’ in my head. If I keep following my list, things will get done and I will be happier. Thank you so much for so many wonderful tips and ideas, you’ve got no idea how much you’ve helped me over the last few years. 😊
Felt a bit slow this morning but I did my morning routine (made my bed, 5 min kitchen clean, 5 min bathroom clean and a load of laundry) and now I feel organised and motivated afterwards!
Hi Diane, I don't know what it is: as soon as I hear your voice, I have an urge to do the dishes🤣🤣.I decided to do my evening routine now right after I do my dishes: 5 min pick up, brush my teeth ( so I wouldn't be tempted to eat more), wash and moisturize my face ( sometimes when I left this for too late I was tempted to skip it 🤨. So far its working out for me.
Life can get overwhelming fast here with 6 children in single digits! While I often wonder if I really can spare the time to make my bed and get myself presentable as multiple small ones clamor for food, drink, help with whatever, it's so true that starting off with a few little accomplishments makes me feel so much more cheerful and mentally prepared to be more present and productive.
Being retired , I have very little structure to my days. These cleaning routines are basically habits now which I do quickly in the morning and evening. Thanks for reminding me how important they are.
Morning routine done today!✅ Dishwasher unloaded LOL on Bed made Not yet dressed to shoes though! Will aim to add that in tomorrow!! Thanks for cheering us on Diane🎉🎉🎉 In a separate note I decluttered jewellery at the weekend. All old sentimental costume jewellery is GONE! Feel I have really developed decluttering muscles! Would NEVER have been able to do that previously x
My morning and evening routines have become natural to me. I don't think about whether or not I want to do them. I just do them as I would any other form of self care. I have grown to find comfort in them.
Routines are my best friend…without them I struggle and right now I have my 17 year old granddaughter living with me so more than ever they are important…don’t get me wrong sometimes it would be easier just to let them slide some nights after work but I have this mindset, my future self will be grateful I did them. Thank you for the reset.
Made the bed, freed the sheep, fed the cats, cleaned the litter trays (and went out to the garbage bins down the road), brought in wood for heating (cold snap this week), did a lol, and this afternoon, I'll be tackling my taxes. I always feel more relaxed once the animals and wood are done for the day.
Have had a morning routine for years and it works well for my family. The evening routine is chaotic but last night decided to lay out clothes for the morning. I also plan to simplify my dinners to cut down on dishes and cleanup time. The weather is improving in Northern California and it would be nice to enjoy the evening weather. Perhaps tomorrow I will refine my evening routine a little better.
Leveling up my evening routine! I always set up the coffee machine and wipe down the kitchen, but I've added a daily kitchen sweep, entryway sweep, and change the kitchen and coffee station towels, now too! My future morning self is really loving this extra loving touch! ❤😊
It was gloomy outside this morning and I didn't really want to go out with my tea but I did and was rewarded with a rosy sunrise glow on the clouds. Truly enjoyable.
Ive had a sick toddler for a few days and unfortunately he usnt able to sleep well at all si weve been having restless nights (trouble breathing) and shirt fitful naps instead if the usual 2.5-3 hours in the afternoon. He's not sleeping, im not sleeping and today ive started to feel sick too 😢 but... I still got a load of laundry in, breakfast cleaned up and we can spend the majority of the day snuggling and reading so overall still a win! 🎉
I often entertain my daughter's Golden Retriever. While she is working, the grand-dog and I have fun. I find that a quick vacuum every night after a visit is quick and effective in dealing with lots of golden fur.
I've rebooted my habit of writing down and brain dumping everything that needs to be done this week and in the future each Sunday. It helps getting all that out of my brain and then I use that "brain dump" to plan my week.
I was doing that, but got out of the habit. I was discouraged as I had multiple pages of lists of todo's, and so many weren't crossed off. Some that were, now needed to be done again! I think I will just discard those lists and try again. Thanks.
Doing my routines are sometimes so challenging because I’m living with a chronic illness. However, I’ve simplified those routines, reduced the time I’m spending on them and as a result I’m getting at least something done. This gives me a huge sense of calm and I’m able to enjoy my quiet time so much more 😊
Motion is lotion, as the saying goes, and I feel that every day when I do my morning routine. I wake up feeling stiff and sore, and as I move through the routines, everything loosens up, and I feel so much better. And that’s jut the physical change. The feeling of “mental lightness” is another huge benefit.
When I've been away from home for a while it is so good to come home to my routines! I do so much better when I can follow, especially my morning routines!
Hi Diane, actually the time it takes to accomplish my morning and evening routines takes less time than I think they will and it pays off enormously. They save time in the long run not to mention reducing stress and freeing up more time during the day. See you tomorrow! Wendy in Australia 🇦🇺
The routines are so impactful, even if it's just a few simple things. I close my kitchen every evening and waking up to a clean and tidy kitchen is such a great way to start the day!
Thank you Diane, I have been going through so much, my grand daughter has lukemia and our whole family is in chaos. I have just been sticking to the fly lady system and routines. Focusing on shining my sink has become like meditation and the routines are so healing because I am almost on autopilot. I have even enlisted my other grandchildren, 3 of them in setting thier daily routines and it has helped them through this difficult time. My sick granddaughter is 4yeas old and she has 2 sisters 6 and 8 and a brother who is 7. We are all working along with you each day and it makes or day lighter. Thanks again for being you, you make such a difference to so many lives ❤
I’ve been working with my routines for about two years so I feel grounded and comfortable with them. They bookend my days - in the morning, among other things, I take my meds and decide what’s for dinner and in the evening I organize the next day’s meds and exercise clothes and set out the coffee and breakfast things (and shine my sink, of course). Since I retired, my days lack the old structure and, usually, urgency. The routines provide a kind of framework that helps me get going every day and wind down every evening. I fret less and enjoy my free time more, knowing I can count on the basics being done.
I appreciate your including those of us with medical issues! I am temporarily low on energy, so I’m doing each item on my routine separately, then taking a break with a cup of coffee. Then I get up and do the next thing. I actually feel that little lift of lightness each time! And I’m happy to look around me, and be at peace in my home! Hooray for Diane! And Whee!
I am still easily overwhelmed at the sight of a messy/cluttered room. It doesn't matter whose mess it is, i always feel overwhelmed first. But the routines and especially the movement and quick turn around lifts my mood every time.
Today I had a dental appointment and she asked me what would my day look like. I hadn’t made my list for the day and I realized I would be lost all day. Those routines and lists help so much. Needless to say, today I have not completed my routines and I feel lost. I have started my list for tomorrow. I will be back on track. Thank you for all you do.
The routines help me reduce the number of “to do’s” cluttering my mind, similar to how I can get to sleep easier if I write down the things I need to remember for the next day. Less stress and also a feeling of accomplishment to see things get done.
I went to bed the other night exhausted & feeling run down - without shining my sink & putting the last of the glasses in the dishwasher. I actually got up out of bed 10mins later & went out to finish my night time routine because I thought just how grateful I would be in the morning to come out & see my kitchen shiny & clear ✨
So here is a version of my evening routine - We are living at the family vacation home at the moment and do not have the same set-up as at home. 1. 5-minute PUPA - not necessary as the living area is decluttered 2. Reboot laundry - includes outfit for tomorrow - no laundry done today however, I picked out my outfit for the morning. 3. Advanced meal prep - Hubby and I will travel early in the morning for approximately 3 hours and have lunch at our destination. This will be our main meal; however, I made a mental note of what to have for supper upon returning from our trip. 4. Clean kitchen - My husband cleaned up the kitchen and started the dishwasher after supper this evening 5. Plan tomorrow - Checked the calendar and planned the route for travel tomorrow. 6. Launchpad - laptop and bags at door ready for the trip early tomorrow morning.
Thanks, Diane! I always feel cheerier when the routines are done and dusted! 😃 I can hear you in my head saying - You don’t need to like doing them, just do them!! 🤣
I have felt MUCH better after I get dressed in the morning. Today I'm adding an evening routine...get to bed earlier. I'm going to make that a goal for the rest of the week👍🤞👍
For me, the need to get my To Do List out of my head and onto paper is so vital. Otherwise I can get so overwhelmed I become paralysed by it and end up doing nothing. The 'mental lightness' you mention is so real for me when it's all down on paper and seems more manageable. Thank you Diane!
Completed the dishwasher and cleared some flat surfaces. Feel great. The doom and gloom has lifted. Now I am ready to do more flat surfaces in other rooms. Ten minutes at a time. Thank you!
Because of yesterday's video I rewrote my morning and evening routines. And this morning I did my morning routine and for the first time in ages I got the exercise in that I've been wanting to do and not getting done. Thank you thank you. ❤❤❤
I pretty much always start my days at a level 2 - lack of motivation and needing to make myself do things other than watching RU-vid 😌. I am implementing the morning routine the last few weeks and always feel better afterwards. Today I even accomplished a procrastination task later in the afternoon. Something about your encouragement and energy, Diane, is so inspirational.
Before doing my routines, I feel like I will not be able to do them, I feel overwhelmed . After doing my routines, I feel like "well, what next ? Ready to tackle more than I would ever think + ready to really enjoy free time for me 😊" Thank you Diane 😘🥰😘
The routines enable me to be positive and relaxed. Personally it has become a form of self care. Also, I know tasks will continue silently hollering at me and I’m much happier after they are completed 😂😊❤
Very crabby and tired before, relieved and cheerful afterwards! And all it took was finishing the laundry and putting the dishes away, and taking fish out of the freezer for dinner.
Made a special effort to do my evening routine last night and get to bed (felt like I was a step ahead for the morning). This morning, it was a big help that my tea makings were all set up. Bed was quickly made. After exercise, I made a real effort to get dressed in street clothes.Set's up the day beautifully. Yes, routines make the day go smoother. Thanks, Diane.
Yes you are right, things just run so much better when you just get on with your routines…. Then you find extra motivation to do the nice extra things! ❤
Good morning, Diane. I'm on Easter break. I've been up for about 2 hours now and my morning routine is done ( or so I thought). I was about to start into some weekly upkeep tasks as I watched your video. Then, I realised that I am still in my pyjamas😂. Time for me to babystep and get dressed before carrying on with my day.
My routines keep me grounded. This morning I overslept and had some anxiety about getting out the door in time, but by moving through my usual routines step by step, thinking ahead to the next thing, I got out the door in time and everything got done before I left! I was pleased with myself, the anxiety went away, and I knew I'd be coming back to a calm house and not a chaotic one!
Its 7pm here, morning routine done, going to do a LOL, quick tidy round, pjs on and tv with a craft project for the eve......I can enjoy my evening knowing things are under control 🎉
Hi Diane, definitely going to work on my evening routine today. But I'm going to start early, about 4pm. I generally have dry laundry to fold/iron to finish my lol and if I leave it too late I'm too tired! Trying to be a bit more disciplined with the timings. 😊
Before doing my routines yesterday I really didn’t want to do them but I felt great once I had. This morning, having done my evening routine the night before, my morning ran much smoother. I even had time to sit down for a little while before taking my children to school, instead of my usual rushing around, running late and stressing. I felt so relaxed when I dropped my children at school this morning that it’s made me feel very determined to keep up with my routines in the future. Thank you so much Diane, you are truly helping me to find my way out of my mess and to find some peace ❤️
Morning routine done and LOL, I just do it automatically each day and I feel ready for the day. Did 10 mins cleaning mirrors and glass. I never feel like doing housework but the 10 mins with a timer on really makes me whizz round and I feel so much better once it's done. The timer has been a game changer for me. I'm now working on getting my outfit for the next day organised in the morning because I kept forgetting about that until I sat on the sofa in the evening then...I couldn't get off my bahookie! x
I’m listening to this many days late. One night I was tired and didn’t want to was my face. But I did it anyway and I was so proud of myself. Last night I didn’t want to wash my face and I didn’t. I don’t feel as good about that.
The morning started better because of evening routine (tidy kitchen and a decent bedtime!). Morning routine for working from home days is up and dressed by half 8, morning meds then a short walk before starting work. The walk, even just 10/15 minutes makes such a difference, clears my head, gets me properly awake to start work, and these days spotting spring flowers and hearing bird song really cheers me up . Its a huge change from rolling out of bed 5 mins before starting work and being still half asleep most of the morning 🌄
Morning routine is finished. I felt good before it, because I actually got both my morning and evening routines done yesterday, which made entering my kitchen much more enjoyable this morning, as well as making today's morning routine a breeze. Felt great when morning routine was done again today.
I slept in again. As I am newly retired, I am realising many things can be changed about how i do things. I did the first part of my routines and then had a doctor appt. I came home and did nothing for a while, then saw this video. I got up and completed my mirning routine, and made my lunch. I felt so lazy before, but now i will try to catch up on all i have procrastinated so far this week. Thank you!
I've been doing morning and evening routines for awhile. I found they helped me not feel so guilty about "all the things I was behind on" - because I knew I would get to them each day.
When I feel like I can't face the day, I make myself do my morning routine and afterwards I have achieved something which then motivates to keep going! Once you try them you see their practical value. They are my 'pebbles in the jar' and everything else fits around them. 😊
Good morning, Diane! For my Tuesday Plan and Play, I will be planning next week's dinner menus so that I can have my grocery list ready for Thursday shopping. I'm trying to make this a habit so that my weekends are prepping food and having fun - no grocery shopping needed on the weekends. It can be so hard to implement a new habit!
I often feel like my routines are overkill UNTIL I get them done and realize they are essential to my peace. Still looking to bring this kind of consistent routine structure to my work life.
I have followed you and used the Flylady routines for years now, so my routines are rather automatic and get done before I know it. I find during stressful times, they help the most, as I might be anxious about things or not feeling well, but then after I get the basic morning routines done, it makes the rest of the day go so much smoother and calmer. Thank you for all your motivation that you provide to us!
Before - can’t be bothered, will take too much time, sooo much to do … Afterwards … very pleased with myself … chuffed to bits. Just wondered, Diane, if you think it’s easier to feel happy with life in Denmark than in Britain? I’m listening to Helen Russell’s audiobook The Year of Living Danishly … Danes seem to have got it right in my opinion!
Before routines I feel ‘heavy’ and sluggish and after the routines I feel lighter ~ physically and mentally with a real sense of achievement. Many thanks to you 😍xx
Hi Diane, when I don't do my routines, I say to myself I got to do it, then when I have completed my routines, I feel at peace. You have helped me so much.
I managed to do my morning routine and some upkeep cleaning tasks AND the 15 mins of zone cleaning! Living room looks so much better now. So happy for your free content without annoying ads! 🎉
Doing my routines has been helping me heal and recover after surgery and it absolutely made me feel excited and elated for the rest of the day after intentionally focusing yesterday! In fact not only did I feel better I ate healthier and slept better! I find that routines can be a little gift of love to me... From me ❤❤
