I had the opportunity to attend the CHADD conference last week and am excited to be able to share my new education and insight with you here. One thing that someone mentioned to me was that daily routines can help teens, college students and adults as much as they can help young children.
In my workshops and individual coaching sessions, I have helped people devise morning routines and bedtime routines for their children. I had not thought as much about adult routines before the conference. Then I got thinking…. I need a routine for coming home at the end of the work day!
Although I am not diagnosed with ADHD, I have clutter challenges that sometimes leave me frustrated. The most challenging times are when I finish work, pick up the kids and race home to make dinner. I end up just putting everything on the kitchen counter, start dinner and get on with the evening.
So, I am starting my own routine for coming home at the end of the day. For starters, here is my list.
- Take computer to the office.
- Unpack work files & put away.
- Go through mail – file bills, write dates on calendar, add actions to my “to do” list, recycle paper
- Remind kids to unpack their backpacks and ensure they have a homework plan for the evening.
- Start dinner.
It seems so simple, but I tend to jump to step 5 and work everything else into the evening if I can. I think the discipline of this routine is just what I need! I’m going to start my new routine today and I’ll check in to let you know how it goes.
How about you? Do you have a routine you can share?
First day of the new routine – so far, so good. Nothing new on the counter tonight! How about you? Have you set up a routine for yourself yet? How is it working? Good luck!
Laura Rolands
I received some feedback yesterday that establishing routines can be intimidating. Does this resonate with you? Try setting a really short routine. Two things you will do, in order and at a certain time each day. Try it out for a week and let me know how it goes. Small steps will lead to big progress!
Ok Laura,
Let me first say that I really, really, really enjoyed your presentation and tips on coaching. Everyone was engaged as we learned how to address, and get a handle on everyday issues. I felt a sense of empowerment and started to develop a plan for routine in my life. At first it appeared to be very intimidating however taking the smaller steps seems to be the key. Today, I sit in a clean room and clothes prepared for tomorrow. It’s a start.
I know its something we hear everyday however to take action or not was clearer after you left class. I enjoyed your class so much, Im considering taking more coaching classes to eventually become a life coach to help others. Thanks for your insight and inspiration.
I’m so happy that the presentation was helpful for you Shawan and congratulations on your first steps! It would be great to hear from you in a week or so to see how things are going. Let me know if I can help answer any questions in the future.
Ok I just returned from Japan and my room is still clean. So far so good. Im still addressing my smaller goals and achieving smaller task daily. I have agreed with myself in accomplishing one new task daily with home, family and work. Even making simple steps as picking up the phone to reconnect with relatives and friends. I feel that I can breathe a little now. Thanks Laura, In Progress!
Congrats on your progress Shawan! Keep up the great work. I am enjoying a cleaner counter over the last couple weeks. Some painting in my office presented some challenges, but I am happy to say I am back on track. One of my mantras – keep going after setbacks!
~Laura
I just started a laundry routine. It is planned out as to what days I do laundry, which loads I do on which days (e.g., darks and sheets on Mondays), and who brings the clothes from the hamper to the laundry room. I learned the techniques from a book called “Simplify Your Life.” I was surprised to learn how much stress it relieved from my week. Also planned 14 meals and I just rotate the same meals. So much easier than thinking I always had to come up with new ideas. That was also from the book.
You have inspired me to look at other things like, when should I pick up the mail during the day and sort it?
I have always resisted routines and schedules, but I’m learning that people like me (more spontaneous) need routines more than anyone.
My kids REALLY need routines (ADHD) and I had the epiphany like you that part of the problem was that I myself was not in a routine, therefore contributing to the stress in the household.
Love your tips and information Laura!
Thanks for your comments Angela – please check in and let us know how your new routines go for you!