Creating a Daily Routine That Works for You and Your Side Hustle

Creating a Daily Routine That Works for You and Your Side Hustle

Balancing family life, housework, and a side hustle can be incredibly challenging for stay-at-home mums. A well-structured daily routine can help you manage your time effectively, reduce stress, and ensure you meet your personal and professional goals. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies for creating a daily routine that works for you and your side hustle, all while maintaining a nurturing and knowledgeable tone.

1. Assess Your Priorities

The first step in creating an effective daily routine is understanding your priorities. Consider the following:

• Family Needs: Determine the key responsibilities and activities that involve your family, such as school drop-offs, meals, and quality time.
• Household Chores: Identify the essential daily and weekly chores that keep your home running smoothly.
• Side Hustle Goals: Clarify your side hustle goals and the tasks required to achieve them. This might include working on projects, marketing, and client communication.
• Self-Care: Don’t forget to prioritize self-care. Ensure you allocate time for activities that recharge and nurture you.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is crucial for creating a manageable routine. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks:

• Daily Goals: Set specific, achievable goals for each day. This might include completing a side hustle task, doing a load of laundry, and spending time with your family.
• Weekly Goals: Plan your week with broader goals, such as finishing a project, deep-cleaning the house, or having a family outing.
• Long-Term Goals: Keep your long-term goals in mind, such as growing your side hustle or maintaining a well-organized home, and align your daily and weekly tasks to support these objectives.

3. Create a Daily Schedule

A well-structured daily schedule is the backbone of a productive routine. Here’s how to create one:

• Morning Routine: Start your day with a consistent morning routine that sets a positive tone. This might include activities like meditation, exercise, breakfast, and reviewing your to-do list.
• Work Blocks: Allocate specific blocks of time for your side hustle tasks. Choose times when you’re most productive and least likely to be interrupted. For instance, you might work during your children’s nap time or after they’ve gone to bed.
• Household Tasks: Schedule time for household chores. Break these tasks into smaller chunks and distribute them throughout the day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Family Time: Ensure you dedicate quality time to your family each day. This could be during meals, playtime, or a family activity in the evening.
• Evening Routine: Wind down with an evening routine that helps you relax and prepare for the next day. This might include reading, journaling, or a warm bath.

4. Use Time Management Tools

Time management tools can help you stay organized and on track. Here are some tools to consider:

• Planners and Calendars: Use a physical planner or digital calendar to schedule your tasks and appointments. Color-code different activities to make it easy to see your daily priorities.
• To-Do Lists: Create daily to-do lists to keep track of your tasks. Apps like Todoist, Trello, or Microsoft To Do can help you organise and prioritise your tasks effectively.
• Timers and Alarms: Use timers or alarms to remind you of scheduled tasks and ensure you stay on track. The Pomodoro technique, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, can be particularly effective.

5. Incorporate Flexibility

While a structured routine is important, it’s equally important to remain flexible. Life is unpredictable, especially with a family, and being adaptable can help you manage unexpected changes without feeling stressed.

• Buffer Time: Include buffer time between tasks to account for any delays or interruptions. This can help you stay on schedule even when things don’t go as planned.
• Adjust as Needed: Be willing to adjust your routine as needed. If a particular schedule isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it.
• Stay Calm: Remember that it’s okay if everything doesn’t go according to plan. Staying calm and flexible will help you manage your time more effectively.

6. Delegate Tasks

Delegating tasks can significantly reduce your workload and help you focus on your priorities. Involve your family in household chores and seek support when needed.

• Family Involvement: Assign age-appropriate chores to your children and involve your partner in household tasks. This not only lightens your load but also teaches your children responsibility.
• Outsource When Possible: Consider outsourcing tasks that you don’t have time for, such as hiring a cleaner or using a meal delivery service.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family members when you need it. A support system can make a big difference.

7. Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care is essential for maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

• Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your day, even if it’s just a short walk or a quick workout at home. Exercise can boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
• Rest and Relaxation: Ensure you get enough rest and relaxation. Take breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout.
• Hobbies and Interests: Make time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy. Engaging in activities you love can reduce stress and bring joy to your day.

8. Review and Reflect

Regularly reviewing and reflecting on your routine can help you identify what’s working and what needs adjustment. Here’s how to do it:

• Weekly Review: At the end of each week, take some time to review your routine. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
• Adjust Goals: Adjust your goals and tasks based on your reflections. Set new goals for the coming week to keep yourself motivated and on track.
• Stay Positive: Focus on your achievements and progress. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and stay positive about your efforts.

Sample Daily Routine

Here’s a sample daily routine to inspire you:

Morning:

• 6:30 AM: Wake up, meditate, and do a short workout
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast with the family
• 7:30 AM: Review to-do list and plan the day
• 8:00 AM: School drop-off and morning chores

Mid-Morning:

• 9:00 AM: Work block for side hustle tasks
• 11:00 AM: Break and light snack
• 11:15 AM: Continue working on side hustle or household tasks

Afternoon:

• 12:30 PM: Lunch and quick relaxation break
• 1:00 PM: Work block for side hustle tasks or personal projects
• 3:00 PM: School pick-up and family time

Evening:

• 4:00 PM: Household chores and prep dinner
• 5:30 PM: Dinner with the family
• 6:30 PM: Family activity or playtime
• 7:30 PM: Evening chores and bedtime routine for kids

Night:

• 8:30 PM: Wind down with a book, journaling, or a relaxing activity
• 9:30 PM: Prepare for bed and get a good night’s sleep

Creating a daily routine that works for you and your side hustle is essential for managing your time effectively and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By assessing your priorities, setting realistic goals, creating a structured schedule, using time management tools, incorporating flexibility, delegating tasks, prioritising self-care, and regularly reviewing your routine, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, the key to a successful routine is finding what works best for you and your family. With patience and persistence, you can create a routine that supports your personal and professional goals while ensuring you stay happy and healthy.