Building a daily routine that prioritises more than just work is essential for your overall well-being. It’s about making time for your personal growth, relationships, and relaxation- things that make life meaningful outside of your career.
So how do you create a balanced routine that leaves room for work and everything else? Here’s how to start:
1. Define Your Priorities
The first step is understanding what matters most to you beyond work. Is it your health, relationships, hobbies, or personal growth? Once you’ve identified these priorities, you can start making intentional choices about where your time and energy go each day.
For example, if spending time with family is a priority, you might set aside a specific time in your day to be fully present with them- no phones, no work talk. Or if health is high on your list, you can carve out time for exercise every morning.
2. Start with Small, Non-Negotiable Rituals
A balanced routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by introducing small, non-negotiable habits that support your priorities. These can be as simple as:
- Morning stretches or a 10-minute workout to prioritise physical health
- Journaling for your mental well-being
- Evening walks with a loved one to nurture your relationships
- Reading for 20 minutes to engage your mind beyond work tasks
By committing to even one small ritual that aligns with your priorities, you’ll begin to feel more balance in your day.
3. Block Time for Work, Rest, and Play
We tend to block off time for work but often neglect rest and play. A balanced routine ensures that you’re making time for all three. Here’s how:
- Work: Establish clear working hours that align with your energy peaks. If possible, schedule your most challenging tasks during your most productive hours.
- Rest: Make rest part of your routine. This could mean taking regular breaks throughout your workday, getting fresh air during lunch, or simply unplugging from technology for a while.
- Play: Yes, you need to schedule fun! Whether it’s watching your favorite show, working on a hobby, or spending time with friends, make room for activities that bring you joy.
4. Set Boundaries for a Healthier Work-Life Balance
To create a routine that’s truly balanced, you’ll need to set clear boundaries around your work time. This could mean:
- No work after a specific time (e.g., 6 p.m.) so you have space for personal time
- Blocking off weekends or evenings for rest and hobbies
- Turning off notifications during non-work hours to avoid distractions
The key is to protect your personal time as fiercely as you protect your work commitments. This allows you to recharge and show up fully for both work and life.
5. Prioritise Sleep and Self-Care
Sleep is often the first thing to go when we’re busy, but it’s crucial for maintaining balance. Make sure you’re getting enough rest each night by establishing a consistent bedtime routine. This could include winding down with a book, practising mindfulness, or dimming the lights to signal to your body that it’s time for rest.
In addition to sleep, self-care practices like eating nourishing meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in activities that relax you are essential for a well-rounded routine. Remember, self-care isn’t a luxury- it’s a necessity.
6. Be Flexible and Adjust as Needed
Life happens, and not every day will go according to plan. That’s okay. The beauty of a balanced routine is that it’s flexible. If you have a particularly busy day at work, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t fit in everything. Adjust and return to your routine the next day.
As long as you’re making an effort to prioritise more than just work most of the time, you’ll find that balance comes naturally.
7. Reflect and Refine Your Routine Regularly
Take time to reflect on your routine every few weeks. Ask yourself:
- Am I feeling balanced?
- What’s working well?
- Where do I need to make adjustments?
By regularly checking in with yourself, you can refine your routine to ensure it’s meeting your needs- not just for work, but for life outside of it too.