Wonder Woman Wannabe: 31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager

I am slowly beginning to realize than an intentional evening routine actually plays very influential role in preparing for a smooth, successful and productive day ahead...

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An effective evening routine should help you unwind from the day’s stress as well as plan and prepare for a fresh start the following day.

I've always understood and tried to apply the 'wind down' part, but only recently have I attempted to add a bit of planning for the following day.

I was inspired to this end by reading a productivity article on the Momeomagazine.com site entitled,

Business 101 : Put the Power Behind your Personal Productivity - Tips on Creating a Daily Action Plan.

As Home Manager, our home and everyone/thing in it, is our 'business'.

The article suggests taking a few minutes at the end of your day to review your day’s work as it relates to your long and short term goals and get clear in your mind the tasks that need to be addressed the following day.

I must say, it's made a HUGE difference in my personal productivity in my home (as well as with my other professional business as well) to plan ahead so that I can begin the day with more clarity and intentional focus.

This article and several others like it that provide tips on productivity and time management recommend limiting daily tasks to no more than 6 items as to not overwhelm yourself. Think of least one item to work on that will move you towards one of your personal goals, dreams or priorities, as well as the 1-2 things you absolutely MUST complete from a work standpoint. There can be 1-3 additional tasks as well that you can try to do during the day, but your focus will be to finish at least those first 'Most Important Tasks' or MIT's

It's also a good idea to do a few favors for your future 'morning'self in an effort to enter your day with less stress and more clarity: I'm trying to do better at the habit of clearing up the living areas in our home (living/dining/kitchen) each night before I go to bed. Isn't it nicer to start the day in a neat and tidy space?
Another favor to your 'morning self' would be packing lunches and setting out clothes and other gear (for yourself & your children) for the following day.

Allow a decent amount of time to Unwind before bed. Do something you love to do that will help you relax. Maybe it's an evening walk or run, having some special one-on-one time with your spouse, watching a favorite TV show or curling up with a good book. Try to turn off the electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help your brain begin to slow down and prepare for sleep.

Here's my current Evening Routine:

6:00/30 - have all dishes washed or in dishwasher
6:45 - Family 'Tidy-up' Time (this is a work in progress currently) :)
7:00: Start 'bedtime routine' with children
7:30/45 : Lights out for children.
8:00 -10 PM: Blog reading/writing, occasional TV show or movie, reading, time with spouse etc.
10:00 All electronics off, PLAN for following day, journal, perhaps read a bit more...
10:30 Set Alarm and Lights Out in hopes of getting adequate sleep and rising a bit earlier than my children.

Want a few more tips on winding down for the night?

Check out this article:

7 Habits That Will Prepare Your Body for Sleep

Do you have an evening routine? Do you find think that setting action plan in the evenings would be beneficial?