Ever wonder how some moms and dads seem to have this parenting thing down to a science? It might just be the magic of Getting Things Done Framework. In this blog, let’s chat about the not-so-secret secret behind those seemingly super-organized parents and how having a framework can be a game-changer in the chaotic world of parenting.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” James Clear, Atomic Habits
Scientists say routines are like superheroes for our feelings. They help us feel less worried and more satisfied with life. Imagine having a routine like working out, mediation, eating breakfast or spending dedicated time with family. According to Harvard Business Review, a whopping 92% of highly productive individuals credit their success to a structured daily routine. But it’s not reserved for the elite; even for the average person, a daily routine proves to be a stress-buster on various levels. Northwestern Medicine asserts that maintaining a routine positively impacts both mental and physical well-being.
Source: https://thrivemyway.com/morning-routine-stats/
How can one incorporate small changes and get things done? Let’s kick off by talking to our usr Soniya on exploring essential morning and evening routine habits that you can seamlessly incorporate into your day.
Hi Soniya! Thanks for being a regular Fhynix user. Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Soniya, a commerce graduate with a decade-long career at Oracle in various roles. I started as a Sales Support Specialist and now am a Resource Analyst. Amidst my professional journey, I’ve also embraced the fulfilling roles of being a mother to two wonderful kids—a 7-year-old girl, Myra and a 3-month-old boy, Vayu. Balancing my career and family, I took a brief hiatus after the birth of my first child. Fortunately, I rejoined Oracle and have been successfully working from home ever since. In our cozy nuclear family, my husband, two kids, and I are accompanied by my supportive mother-in-law.
Great! How does your typical day look like?
Now that I have a newborn, my day looks a bit different. But before my newborn, I used to wake up at 6:30, get Myra ready for school. Once she leaves for school at 8:20, I start with my day. I do some Yoga till 10:00 and then start my workday. I love gardening so I try doing that for 10 mins sometime in the day. I have a working lunch and work till Myra returns. I take some tea break and spend time with her and then get back to work by 5 PM. On most days, my work gets done by 10 PM post which I put her to sleep. After my newborn, since I’m on maternity leave, I am not working but I try to take out time for myself. I now sleep whenever Vayu, my newborn sleeps and wake up whenever he wakes up.
How do you manage school reminders, doctor appts, work tasks, to-do lists with Fhynix?
I never used any tools before. I used to set alarms for very important tasks, which were only helpful at times. I had notes on my app. But, now once I got introduced to Fhynix, it’s been a life changer. I love the Fhynix whatsapp, especially when I don’t have my hands free with the newborn, it does everything for me. I just send a voice note and it schedules everything and sends me all the important reminders. This helps me a lot.
Do you have tips on Morning Rituals for Parents?
Mornings can be a bit of a rush. Whether you’re rushing off to work or managing the home front, a handful of intentional rituals can turn the chaos into a calm and collected start. Below are a few rituals that parents can introduce in their morning routine.
- Early Exercise Boost: Kickstart your day with a brief exercise routine. It could be a brisk walk, a few stretches, or a quick workout for your body and mind.
- Fuel for the Day: Prioritize a healthy breakfast. Grab a smoothie on the go or sit down for a meal – start the day with good nutrition to sustain your energy levels.
- Focused Mindset: Dedicate a few minutes to mindfulness. Meditation, affirmations, or a quiet moment with your coffee, centering your mind prepares you for the demands of the day.
- Planning Power: Invest a few minutes in planning your day. Jot down tasks, set goals, or establish priorities to provide clarity and structure.
Choose the rituals that resonate with you, creating a morning routine that aligns with your lifestyle. These small moments of intentionality can have a profound impact on the positivity and productivity of your day.
Thank you! Lot of parents ask about tips for evening habits to wind down.
As the day winds down, calming habits can help us relax. Turn off your phones and spend quality time with family . Read a book or practice gratitude to make your evenings peaceful. Below are a few options that you can start practicing:
- Digital Detox: Disconnect from electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
- Time blocking: Dedicate a block of time to your family. It could be a shared meal, a casual conversation, or engaging in a simple family activity.
- Reading: A Bedtime ritual by reading with kids is a great way to spend quality time and explore the love for books as a family.
- Gratitude and Journaling: Take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your day. Jot down a few things in a gratitude journal or simply think about them, acknowledging the good moments and experience contentment.
Experiment with different rituals to discover what brings a sense of calm and serenity to your nights, making the transition to bedtime smoother and more rejuvenating.
Which instgram handles do you recommend parents to follow?
- 1% Club:Helps with financial literacy and opportunities to invest
- Modern.day.Psychologist:Focuses on physical and mental well-being with tips, exercises and routines.
- Rujuta Diwekar:Follow this for nutrition tips for the entire family that focuses on clean eating.
- OurPact:: Teaches kids to use digital sources responsibility and keeps kids safe.
What three qualities would you like to see in your children when they grow up?
- Confidence: I hope to see my children cultivate confidence, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with self-assurance and resilience.
- Pursuing Their Dreams: I aspire for my children to fearlessly pursue their passions and dreams, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their journeys.
- Speak Out for Themselves: I wish for my children to develop the courage to speak out, advocating for their beliefs and needs, fostering a strong sense of self-expression and assertiveness.
Support systems & resources to help manage your life
Parenting is a rollercoaster, and sometimes, we all need a little extra support to make the ride smoother. Thankfully, the tech world is full of amazing tools that can be your sidekick in this adventure. Our series of Top Parenting Apps will help you find the right tools to plan your daily, weekly routines enabling you to live a more fulfilling life.
As parents, it’s crucial to recognize that change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating intentional morning and evening rituals, we can set the tone for each day, transforming rushed moments into calm, collected beginnings and peaceful endings. Hope my tips on getting things done are useful!