Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Not sure if this happens to you, but I can finish a day and feel like I have accomplished nothing.

I can get my children off to school, maintain the house by picking up a few things, make the meals, clean up, help with homework, run to and from school, play with my children, and feel exhausted at the end of the day.

In this typical scenario, I did accomplish much as I exerted lots of energy which resulted in a well-fed, well-cared for, and happy family. So, if you are struggling with days where nothing but the ordinary gets done, delight in your no-brainer routines.

My No-brainer Routine

I’m sure you have at least one no-brainer routine. These are routines where you don’t need to think. Your brain goes on auto-pilot, and the task gets done which saves you from exerting brain power and energy.

One of mine is making lunches for my children. I follow the same routine each weekday morning. As long as I am not interrupted, I make the sandwiches, add the snacks, and place the thermoses in their lunch bags.

Without having to think about supplies, items, or which bag gets which item, I accomplish the task with little effort. It is not that the task is mundane, but that I have perfected the system to a no-brainer routine.

Paul’s No-brainer Routine

My husband also has a no-brainer routine in the morning. He puts on his Bat belt (his term for it). He goes through a series of adding his handkerchief, wallet, MP3 player, belt, two cell phones, and other accessories. Leaving any one of these items at home creates a disruption to his day.

However, knowing what he needs, creating a routine, and following that same pattern each day results in a no-brainer routine that saves energy and time.

As you go about your week and you find days where you feel like you haven’t accomplished anything, focus on what tasks you completed. Every day is not going to be Facebook-worthy, but those little tasks repeated day after day serve a purpose. Delight in no-brainer routines because they are the glue that holds your life together.

On those mundane days, look for a bright spot. Give yourself grace. You need to rest, play, and enjoy life. The To-do list is still there and will stay there until you can get to it.

(Writing this to myself as I get tied to my To-Do list way too often. I needed this reminder.) Learning to delight!

Question: What are your no-brainer routines?