by Dr. Christine Li
If you're anything like me, you've probably wondered how to create productive routines that actually work. For a long time, my mornings felt chaotic, and my evenings were consumed by anxiety. But over time, I've found ways to turn both into structured, productive routines that consistently set me up for success.
As a psychologist and procrastination coach, I’ve had the opportunity to help thousands of people move past procrastination and overwhelm, and one of the best tools for doing so is establishing solid routines. Routines don’t just make us more productive—they also help us feel more in control, calm, and focused on our big goals. If you’re looking to become more productive or even just feel a little calmer each day, routines might be just what you need. I’m excited to share how I’ve built my own routines and how you can, too.
My Morning Routine: From Night Owl to Productive Early Bird
I wasn’t always a morning person. In fact, I was a solid night owl, often staying up well past midnight to get things done. But about ten years ago, I realized that the only time I could carve out for blogging and building my online presence was in the early morning. Even though it was a huge shift for me, I found I loved the peace and quiet that came with the morning hours. There was something so refreshing about the sunlight streaming in and knowing that I had uninterrupted time to focus.
That initial commitment to writing in the mornings has grown into a routine that includes other habits like meditation, a quick gratitude practice, walking my dog, and even listening to podcasts or audiobooks. While it might sound like a lot, I’ve found that layering these habits together in a way that feels natural—not rushed or forced—makes it all very doable. More importantly, having this routine sets the tone for the rest of my day. I feel more in control, organized, and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.
If you’ve been feeling like your mornings are a frantic rush or that you wake up already behind, I encourage you to experiment with a morning routine. Start small—whether it’s just five minutes of quiet reflection, stretching, or listening to your favorite song—and build from there. The key is to show yourself that you are the boss of your day.
My Evening Routine: Winding Down for Better Sleep and Less Stress
While my morning routine has been in place for a while, my evening routine is a more recent development. For years, I would work late into the night, only to find myself wide awake, scrolling through social media when I should have been sleeping. Not exactly the healthiest habit, right?
Recently, I’ve become more intentional about winding down in the evenings. I’ve started setting up a routine that helps me transition from work mode to rest mode. One of my favorite new habits is taking a warm bath with Epsom salts. I use this time to relax, sometimes listening to soothing music without lyrics to calm my mind. It’s been a game changer for me—not just in how I feel at night, but in how well I sleep and how rested I feel the next day.
Now, I’ll be honest: putting down my phone at night is still a struggle. But I’m working on it, and I try not to be too hard on myself when I slip up. I hope you can adopt the same kind approach with yourself as you develop your own evening routine. Start with something small that feels good, whether it’s a cup of tea, reading a few pages of a book, or journaling for a few minutes before bed. Just like in the morning, your evening routine is your opportunity to remind yourself that you are in control and that you deserve to end the day in a way that feels calm and nurturing.
Productive Routines: Your Key to Success
Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, routines can bring a sense of structure, peace, and productivity to your life. They’re not about being rigid or sticking to a strict schedule—they’re about giving yourself the tools to feel in control of your day. Start with small steps and build from there, and remember that the real magic comes from consistency.
The more you practice productive routines, the more you’ll see the benefits—whether that’s feeling less anxious, more focused, or just more in tune with yourself. And if you ever feel like you’re struggling to stick with a routine, remind yourself that every small step forward is still progress.
I’ve created a free download to help you build your own routine! You can get it by visiting maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/routine. I hope it helps you get started on your journey to creating routines that support your goals and bring more calm into your daily life.
