How to build a routine using time blocking

Today, I am going to teach you how to build a routine using time blocking. This can be a very useful skill, especially now that many of you have had your usual routine thrown off balance due to the current situation.

The importance of building a routine

Building a routine is a great thing to do. It can help you build habits that you like and break those that you don’t by allowing you to plan what you are doing in advance. This means if you know you have homework planned from 8 pm to 10 pm, once you get used to your schedule, you are less likely to spend this time watching TV instead.

Building a routine also has the advantage of creating structure in your life. So many people feel that their life is in chaos right now due to the situation we are in, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Even in more certain times, having a routine can help you with a sense of structure.

Efficiency is another huge advantage of building a routine. Why might this be? You have the ability to plan tasks to fit together in the way that makes the most sense. That way, you are using your time most efficiently.

What is time blocking?

Time blocking is a method of scheduling. Essentially, you create a block for each of your activities and assign it a certain time.

You are dividing your day into time blocks and using this to keep yourself organized.

Certain task(s) go in each block and during that time, that is your primary focus. You will not be working on other things.

Of course, things may come up from time to time, but it’s important to try to stick to your routine as closely as you can.

Building your routine

Now, let’s start building your routine using time blocking.

Step 1: List essential activities

What activities are essential to you for the coming week? No one else can make this call but you. Some things you definitely want to schedule are cooking and eating, showering, sleeping, and work time if you have a job or homework time if you are a student.

Some other things you may want to think about are that one TV show you really can’t miss, exercise (if that is essential to you), pet care, child care, chores, and scheduled family time.

Once you have made a list of all of these things, think about how long each of them will take and write that beside each task.

Step 2: List nonessential activities

Now, it’s time to list your nonessential activities. These are the activities that it would be nice if you were able to get done, but if they don’t get done, it will also be okay.

Some of these activities may include time spent on hobbies, less important chores, and errands that could be done the following week.

Once you have listed each of these activities out, it’s time to write down how long each one would likely take.

Step 3: Schedule essential activities

Next, we will be scheduling essential activities. There are a number of ways you can create a schedule, but I have been using Google Calendar and I love it.

First, schedule in the activities that you have to do at a certain time. For example, if you have a conference call at 10 am on Monday, that needs to be scheduled before you can schedule things like exercise time.

Then, schedule in the activities that are essential but don’t have as strict of a time. This may include things such as walking your dog or cleaning the house.

Step 4: Schedule nonessential activities

Now, go back to your list of nonessential activities. It’s time to see what has room to fit in your schedule.

First, anything that would have to be done at a time that an essential activity has to be done can get crossed off your list. For example, watching a Facebook Live video at midnight if that’s when you’re supposed to be sleeping is off the list.

Then, try to prioritize which activities matter the most to you. Try to fit these in around the rest of your schedule.

Recognize that not everything is going to fit, and that’s okay.

Task batching

What about when you have a bunch of activities to add to this routine you are building but you still don’t know what order is best for those activities that can be done anytime?

That’s where task batching comes in.

Task batching allows you to pick the activities that have something in common and group them together.

For example, if you have to clean the house, it makes sense to group all the activities involved in cleaning the house together rather than cleaning the toilet and then reading something for school and then coming back to clean the sink.

Final tips

1. If you are looking for things to fill your schedule while you are stuck at home, check out this blog post.
2. Make sure you have free time scheduled. You can’t stay focused on projects all day. It’s important to take breaks.
3. Review your routine each week. Think about what worked and what didn’t. Change it up, if necessary.
4. Make sure you are utilizing task batching!
5. Don’t be too harsh on yourself or too strict. It’s okay if something doesn’t go perfectly according to plan. Sometimes things take a little longer than planned or something comes up and that is okay!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments in the comment box down below, or contact me here. Make sure you sign up for my email list below to receive all the latest updates from me!

Until next time,

Danna