Getting everything done!!!!

Sometimes it just feels like there isn't enough time in the day to do everything you both want and need to do, and unfortunately the things you need to do usually come first. But in order to get everything done you usually need a routine. I've already done a blog about scheduling (the second half of the blog). This blog will be a continuation of that, but also tips and tricks on setting up your routine. 

Routine:

• Cleaning: It takes time to clean your entire apartment. This is why it should be cleaned everyday. Make a habit of cleaning major parts of your apartment everyday. For instance, your toilet on Mondays, your shower on Tuesdays, vacuum on Wednesdays... But every night make sure your counters are wiped clean and dishes are all put away. Create a music playlist of some of your favorite songs to play during this time. Make it long enough to get everything (30 minutes plus), and do work until its done! Find things that need to get done! But, once the play list is over, stop (well, finish your task)! If you continue with something you don't want to do you may get burnt out and not want to do it for awhile= a messy living space :-(. 
• Projects: Do something around your apartment everyday to better it. For instance, if you just moved in over the past few weeks you may not have unpacked everything, such as dvds or shoes (it took me a month to unpack my sandals because I moved in winter), spend a little time everyday doing these things. Sometimes they do cost money, such as doing decorative crafts for your apartment. But if you go to a craft store you can buy things from scratch, spend more time on them, and have less time for a new craft. This could be time you would have usually spent watching tv. You will feel much more accomplished and sleep much better knowing that these things are done, and you'll end up with a great looking apartment! 
• Bills: Get into the habit of putting your bills in a specific spot as soon as you walk in. If you set them on the counter with the rest of your mail, they may end up being thrown away with the rest of your junk mail- not good! So go ahead and put them here. Then pay them by the end of the night. Make a habit of glancing over as you straighten your apartment to look at your bills and then pay any that haven't been paid. It only takes a minute, but it's better than having bad credit! 
• Laundry: Do your laundry on a set pattern, whether it be once a week or once every two weeks. Do it in a set way. For instance, I do it when I go to the gym. I put it in, go work out, come back and move it, shower, and by the point that I'm ready it's about ready. And put it away immediately! 
• Exercise: Exercise is very important, but the excuse that some people use is that they don't have time. It's actually that they don't make time. There are desk exercises you can do while you work, but if you prefer to go to the gym you need to work it into your routine. Do it every time you have a day off, or a shorter work day, if you work shift work like me. Or, if you work a set 9-5 job, work out one or two weekend days, and then one or two more days after work. Maybe keep a few sets of workout clothes in the trunk of your car (but wash them after every use) so that you don't get tired or wrapped up in something else when you stop by your house. Do it every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, or every day you have set. Also have a set time. For instance, I go at noon every time, because Desperate Housewives plays at noon on weekdays. 

Scheduling

• Doctor's Appointments: There are those things that you have to schedule, that can't become part of your routine. Things such as doctors appointments. Write down the date that you would like for them to be, and make a note of when you should make the appointment. For instance, if you had your last dentist appointment in mid-January, make a note mid-May to make an appointment for mid-July. Check you work calendar to make sure there aren't any business trips or important meetings already set up. But check to see the last date you can cancel your appointment without penalty, because trips and meetings come up! Some offices also have weekend and evening hours. It's not common, but if you find one, go here if asking for a few hours off is an issue. 
  
• Friends, family and relationships: Write all of these down in your planner! Make all of these official. And make time for each group once a week. For instance, make room for at least one friend (preferably more, but at least one for your own sanity), make time for your family once (I have spaghetti with my parents every Sunday, but unfortunately not everyone lives near family) and make time for a significant other once a week (if you don't have one try to go out on a date at least a few times a month, for your own sanity). 

It is very necessary to have a routine in order to get everything done, just as necessary to be organized to pay your bills. Having a routine allows you to get used to things, allowing you to do things. A routine isn't for everyone, but it sure does help me get everything done!