Embracing Flexibility in your Routine

I used to think that a routine needed to be set in stone—something to follow no matter what. But over time, I’ve come to learn that it’s okay to change things up based on the season, my weekly schedule, or how I’m feeling. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about routines, it’s that they should be flexible and adapt to your life. It’s not about perfection, but about what works best for you and your mental health.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my morning and evening routines, how I’ve embraced flexibility, and why I think it’s essential for both mental and physical well-being.

Morning Routine: Flexibility in Action

1. Waking Up & Staying Phone-Free:
   I don’t have my phone near me when I sleep, and I highly recommend not looking at your phone as soon as you wake up. It’s something small, but it makes such a difference to start your day without immediately diving into emails or social media. You should also stretch! We don’t stretch enough. Remember those stretches from gym class? They’re important. They’re necessary.

2. Personal Care:
   My morning routine starts with brushing my teeth and hair, splashing my face with water, and misting with toner. I’m all about simplicity when it comes to skincare, and it’s quick—especially with Dew Mighty Serum Bar to brighten up those dark circles. If you have not tried these bars they are literally magic. It takes just 15 minutes to turn puffy or dark undereyes in to the undereyes I had in my 20s. I am going on year 3 of using this product and it’s worth every penny. It’s amazing how much energy a little skincare boost can give you.

3. Preparing for the Day:
   Depending on the day, I’ll either make eggs or smoothie bowls for the family, pack my 4-year-old’s pureed lunch, make coffee, or prep Benjamin's lunch if I didn’t do it the night before. I’m still in comfy clothes at this point (because who wants to be fully dressed before the kids are out the door?), and it’s important to me to get a little extra sleep.

4. Bullet Coffee:
   I make my Bullet coffee, which is just coffee with butter (grass-fed, of course), and it keeps me full so I can fast until 11 AM. That has been a game-changer for me. And yes, we grind our own coffee beans—there’s something magical about the smell in the air in the mornings.

5. Getting the Kids Ready:
   Then it’s off to school with the kids. Benjamin helps Asher to the car and tucks him in, Pax grumbles but eventually gets there, and I park in the handicap space at the school so Asher can meet his teacher with his wheelchair. I usually share a little bit about his evening or weekend and give him a high five before he heads off for his short day.

Afternoon Routine: Home & Shop Balance

1. After the Drop-off:
   Once I drop off the kids, I go back home, get straight into the shower, and indulge in my current favorite body bar: turmeric, honey, and orange soap. They exfoliate just enough to leave my skin feeling fresh without drying it out.

2. Self-Care & Packing for the Shop:
   Flossing, brushing my teeth again, but for a shorter time and moisturizing my face with tallow are next. Once a week I do wash my face with Kojic scrub too but usually I keep it really really simple. Occassionally I’ll add mascara in if I have a meeting or feel a little dull. It’s so important to look in the mirror each day and tell yourself it’s going to be a good day. This is where I can also check out my own tone physically. I then make an egg and get ready to head out to the shop. The back of my car is always full of jars, invoices, and the never-ending piles of items I need to donate.

3. Staying Flexible with Chores:
   I’m not going to lie: dishes and the kitchen table often get pushed aside. I used to feel guilty about it, but now I know that it’s okay to let certain things slide when you’ve got a million other things to juggle. Mental health over perfection!

Evening Routine: Relaxing & Recharging

1. Dinner Prep & Family Time:
   Whether I’m at the shop or at home, dinner is always a time to connect. I prep early so that my kids can help, and when Benjamin is in charge of cooking, he makes the best meals (he’s a pro at mac n cheese). He’s also really on board with the idea of eating the rainbow, so he sneaks in healthy ingredients where he can just like I do.

2. Evening Relaxation:
   While we don't have family game nights every night like I envisioned it would be like with a big family…, we do have our own wind-down moments. My teenagers go off on their own, Asher plays, and I tend to spend time either crafting, writing, or hanging with one or another child.

3. Self-Care Before Bed:
   I make sure to set aside some time for myself. Whether it’s taking a bath with magnesium flakes or spraying magnesium on my chest, this part of my evening routine helps me calm down before bed. I’m also working on getting enough sleep, which is a constant struggle as a night owl, but I’ve found that adding in some tea (Tulsi or Lemon Balm) helps with relaxation. Satin pillowcases have been a game changer for falling asleep. There’s something so nice about my face and hair on satin. We do sell them in the shop if you haven’t tried them before!

Why Routines Matter for Mental Health & Wellbeing

A routine can help bring structure to your day and, when adapted to your needs, can create a sense of calm and balance. But routines aren’t about perfection—they’re about what feels right for you. Flexibility is key, and it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned. Life is unpredictable, but having a loose framework to return to can help you manage stress and prioritize your wellbeing. And for me, it’s a VERY loose framework some weeks. I feel like people are always asking me “how do you do it all” and my answer really is “by the seat of my pants, with a little luck and lots of support…my village is amazing”.

I hope you enjoyed a little snippet of my routine. I’d love to feature you all and hear from you about your own routines! What works for you, and what have you adapted over time? Let me know and I can always share anonymously!