Look, I know you’re no stranger to trying to keep things in order, but when you’re deep in the whirlwind of ADHD life, the finer details of creating effective routines can feel impossible to pin down. Before you know it, you’re overwhelmed and unsure where to even begin.
Don’t worry—that’s exactly what this article is here for. I’ll explain what routine building is and why it’s a foundational skill for ADHD moms who want to feel calm, organized, and in control of their day-to-day lives.
What Is Routine Building?
At its most basic, routine building is the process of creating a predictable sequence of tasks that you follow regularly to simplify your life.
Let’s dig a little deeper: Routine building is about establishing structured patterns for recurring activities, such as morning wake-ups, meal prep, or bedtime. These patterns help reduce decision fatigue, improve focus, and create consistency.
And finally, for those looking to master the art, advanced routine building involves tailoring routines to align with your personal energy levels, priorities, and ADHD tendencies. This includes adding flexibility for life’s unpredictability while ensuring that essential tasks get done.
If you’re new to this concept, don’t worry: you can build routines that stick. Want to dive deeper? Download my free ADHD Mom’s Routine Toolkit for step-by-step guides and templates.
Why Should You Care About Routine Building?
I’m all about helping you find what works best for your brain, and I’ll let you decide if routines are worth your time. But let me give you a few compelling reasons why ADHD moms swear by them:
- They Simplify Decision-Making Routines eliminate the need to decide what to do next, saving mental energy for other important things.
- They Reduce Overwhelm Knowing exactly what to expect from your day—even if it’s just a few key tasks—can help calm the chaos.
- They Create Predictability ADHD brains often crave structure but struggle to create it. Routines provide a reliable framework to fall back on.
- They Build Momentum A well-crafted routine helps you start your day with purpose and sets a positive tone for the hours ahead.
Important: Don’t think that just because you’re using routines, you’re stuck in rigid patterns. The truth is, routines should work with your ADHD brain, not against it.
Routine Building in Action
How routine building affects your life is just as important as understanding what it is. Let me give you a real-world example:
My client, Jess, used to feel like her mornings were spiraling out of control. By the time she got her kids to school, she was already exhausted and unmotivated for the rest of the day. Together, we worked on a simple morning routine:
- 6:30 a.m.: Wake up and drink water
- 6:40 a.m.: Make coffee and prepare breakfast
- 7:00 a.m.: Pack lunches
- 7:15 a.m.: Get kids dressed and ready for school
By sticking to this sequence, Jess started her mornings with more clarity and calm. She didn’t think it was possible for routines to work with her ADHD brain, but now they’re her secret weapon for a smoother day.
3 Tips for Mastering Routine Building
Raise your hand if you still feel a little lost or think routines won’t work for you. Be honest! 🙋♀️
That’s no problem—here are some extra tips to get you started:
- Start Small Don’t try to overhaul your entire day at once. Begin with one small routine, like a bedtime wind-down or a 5-minute morning task.
- Use Visual Cues Write down your routine or use a checklist to remind yourself of each step. ADHD brains thrive on visual reminders.
- Make It Rewarding Pair a routine with something you enjoy, like listening to music during chores or rewarding yourself with a favorite treat after completing a sequence.
For an in-depth look at how to create ADHD-friendly routines, check out my blog post on “The Distracted Diva’s Guide to Staying Organized.”
Let’s wrap this up, shall we? The key takeaways from this post are:
- Routine building creates structure, simplifies decision-making, and reduces overwhelm.
- It helps ADHD moms establish predictability and build momentum for their day.
- Starting small, using visual cues, and making routines rewarding can help you master this skill.
At Distracted Diva, I make it my mission to help ADHD moms create lives that feel calm, organized, and achievable.
If you want to learn more or work with me, drop me a line here. I love hearing from readers who are ready to transform their days with confidence.
Pssst, you can also check out my free ADHD Mom’s Routine Toolkit. It includes:
- A routine-building template
- Step-by-step instructions for creating personalized routines
- Tips for sticking with your new habits
Click here to grab your free Routine Toolkit now! And don’t forget to join me on Facebook and share your progress with the community!
