Simple Routines That Save Me Hours Every Week (and Reduce Mental Load)

Life feels easier with a few simple routines in place. Whether it’s a quick evening reset or a weekly meal plan, these small habits save me hours each week and help lighten my mental load. In this post, I’m sharing the simple routines that truly make a difference in my home and daily life.

HOW TO USE SIMPLE ROUTINES TO SAVE TIME AND MAKE LIFE EASIER

Life is busy, and when you’re juggling work, home, family and everything in between, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That invisible “mental load” – the endless list of things we’re keeping track of – can quietly drain our time and energy before the day’s even begun.

Over the years, I’ve found that simple routines are one of the most effective ways to reduce that load and generally be more productive without having to put in more effort. They free up brain space, save me hours every week, and help our home run more smoothly with less stress.

7 SIMPLE ROUTINES FOR MORE TIME AND LESS STRESS

If you’re feeling stretched thin, here are some of the small but powerful routines that make a big difference in my own life — and how you can try them too.

1. The Sunday Reset

Every Sunday evening, I spend about 30 minutes resetting our home and week ahead. It’s not a deep clean or an overhaul – just a gentle tidy and plan.

What it looks like:

• Quick tidy of main living areas
• Prep uniforms, bags and lunches for Monday
• Review the calendar and write a basic weekly plan
• Jot down the meals we’ll eat (even if it’s just 3–4 ideas)

This routine helps me start the week feeling calmer and more in control. It also cuts out that Monday morning panic where nothing is ready!

Tip: If Sunday doesn’t work for you, try a different day. The key is to build in a short weekly rhythm that helps you feel prepared.

Further Reading: 10 Simple Steps to Plan the Week Ahead for a More Stress-Free Life

2. Morning Flow (Not a Strict Routine)

I’m not a fan of rigid hour-by-hour schedules. But having a flow to my mornings helps the day start on the right foot.

My morning rhythm:

• Wake up before the kids (even 15 mins helps)
• Quick tidy or laundry load while the kettle boils
• Set intentions for the day (I use a simple notepad or planner)
• Breakfast and get everyone ready

I don’t always manage all of this, especially in tough seasons, but even one or two steps makes the morning smoother and sets a positive tone.

Further Reading: My Minimalist Morning Routine

3. Evening Wind-Down Routine

Evenings used to be a chaotic mix of last-minute jobs, late dinners, and feeling wired and tired but unable to fall asleep because of my never-ending mental To Do list. Now I try to create a calmer close to the day.

My current wind-down:

• Load the dishwasher and wipe kitchen counters
• Set out clothes or essentials for the next day
• Write tomorrow’s top 3 priorities
• Read or journal for 10 minutes before bed

It’s nothing fancy, but it helps me “empty my head” before sleep, so I’m not lying there thinking about everything I need to do.

Further Reading: 7 Calming Evening Habits for Better Sleep and an Uncluttered Mind

4. 5-Minute Daily Declutter

I used to wait until the house was a mess before decluttering. Or rather, I wouldn’t prioritise tidying and organising because there always seemed so much else to do which made it feel like a huge, exhausting task. Now that I understand the physical and mental health benefits of having a clutter-free and calm home, it’s a priority for me and I build it into daily life.

Here’s how:

• Keep a donation basket somewhere easy to access
• Each day, put 1–3 things in there
• Sort and action incoming paperwork daily
• Check and action my emails twice a day – no more, no less
• Encourage your family to join in

Some days I do more, but even a few minutes here and there add up. This habit keeps clutter from creeping back in and makes the house easier to manage long-term.

I do this while waiting for the kettle to boil or the microwave to ping — micro-moments really matter.

Further Reading: How to Create Daily Decluttering Routine

5. Meal Planning Routine

Meal planning isn’t about rigidly sticking to a plan. It’s about reducing the daily mental load of “what’s for dinner?” This has probably been my nemesis for so many years and I tried all sorts of complicated meal planning systems. Now I keep it very, very simple and it works really well for us.

My routine:

• Once a week (usually Sunday), I jot down 4–5 meal ideas
• I check the fridge/freezer to avoid buying things we already have
• I loosely match meals to busy/quiet days
• It saves time, cuts down on food waste, and reduces decision fatigue — especially on those days when I’m too tired to think straight or we’re in a rush.

Further Reading: Meal-Planning Made Simple

6. Weekly Laundry Rhythm

Laundry used to pile up and become a mountain. Now I do one small load a day, folded and put away the same day (most of the time!).

I’ve also simplified our wardrobes, so we need less and have fewer decisions to make — which has helped more than I expected.

Further Reading: How to Declutter Your Clothes and Free Up Time, Energy and Effort Each Day

7. Monthly Reflection and Planning

At the end of each month, I carve out 20–30 minutes with a cup of tea, my notebook and a quiet corner. I ask myself:

• What worked well this month?
• What felt stressful or out of balance?
• What do I want to focus on next month?

I review any goals, look ahead to birthdays or events, and write down 1–2 things I want to simplify or improve. This monthly check-in helps me make intentional choices and avoid repeating habits that don’t serve me.

Further Reading: How to Use a Monthly Checklist to Simplify Your Life

CONCLUSION

You don’t need rigid routines or perfect systems to save time and reduce stress. What matters is having repeatable habits that support your life and lighten your mental load.

Start small. Choose one area that feels heavy and try a simple routine that could help. Keep it simple, uncomplicated and realistic.

Over time, these small rhythms will add up to smoother days, a calmer home and mind, and more time for the things that matter.

Routines aren’t about doing more or adding to your To Do list. They’re about making life easier, day by day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some common questions I get asked about setting up routines. I thought it might be helpful to include them here in case they help you too.

1. I Struggle To Stick To Routines. What Should I Do?

Keep it simple and flexible. Instead of trying to overhaul everything, start with one small habit and build from there. Track progress for motivation, and don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day.

2. How Do I Get My Family On Board With Routines?

Lead by example. Start with routines that affect you first, then gently involve others with simple tasks (like everyone tidying for 5 minutes after dinner). Clear communication helps.

3. What if my schedule is unpredictable?

Use routines as flexible anchors, not fixed schedules. Even in busy seasons, a basic reset routine or a quick tidy can make a big difference without needing a set time each day.

4. Are routines just another thing to add to my To Do list?

A good routine removes tasks from your To Do list by making them automatic. They reduce decision fatigue and help you feel more on top of things with less effort over time.

HAVE YOU GOT A COPY OF SIMPLE PRODUCTIVITY?

If you’re ready to get more organised and make the most of your time without feeling overwhelmed, the Simple Productivity Workbook and Planner can help.

It includes a guided workbook section to help you understand how you’re spending your time, what’s working (and what’s not), and how to set up supportive routines.

Plus, with over 50 printable planning pages — from To Do lists and habit trackers to meal plans and cleaning schedules — it’s a practical toolkit to bring calm and clarity to your days.

Click here to check it out and start simplifying your time today.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some articles you might enjoy on setting up routines and creating helpful habits:

• 10 Minimalist Habits and Routines for a Simple, Clutter-Free Life
• 10 Simple Household Routines to Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
• Why You Keep Re-Cluttering (and How to Finally Break the Cycle)
• 10 Great Organisation Habits to Help You Declutter and Simplify Your Life
• 7 Productive Habits to Help You Declutter Your Time and Get More Done Each Day
• Redefining Productivity (So It Actually Supports You)

GRAB YOUR FREE WORKBOOK

Let’s create some simple routines for your home. Grab your free Household Routines Workbook which will walk you through the process – without feeling like you’re adding to your To Do list!