The Myth of the Perfect Routine
We all have that one favorite influencer who posts their 6 a.m. “that girl” routine videos. I’ve fallen down the longgg rabbit hole of trying to find the perfect routine that works for me.
In reality, I’ve learned that not having a strict routine is what works best. As I mentioned in another post, I treat my day kind of like “intuitive eating.” I choose what feels right for me in the moment. One of my biggest priorities is not pressuring myself because life’s too short to be stressed!
Even though my Google Calendar looks like this (because why not, it’s so pretty?!), I still find time to be flexible. So, here’s what my daily routine actually looks like and how I stay consistent without being so rigid.
Morning – Ease In and Don’t Explode
My mornings start with sunlight filtering through my apartment window (sometimes shining right into my eyes). Depending on how late I was up the night before, I usually wake up between 6 and 8 a.m.
I used to go to the gym early in the morning, but my mind and body absolutely hate that. So why would I force myself to do something that’s just outright foul?
I pick an outfit for the day and it has to be the right one. I will not leave unless I’ve changed at least twice. Once I’m ready, I make coffee and breakfast, prep my lunch, and head to work. If I’m feeling lazy, I’ll stop at Starbucks (which, I’ll admit, is more often than I’d like to say lol).
The reason I ditched a strict morning routine is because I don’t want to start my day stressed. Sometimes I’ll go to the gym early if I have the energy, but most mornings, I love sleeping in. I stopped setting five alarms and started listening to my body instead.
Work – Structure with Wiggle Room
Some days I work 8–4, others 10–6, or even 12–8. It just depends on what I need to do that day and where I’m needed most.
I organize my day in sections: work for a bit, take a walk, read, then get back into it. Breaks are non-negotiable for my mental health. I also adjust my to-dos based on my energy, mood, or creative flow. I like to work ahead on projects so I can stay flexible when things come up.
Movement & Meals – Nourish, Don’t Punish
Currently, I run at least three times a week and mix in a gym session on alternate days. I don’t follow a strict “Monday = legs” schedule. I just focus on what I’m feeling.
Once I start officially training for a marathon, I’ll have a more structured plan. But for now, I’m listening to my body and aiming to move every day after work, whether that’s a run, walk, or gym session.
This applies to how I eat, too. I practice intuitive eating and try to balance everything while still enjoying myself (yes, that includes ice cream 🍦).
Evenings – Soft Structure
My wind-down routine is simple and cozy: reading, skincare, and comfort TV. At the end of the day, I’ll throw on a face mask and watch a movie to decompress.
Structure helps, but softness keeps it sustainable. It’s never a good idea to go to bed stressed.
Why Flexibility Matters – Life Isn’t Static, and Neither Am I
Having a flexible schedule has given me so much peace of mind. When I’m stressed, my body feels it – I break out, I can’t sleep, and I get nothing done. The less guilt I put into my routine, the more balanced and creative I feel.
With that said, flexibility doesn’t mean letting things slide. If you choose to live with a flexible schedule, you have to stay disciplined. Deadlines still matter; they keep your freedom from turning into chaos. It’s easy to blur the line between rest and procrastination, so stay intentional and follow through.
Outro
Take a second to think about what part of your routine feels too rigid right now. How can you soften it?
If you need a little inspiration, here’s a downloadable checklist for ways to add more flexibility to your daily routine.
Until next time,
Callie
Nine to Thrive. 
Leave a comment