September 25, 2018
Some might say that it’s odd to have a love for routines, but I (Sara) have found a passion for them. Yes, a passion for routines!
Michelle and I have talked about it before that being a small business owner is hard work. You have to have a GOOD work-life balance that can be really difficult at times. You hit seasons of business that is busy and you feel like juggling the house isn’t going so well. Or it can completely flip the other way. Let’s just say that balancing being your own boss and enjoying life outside of that is hard.
However, as I always say, that if you have a solid routine down then you’ll win the game in the long haul! Yup. That is how STRONGLY I believe in having good routines. They help set order, structure, and allows for a little flexibility here and there. Most people who follow us on Instagram, if you don’t then you’re missing out, always ask why we are working at 9 AM! Well, it’s because of the routine Michelle and me have set for us!
As we’re about to enter into the busiest month of our business for the fall season, we’ve been preparing! Planning, blocking off and setting up our routines for the past few weeks for our future weeks to come. Today, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite routines that I have set in place that’s been so helpful! Actually, after I started my routines, I shared them with Michelle and she’s been implementing them too and it’s amazing!
THE “CALENDAR” ROUTINE
Michelle and I have really taken it upon ourselves to use the “plan out” method in our work life! It is exactly like scheduling a coffee date with a friend, we schedule out a rough plan of what needs to be done on what day. An example will look like this: Tuesday 25th – email brides, email vendors, purchase tickets, schedule out Mastermind, post blog post, and leave for bridal at 3:30 PM. Wednesday 26th – Michelle needs to edit bridal session, check in with wedding vendors, and read over newsletters. Sara needs to set up wedding blog posts, check in on emails, set up Instagram, and finalized newsletters. Together – prepare camera equipment!
We even schedule in rest time into our calendars! On Friday, we blocked off the entire day to REST before our double wedding weekend. You could just say that this is setting up a calendar, but it’s SO important to do EVERYDAY. Trust us, it’s worth it.
A MORNING ROUTINE
It has been over a year and a half since we started our work schedule in the 9 AM to 5 PM format. Honestly, most days our ending time varies between 1 to 5 PM, but we always begin our workday at 9 AM! This honestly has given us the chance to set up a morning routine that is best suited for us. It gives us our time to wake up and center ourselves for the day ahead!
Just a little taste of my (Sara) morning routine: I wake up by 7:05, I wash my face/brush my teeth, get dressed, while I curl my hair and do makeup – I listen to my bible app for daily readings, and then I make the bed after I finish getting all of my jewelry on. Getting up and going, without checking social media ASAP, helps me not feel groggy in the morning. It also helps to listen to something that puts me in the right frame of mind while tiding up the room/getting ready. It lets my mind focus and remember what all I have to be thankful for.
A NIGHTTIME ROUTINE
While a morning routine is important, a nighttime routine is equally just as important and is critical to have!
Why is a nighttime routine SO important? I would honestly say that a nighttime routine is a foundation on how to have/build a great morning routine. As wedding photographers, we stare A LOT at different screens throughout the day. The number one thing that is really horrible for our eyes to stare at all day is screens. The blue light that they give off can keep us up and not give our minds (and eyes) the chance to rest. If you follow us on Instagram, then you might have noticed my glasses I always wear. Those are blue-light reflecting glasses and they are AMAZING.
Getting back to the point, haha, by the end of the night my eyes (and mind) need a break from looking and processing all of the things. This is whereby roughly 8 to 9 PM, I will put my phone away in the other room and read. Or I might have my phone play a podcast/book I’ve been into while I straighten up the house (which is really big in my nighttime routine). This sort-of hits two birds with one stone. Cleaning up your space BEFORE bed is the key to waking up and NOT feeling overwhelmed. Even if I am exhausted, I will spend 5 to 10 minutes just picking up whatever I can or doing a simple load of laundry.
Routines have been the biggest help in preparing for a massive wedding season. It’s a month where our schedules are inconsistent and a lot of things keep moving around. So while we have all of this movement, our routines will be a foundational piece that keeps us somewhat grounded! Hopefully these little tips will help you during your busy season and even during your not busy season!
If you’re a bride looking to have a romantic wedding experience, send us an email saying hello and let us know how we can serve you on your beautiful day!
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