How I use rhythms & time blocking in my day
Bismillah,
I have found "time-blocking" to be a great way to work through up my day without the thought of "what should I be doing?" or "why is there not enough time for everything?" Here's a peak at what this is looking like for me and I hope it can help you structure your blocks to ease your routines throughout the day!
*Bonus Productivity Block* 5AM - 7:00AM
This time block was the only reason I was able to work on my business while keeping up with my home and family responsibilities when I launched my business in 2016. I share all about it in my course Being up early gives me the quiet time and space to thing BIG, think clearly, and get a lot done in a short amount of time because I am completely focused. Some things I do in this time block:
Fajr
Have some tea
Focused du’as and adhkaar
Take a walk
Work on my business goal for the day
Think about my goals, priorities, and affirmations (I actually look at these and it makes a big difference in my mindset for the day). There is a specific section for this in the planner.
Morning Block 6:30AM - 9:30AM
This is a typical morning block to get the day started and it usually includes the following:
Getting ready for the day
Breakfast
COFFEE
Morning chores
Cleaning up from breakfast and clearing dishes
Prepping snacks if we are spending the morning outside that day
Day Plan 9:30PM - 12:30PM
This is the time I usually go out if the weather permits and take care of any appointments.
Small surahs and du’as with my daughter
Learning activities at home such as poems, reading, numbers and letters depending on the day
Library or other program (Pre-Covid) .. although I’m so glad our library has opened up again alhumdulillah)
Get in a mini workout
Have lunch and clean up after lunch
Get dinner going
Rest and/or Work Time 12:30-3:30
Quiet time for my daughter to play on her own
Pray dhuhr and listen (usually either a lecture, audiobook or podcast) while I prep dinner
Call or message my parents, siblings, and friends
Work on my business (upkeep, content, emails, scheduling, etc.)
Take a 20 minute for rest or self care
Give my daughter a snack after she wakes
Have fruits and hydration for mama :)
Dinner Time 3:30-6:30
This is a busier block as it includes several different parts to finish off the day and also prep for the following day.
Playing or read-aloud with my daughter
Asr Salah + review of small surahs and Arabic letters
Get ready for the evening
Evening dua'as and dhikr
Maghrib Salah
Dinner and cleaning up after dinner
Prepping lunch and breakfast for the following day
Evening Time 6:30-9:30
This block covers all of the evening routine and any evening plans.
Isha Salah and Qur'an study as a family
Prepping for bed time
Showers
Putting our daughter to bed
Getting ready for the following day
Self-care Time 9:30-11:00
This block is really special because it's a time to wind down, reconnect, focus on reflection and get in touch with my deeper thoughts.
Reconnecting with my husband
Reading or writing
Stretching
Jotting my plans into my Seeking Jannah planner for the next day
Making a gratitude list
Lighting candles
Watching Anne these days :)
Night du'as and sleep
As much as I used to be a night owl before, I realize the immense barakah of getting enough sleep so I can be up early the next day for my most productive day. Alhumdulillah the Seeking Jannah Planner facilitates this block method and keeps us focused on the values we aspire to live by.
This is a great method for anyone trying to get handle on their day. Your day may look very different from this since mine is from the perspective of a stay at home working mother, but it is can be a useful strategy to customize your own blocks. I hope you give it a try and let me know how it works for you inshaAllah!
Take care,
Asma
