How Smart Home Devices Transformed My Irregular Routine and Improved My Life
Building a Better Routine with Alexa: A Guide to Smart Living
Ever since the pandemic, the word routine has taken on new meaning. Many people faced chaos as they transitioned from structured work hours to a more flexible lifestyle. For those of us who thrive on routine, the return to normalcy has been a journey. In this blog post, I’ll share how I used Alexa and other smart home devices to create routines that are not just efficient but also help manage my daily chaos.
The Importance of Routine
Many people struggle with keeping a routine. A recent YouGov survey revealed that 19% of Americans identify as neurodivergent. This means a lot of us, myself included, can feel overwhelmed when faced with daily tasks. Yet, it’s not just a neurodiverse issue; anyone can find it hard to maintain a routine due to various life circumstances like work demands, college life, or parenthood.
According to a report by Adobe, more than 59% of U.S. workers struggle with balancing their work and personal lives. This shows the need for solid routines. But what makes a routine beneficial? I reached out to Polly Miskiewicz, a Jungian Art Psychotherapist, who shared her insights on the benefits of having a routine:
- Stability: Routines provide a sense of stability and help us feel in control.
- Mental Clarity: They reduce decision fatigue, freeing up mental space for other important thoughts.
- Healthy Habits: A good routine can improve our physical health, including sleep and digestion.
Starting with Small Changes
With Miskiewicz’s advice in mind, I decided to start small. The morning routine is crucial for setting the right tone for the day. Miskiewicz suggests simple activities like:
- Stretching to wake up your body.
- Making your bed.
- Enjoying some natural light.
To help with this, I turned to my Philips Hue smart light and my Alexa device.
My Morning Routine with Alexa
Here’s how I created my morning routine:
- 7:30 AM: My Philips Hue light gradually brightens, simulating a natural sunrise.
- 8:00 AM: Alexa chimes in with a morning greeting.
- 8:05 AM: My Swan Alexa Kettle starts boiling water for my morning tea.
- Daily Reminders: On specific days, Alexa reminds me to clean up small messes.
This combination helps me ease into the day, with gentle nudges reminding me of my tasks.
Keeping Calm During Work
During work hours, I rely on Alexa for simpler automations:
- At 11 AM and 3 PM, Alexa checks in to ask about my mood and hydration.
- Alexa also reminds me when it’s lunchtime.
While many work tasks vary each day, these reminders help me stay focused and on track.
Evening Routines for Relaxation
As the day winds down, Miskiewicz recommends personal ways to unwind. I’ve set up my evening routine with simple steps:
- 6:15 PM: Alexa prompts me to set a to-do list for the evening.
- Music & Light: My Alexa speakers play calming music, and the lights turn warm and soft.
- Herbal Tea Time: One hour before bed, my smart kettle brews herbal tea to help me relax.
Finding Balance with Technology
Overall, my experience with Alexa has been beneficial, assisting me in creating a better routine. However, there is a warning in relying too much on technology. As Miskiewicz cautioned, it’s important to find a balance.
While Alexa offers great reminders, I’ve learned that it’s essential to take accountability myself. I began to phase out major reminders from Alexa to allow for more spontaneity in my day. This helps to maintain my interest and avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts
Creating a routine can be difficult but rewarding. Using smart home technology like Alexa can help build structure in our lives, but remember: it’s just a tool. Make sure to balance tech assistance with personal accountability. Whether you prefer habit-building apps or simple routines, the goal is to find what makes life enjoyable and manageable. So, embrace the journey! Your unique routine is waiting to be created.
