How to Build Winter Routines That Work for You

Winter mornings can be a challenge, can’t they? That warm bed seems extra inviting when it’s chilly, and getting started with your day feels just a little harder. Trust me, I’ve been there. My morning routine—getting up at 5 AM, making tea, reading my Bible, and diving into a power hour of work—has taken a bit of a hit this season. And when my evening routine doesn’t go as planned, it’s all too easy to hit snooze the next morning.

Routines are the foundation for success, but they can feel harder to stick with during the winter months. Let’s talk about why routines matter, how to tweak them to fit the season, and how to find a flow for your day—whether it’s morning, evening, or during your work hours.

Why Routines Matter

Routines create structure in your day, making it easier to stay on track and focus on your goals. They provide consistency, reduce decision fatigue, and help you feel more in control of your time. And in the winter, when motivation might dip, having a routine in place ensures you’re still moving forward, even if it’s at a slower pace.

Creating a Winter Morning Routine

The key to sticking with a winter morning routine is to make it inviting. If you’re struggling to get out of bed, try these ideas:

Layer on the comfort: Lay out cozy slippers or a warm robe the night before to make those first steps out of bed easier.
Prep the night before: Set up your tea, coffee, or breakfast so it’s ready to go.
Start slow: If jumping into a full routine feels daunting, start with just one thing, like sipping your tea or journaling.

For me, a perfect winter morning routine includes quiet time with my Bible and tea, followed by a power hour of work before transitioning into my day job. Starting small and layering on habits over time helps me build consistency, even on cold mornings.

Refreshing Your Evening Routine

Winter evenings are perfect for winding down, but they can also fill up quickly with activities or distractions. A consistent evening routine helps you set yourself up for success the next day.

Here’s an example:

Wrap up the day: Spend 10 minutes tidying up your space or reviewing your accomplishments.
Unplug: Step away from screens 30 minutes before bed to help your mind relax.
Prep for tomorrow: Lay out clothes, set your planner, or prep meals to make your morning easier.

I’m still fine-tuning my evening routine, but prioritizing a consistent bedtime is my biggest focus right now—it makes all the difference for those early mornings.

Planning Your Work Routine

Your workday deserves a routine, too! I rely on a weekly flow to make my power hours effective. Here’s what my weekly work routine looks like:

Monday: Record Monday Morning Musings for my customer community and send the weekly team email.
Tuesday: Record and share YouTube videos and team Tuesday Tips.
Wednesday: Focus on blog writing and sharing valuable content.
Thursday: Draft and send my customer newsletter.
Friday: Dedicate time for following up with customers and leads.
Saturday: Plan and schedule content for the week ahead.
Sunday: Review goals, update my planner, and set intentions for the week.

Having this flow keeps me focused and reduces overwhelm, even when life gets hectic.

Adapting to the Season

Winter routines don’t have to look perfect—they just have to work for you. Give yourself grace and flexibility to adjust your schedule as needed. Some days might start slower, and that’s okay. The goal is progress, not perfection.

If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:

What’s one small thing I can do to improve my routine?
How can I add warmth, comfort, or ease to my day?
What would make my morning, evening, or work flow feel more manageable?

Grab Your Free Ideal Day Printable

Want to create a routine that works for you? I’ve got the perfect tool to help you plan your ideal day. Download my free Ideal Day Printable Tip-In and use it to map out a morning, evening, or work routine that aligns with your goals.

Click here to grab your free printable now!

Before You Go…

Winter routines are all about finding balance—between productivity and rest, between structure and flexibility. Whether you’re starting small with your mornings, refreshing your evenings, or building a flow for your work hours, every step you take brings you closer to your goals.

What’s one part of your winter routine you want to improve? Let me know in the comments!