How to Build a Time-Blocked, Theme Day Routine That Works for Both Work and Home Life (with Worksheets)

When you’re running a business and a household, it can feel like your to-do list is playing tug-of-war with your sanity. You want focus in your work, but there are dishes in the sink. You want to be present with your family, but your inbox is full of things marked “urgent.”

Now that summer break has started, I've created a weekday theme routine that allows me to address my responsibilities at both work and home- plus block out time with my teenager so that I can hang out with him a little bit-- in the small amounts of time HE has open as a busy kid trying to work as much as he can to save up for his car.

This isn't about stuffing your day with rigid structure. It's about creating rhythm--  a steady, intentional flow that allows you to lead well in your business, show up fully at home, and finally feel a sense of calm control.

Using the notes below and the worksheets I've included as a PDF download, here’s how to create your own.

Step 1: Define Your Non-Negotiables

Start with what matters most. Block off the parts of your day that are fixed or sacred.

In my routine:

• 7:00–8:30 AM: Emails + Client Work (quiet time before the house wakes up)
• 8:45–9:45 AM: Family Time (breakfast and chatting before everyone leaves for work)
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch + Reset

These anchor points give the rest of my day a natural flow.

Your turn (in the PDF): What needs to happen each day for you to feel grounded—both personally and professionally?

Step 2: Choose a Daily Theme for Your Work Blocks

The magic happens when you stop switching gears 12 times a day. Give each day a focus instead. It reduces decision fatigue and helps you actually finish things.

Here’s the weekly rhythm based on what I'm working on for this summer:

• Monday: CEO + Systems
  Plan your projects, check in on progress, batch schedule content, handle admin.
• Tuesday: Content + Community
  Film videos, take photos, go Live, and serve your audience.
• Wednesday: Client + Communication
  Focus on outreach, follow-ups, client meetings, and connecting with your people.
• Thursday: Product + Planner
  Work on your offerings—planners, workshops, programs—whatever you're building.
• Friday: Home + Harmony
  Reset your home, prep for the weekend, and tend to personal tasks or errands.

Your turn (in the PDF) : Pick five themes that reflect the key areas of your business or responsibilities. Assign one to each weekday. 

Step 3: Weave In Home Tasks Naturally

If you're like me, your business isn't the only thing that needs your attention.

Instead of pretending the laundry doesn’t exist (I've tried this, it does NOT go away), make space for it in your routine.

I like using my afternoon block (2:30–4:30 PM) for “home + overflow.” It’s a great time for:

• Light cleaning or organizing
• Yard work or errands
• Creative business brainstorming while walking the dog or folding towels
• Prepping dinner or restocking supplies

Your turn (in the PDF): Ask yourself: When do you have natural energy or time to care for your space and home? Put it in your planner on purpose.

Step 4: Map It Out Visually

In your PDF download, I've created a worksheet so that you can block out each day visually, including your non-negotiables and your themes.  Once you have this routine worksheet, you can start plugging in the information into your day planner as needed.  In the Daily Dashboard, you'd add them to the time schedule on the left page.

Final Thought: Structure Isn’t the Enemy—It’s the Path to Freedom

You started your business for freedom, not to feel behind all the time. When you create a weekly rhythm that supports all the parts of your life-- your business, your home, your people-- you’ll find yourself more productive, more present, and more you.

Now go build a week that works with your life, not against it.

Ready to start? Download the PDF worksheets and start building your own time-blocked, theme day routine. You've got this!