Design Your Day
Routines That Balance Creativity and Mental Health
Running a business, especially a creative one, doesn’t always run on caffeine and Canva alone.
It runs on rhythm. On tiny rituals. On systems that support you, not just your output.
As someone who lives with chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that designing your day with intention is a complete lifeline. And no, it doesn’t have to be rigid. You don’t need to wake up at 5am and drink lemon water in linen pants.
You just need structure that supports your nervous system, honours your energy, and leaves room for the magic of creativity to show up.
Here’s how I do it… and how you might begin designing your own day.
Morning Rituals: Ground First, Create Second
Mornings used to be complete and utter chaos for me. Mostly mentally. Racing thoughts. Forgotten meds. No structure, just stress. It probably didn’t help that I would frequently roll out of bed with a total of less than 5 minutes to actually get ready.
Now?
My mornings are designed.
Not for productivity. For presence. For grounding.
My morning ritual is as follows:
I wake up slowly. Usually with alarms blaring to ensure I wake up on time.
I get dressed. Even if I’m working from home. EVEN if it’s a hoodie.
I make my bed. This anchors me, saying “we’re starting fresh.”
I get a coffee. Sometimes I only have to mosey on out where my parents have kindly bought me a coffee, sometimes I make myself an iced latte in the kitchen.
I take my meds with a mouthful of last nights coke.
Then I journal. 30 minutes of reflection, planning, and naming my priorities for the day ahead.
This little ritual is my version of clocking in.
It tells my body: we’re safe, we’re here, we’re ready.
Tip: Design a morning flow that soothes you first, before you serve others. You don’t need a 10-step routine. You just need a few repeatable signals that tell your brain it’s time to begin.
Pacing With Purpose: Building a Human-Sized Schedule
Living with disabilities and chronic illness has taught me that energy is finite. It’s also an investment.
So I design my day (or try to anyway) around pacing, not pushing.
Here’s what that looks like (on an ideal day because hey… I’m still a perfectionistic human!)
2-3 core tasks max per day
Time-blocking with rest built in
A flexible calendar that holds space for appointments, meetings, and working
One deep-focus block for design or writing (without distractions)
Buffer time between calls or tasks (because brains need to breathe and I also need time to adjust to the next task)
I don’t measure my days by hours worked. I measure them by how well I cared for myself while showing up for my work.
Tip: If you’re always exhausted by 2pm (like me), design your schedule to work with that rhythm. Shift heavy tasks to your best brain window and protect that time fiercely.
Breaks That Actually Restore You
Here’s the thing… not all breaks are equal.
Scrolling on your phone might distract you, but it doesn’t always replenish you. So I treat my breaks like little mini-rituals. Some of my favourites include:
A short walk or stretch in the sun
Lying on the floor or my bed with music playing (loudly)
Making a cup of tea (or coffee), screen-free
Doing a sensory reset (cold water on my hands, deep breaths, gentle tapping)
A craft activity (usually sewing or painting)
Tip: Make a list of 5 break time ideas that feel good for your body and brain. Put them on a sticky note near your desk (or somewhere easily accessible). When in doubt… choose presence, not just pause.
Closing Rituals: Winding Down with Intention
Designing your day isn’t just about how you start. It’s also about how you end it.
At the end of my workday, I (in no particular order mind you):
Tidy my desk (not necessarily clearing it but just a quick organisation)
Close any unnecessary tabs (specifically those related to work)
Take a deep breath
Note down 1-2 things I want to focus on tomorrow
It might sound cheesy, but it helps me to log off mentally as well as physically.
Tip: Try creating a 5-minute close-of-day ritual. It makes tomorrow feel a lot less overwhelming and gives your brain permission to rest.
Creativity Needs Care
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need a five-phase Notion dashboard with productivity metrics and a meditation cave.
You just need to design your day like a human. Like YOU!! (Because you are, dear reader, also a human)
A human who feels. Who rests. Who sometimes forgets, and comes back again.
I built Angell Designs not just to make brands but to make a business that honours the way I move through the world.
If you’re craving more structure with soul, or want support in designing a brand and business that feels like you… I’m YOUR person.
Let’s work together to create something beautiful that works with your creativity, not against your humanity.
Book a discovery call or explore my brand services and programs today. Your best rhythm is waiting.
