How to Use Experience Menus to Stay Organized & Make Planning Easier

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Tired of Rigid Routines? Try Experience Menus for Flexible Routines

Have you ever tried to follow a strict morning or evening routine, only to have life completely derail it? Maybe you overslept, your kids needed something, or you just didn’t feel like doing it that day. Suddenly, your whole routine feels ruined, and you’re back to square one.

I used to think routines had to be perfect to be effective. But then I discovered experience menus—a flexible system that lets you choose what works for you in the moment, instead of forcing yourself into a rigid schedule.

What are Experience Menus?

Think of it like a customized list of activities you can pick from based on your mood, time, or energy level.

Instead of saying:

🛑 “I have to journal at 6 AM every morning.”

You can say:

✅ “This morning, I’ll either journal, stretch, or go for a short walk—whatever feels best.”

This way, you get structure without the pressure.

I first saw this idea from @valerieribon, who created beautiful hand-painted experience menus. They inspired me so much, but let’s be honest—I’m not that artsy. So, I made printable versions in Canva that you can customize, print, and use in your planner, office, fridge, or even your wall.

Let’s go over why experience menus work, how to create them, and different ways to use them!

@valerieribon

Healthy habit hack thats CHANGED my routine. I’m obsessed with making these menus they’re super fun to make with friends!! #healthyhabits #healthliving #wellnesstips #wellnessgirlie #habitloop #habithack #habithacks #healthylifestyle #adhdtips #wellnesshacks #adhdroutine #greenscreen

♬ original sound – Valerie Ribon

Why Experience Menus Work (And Why They’re Better Than Rigid Routines)

If traditional routines haven’t worked for you, experience menus might be the game-changer you need.

Benefits of Using Experience Menus in Your Planning System

More flexibility – No need to follow a strict schedule, just pick what fits your day.
No guilt or failure – If you don’t do everything on the list, it’s fine! You just choose what works.
Easy to stick to – When something feels doable and not overwhelming, you’re more likely to keep up with it.
Customizable to your lifestyle – Whether you’re a planner person or a sticky-note-on-the-wall kind of person, experience menus work anywhere.

How to Create an Experience Menu That Works for You

1️⃣ Pick a focus area – Morning routine, self-care, work, cleaning, productivity, hobbies—whatever you need structure for.
2️⃣ Brainstorm activities – List small, manageable tasks that fit into that category.
3️⃣ Organize them by mood, time, or energy level – That way, you can choose what works in the moment.
4️⃣ Print or write it out – Stick it in your planner, desk, fridge, corkboard, or nightstand—wherever you’ll see it.
5️⃣ Use it daily – Instead of forcing yourself into a strict routine, pick a few activities that fit your day.

Experience Menu Ideas for Every Area of Life