A Week in the Life: Rhythms, Routines, and a Bit of Room to Breathe
- Joelle Mumley

- Jul 1
- 3 min read
One of the most grounding things I’ve done in my work life is create a weekly rhythm—a structure that gives shape to the variety of roles, responsibilities, and relationships I hold. It’s not a rigid schedule, but more of a flow that helps me know what kind of energy each day will ask of me. Some days are people-heavy; others are solo and silent. Some leave room for rest, while others demand presence and agility. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical week looks like for me.
Monday: Calls and Community
I ease into the day with a bit of reading—a quiet ritual I hold to every morning—followed by moving my body in some way (often either a walk or a yoga session). Mondays are call-heavy, but I’m usually home, which gives me flexibility. Every other Monday, I receive a grocery delivery from Mlango, and I often find myself putting things away while on a long afternoon call. At the end of the day, I pack up and drive across town to spend the night with my Nairobi family—friends who feel like home, whose kids call me Auntie. We have dinner together, unwind, and reset for the week ahead.
Tuesday: In the Office
Tuesdays are for in-person connection. I head into one of my client’s offices, and the day fills up with impromptu brainstorming sessions, catch-ups, and collaborative problem solving. These kinds of days bring a different energy—laughter in between meetings, deeper conversations, and the joy of not needing a Zoom link to be understood. In the evening, I check in with my parents, and sometimes squeeze in a virtual meeting before calling it a day.
Wednesday: Deep Focus
Wednesdays are my quietest days. Ideally, I don’t leave the house or take any meetings. It’s a day carved out for deeper thinking—writing, planning, and focusing on work that needs more mental space. I often start the morning with a long walk, knowing I don’t have to rush anywhere, and end the day with cooking a recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks, something that might take a little extra time. It’s one of my favorite days of the week.
Thursday: Virtual, but Grounded
Thursdays bring a return to meetings, but virtually. I’m still working from home, which allows for a slower pace between calls. I often use this day to touch base with teams, check on progress, and move things forward in a way that’s collaborative but still contained within the boundaries of home. Something like making sourdough is the perfect Wednesday or Thursday activity because, while it's not time intensive, it does require me to regularly check on it throughout the day.
Friday: A Breath of Fresh Air
On Fridays, I try to minimize client work and turn the focus inward. I take myself out for breakfast—ideally somewhere new—and make space for reflection, creative work, or planning for my own business. I’m not always perfect at keeping this boundary, but even setting the intention shifts something. It’s a day that reminds me why I started working for myself in the first place. Friday evenings are usually very chill, with my main activity frequently including reading in bed! After a busy week, I always crave some me time and a good night's sleep.
Finding Balance in the Flow
No week is exactly the same, but this rhythm helps me balance connection with solitude, structure with spontaneity. It keeps me grounded in my values, my relationships, and the kind of work I want to do. In a world that can feel endlessly chaotic, a gentle weekly rhythm is something I hold onto tightly—and something I’m learning to honor more with each passing week.



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