Article: Behind the Scenes: My Daily Routine as a Thriving Virtual Assistant

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a thriving Virtual Assistant looks like? Spoiler alert: it’s not all neatly organized planners and Instagram-worthy desk setups (although I do love a good color-coded calendar).

The truth is, being a VA is a mix of structured genius and controlled chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my daily routine, sharing the strategies that keep me productive, sane, and dare I say it, thriving.

Grab your favorite beverage (mine’s a green tea latte), and let’s dive into a day in the life of a VA who’s got it all together—or at least looks like it most of the time.

7:00 AM – Morning Magic

The first rule of being a thriving VA? Start your day like a boss. For me, that means no snoozing—okay, sometimes one snooze—and diving into a quick morning ritual:

  • Hydrate: A big glass of water to wake me up.

  • Move: A 20-minute yoga session or a brisk walk (sometimes with my dog, who thinks every walk is the Olympics).

  • Plan: A quick review of my priorities for the day.

Marie’s Tip: Your morning sets the tone. Find a ritual that energizes you, whether it’s meditation, journaling, or dancing in your kitchen.

8:00 AM – Inbox Zero, Here I Come

Ah, the inbox—the VA’s natural habitat. I dedicate the first hour of my workday to tackling emails. This means:

  • Responding to client messages.

  • Sorting and organizing (hello, folders!).

  • Flagging anything urgent.

Pro Tip: I don’t live in my inbox all day. After this hour, I check emails at set times to avoid getting sucked into the email black hole.

9:00 AM – Deep Focus Work

This is my golden hour—or two. I dive into the big, brainpower-required tasks like project planning, content creation, or client strategy sessions. No distractions, no multitasking—just pure, undivided focus.

Tools I swear by during this time:

  • Noise-canceling headphones (because lawnmowers always appear during deep work).

  • ClickUp: My project management BFF.

  • Loom: For creating quick explainer videos for clients.

11:00 AM – Client Calls & Check-Ins

I batch all my calls in one chunk because context switching is a productivity killer. Whether it’s onboarding a new client or updating a current one, I bring my A-game to every call.

Marie’s Tip: Use a call agenda. It keeps you on track and makes you look like the pro you are. Bonus: Clients love it.

12:30 PM – Lunch (And a Break!)

No working at my desk with a sad sandwich—lunchtime is sacred. I step away from my screen, eat something delicious, and maybe catch up on a podcast or get outside.

Pro Tip: Breaks aren’t optional. They’re essential for keeping your energy and focus sharp.

1:30 PM – Admin & Follow-Ups

Afternoons are for the smaller but mighty tasks:

  • Sending invoices and contracts.

  • Following up on outstanding client items.

  • Organizing my workspace (because let’s be real, it’s usually a disaster by this point).

3:00 PM – Creative Time

This is when I lean into creative tasks like brainstorming new services, designing client templates in Canva, or working on my own business projects. Creativity doesn’t flow well under pressure, so I keep this time flexible and fun.

4:30 PM – Power Down Ritual

Before I close my laptop, I take 15 minutes to:

  • Review what I accomplished.

  • Plan my top three priorities for tomorrow.

  • Shut down my workspace (out of sight, out of mind).

This little ritual helps me mentally transition out of work mode so I can fully enjoy my evening.

What Makes It Work

The secret sauce of my day isn’t about doing more—it’s about being intentional. I prioritize what matters, use tools to stay organized, and take breaks to recharge. It’s not perfect, but it’s a rhythm that keeps me productive and happy.

Your Turn

What’s your daily routine as a VA? Are there any rituals or hacks that keep you thriving? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how you structure your day!

And remember: the key to a thriving VA business isn’t working harder; it’s working smarter and creating a schedule that supports your goals and your well-being. Let’s make every day a win!