The evening is a valuable time of day that can help your life run smoother. The time frame before you go to sleep needs considerable consideration.
If you read my article on morning routines, I hope you’re rethinking your bed time. If you go to sleep earlier, you will be able to get up earlier. Ever heard that saying by Benjamin Franklin- “Early to Bed, Early to Rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”? Well, I sure do believe it!
My evening routine typically consists of doing dishes, stretching, & flossing/brushing teeth, etc (obviously this one should be on all our lists) and then reading. I use to read to my kids as part of my evening routine, but they are now past that stage. 🙂
Okay- so we know an evening routine is something to strive for. Here are some ways to establish one so that you can be set for success the next day.
Have a Regular Bed Time
Setting a regular bedtime can seriously change the game. Sticking to the same sleep schedule helps regulate your body’s natural clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up. You end up feeling way more rested, which means more energy for the day to come. Try aiming for the same turn-in and wake-up time each day, even on weekends.
Get Mindful
Mindfulness practices like journaling or meditation might sound a bit cliché, but they actually work wonders for calming the mind. Jotting down thoughts in a journal can help clear any mental clutter before you hit the hay. Meditation & deep breathing, even just a few minutes, can ease stress and tuck you into a zen-like state, setting the stage for a restful night.
Ditch the Digital
Another biggie is not to text, scroll FaceBook or answer email at least one hour before bed. The blue light from screens can mess with your sleep hormones, making it tougher to drift off. Switch out the screen time with reading a physical book, listening to soothing music, or even indulging in a sudsy bath.
Make Your Room Cozy
Creating a sleep-friendly environment can really make a difference. Think of the perfect mix of cool temperatures, low lights, and quiet. Maybe invest in blackout shades or a white noise machine if outside noise or light’s an issue. It all plays into setting up a restful ambiance.
Avoid Snacking Right Before Bed
Eating right before you go to bed is a bad idea. Heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime can disrupt sleep cycles. So go for a light snack if you really need to eat before bed. Maybe drink some tea—chamomile or peppermint are good for promoting sleep. Keep hydrated, but not overly, to avoid any inconvenient trips to the bathroom.
Here are some additional things you can do in the evening:
- Get your outfit ready (and jewelry).
- Plan for the next day & check Calendar for meetings
- Pack Lunches/snacks
- Journal- Idea? Write down what you’re grateful for
- Leave an empty sink/tidy up the house
- Set your alarm
- Fall asleep to a Great Book
In summary, the night routine is all about helping your body prepare for sleep. Of course what you do exactly is going to vary from from person to person. Try out different ones to see what works best for you. Start creating your evening routine today and give yourself a head start on tomorrow!