A few months ago, I felt frazzled every night before bed. At 11:00pm I was still trying to squeeze in a few more minutes of work, worried about everything I didn’t get done during the day and stressed about the upcoming day. All of that worrying and anxiety was starting the keep me up at night. I wasn’t getting the rest that I needed because I simply wasn’t preparing myself to turn off the day. That is when I came up with an evening routing to help myself literally “turn off the day”. It is almost like giving myself permission to clock out. My routine has helped me organize my thoughts and feel more relaxed, which in return equals a better night’s sleep. I sleep better, and I feel more prepared for the morning ahead when I stick my nighttime routine.
When coming up with a nighttime routine the most important aspect to consider is that the routine works for YOU. Your nighttime routine should be easy to accomplish, prepare you for the next day, and ultimately get you ready for bed. What you do during your nighttime routine is completely up to you, just make sure your end goal is to help yourself “turn off the day”. When you start your routine is up to you as well. You may need to start your routine right after dinner, or your routine may be shorter, and you can start it about an hour before bed. Whatever the case, just make sure it works for you. The key is to be consistent, find something that works and stick to it!
Simple Nighttime Routine
Look Over To-Do List & Calendar
The first thing I do once I’m starting to wind down for the day is look over my to-do list and my calendar for the next day. I generally have several running to-do lists- home, work, and blog. I add to the lists if needed and make a note of any meetings or events I have going on.
Pick Out an Outfit
I like to pick out my outfit for the day, including my underwear, shoes and accessories. I just find it easier to rest at night knowing that I’m not going to be scrambling to find things in the morning because I already have them laid out.
Pack Bags
I pack everyone’s bag including my own for the next day and then I sit them by the door. This includes gym bag, practice bag, laptop, and dry cleaning. Really anything that I’m going to need to take with me when I leave the house for the day.
Take a Shower or a Bath
I absolutely have to take off my makeup and then shower or take a bath about an hour before bed. This really starts to prepare me for going to bed, it’s like washing off the day for me. I really love relaxing in the warm water and going to bed clean.
Read or Journal
Finally, after I’m in bed I like to read or journal for about thirty minutes. If I have a lot on my mind I typically journal to decompress, if not then I read. During this time my husband and I typically take a few minutes to talk about our day and catch up. By this time I should be mentally prepared to rest for the night, and hopefully wake up to a stress free morning!
More Tips for a Great Night’s Sleep
Try to Go To Bed at the Same Time Every Night
Go on An Evening Walk
Limit Your Caffeine Intake After Dinner
Turn Off Your Phone/Computer At Least 30 Minutes Before Bed
Try a Stretching Routine or a Nighttime Yoga Routine
Sip Chamomile Tea
Use a Diffuser with Lavender Essential Oil
Update Your Pillows if Needed
Give Yourself Permission to Turn Off the Day!