Whilst there's no perfect evening routine, a few simple habits before bed can help you slow down, switch off from the day and feel more prepared for tomorrow.
1. Tidy One Thing For Your Future Self
You don’t need to clean the whole house before going to bed, but picking one small task such as loading or emptying the dishwasher, or putting away the laundry pile can make the next morning feel a little calmer and more organised.
Tip: Set a 5-minute timer and see how much can be tidied before it goes off.
2. Write Tomorrow's To Do List
Many of us spend a significant proportion of time on our phones before going to sleep, so rather than scrolling endlessly on TikTok, try taking a few minutes to write a to-do list consisting of everything you need to remember for the next day. Getting tasks out of your head and onto paper before bed can make you feel calmer as you go to sleep.
Tip: On the list, put a star next to the top 3 priority actions so it is easy to know where to start.
3. Put Your Phone on Charge Outside the Bedroom
You are not going to like this one... but, as just mentioned, many of us automatically reach for our phones before going to sleep, and again as soon as we wake up. Leaving your phone on charge in another room can help to create a clear distinction between daytime and bedtime.
Tip: If you have an Alexa/Google device in your bedroom, ask them to set you an alarm to wake you up, or buy an old-fashioned traditional alarm clock!
4. Create a Simple Self-Care Ritual
The end of the day can be a great opportunity to spend a few minutes focusing on yourself. Whether it is applying your favourite moisturiser, taking a warm bath, or lighting a scented candle, a simple self-care routine can become a nice way to round off the day.
Tip: Keep your favourite skincare products together in one place to make your routine quick and easy to stick to. You could even keep a product near your toothbrush as a simple reminder while you're getting ready for bed.
5. Choose a Wind-Down Cue
Having a regular activity that marks the end of the day can be a good way to create a consistent evening routine. When choosing your wind-down activity, keep it simple and realistic so it is something you can easily stick to most evenings. Some ideas include reading a chapter of a book, writing a short extract in a journal of your day, or crocheting/knitting!
Tip: Keep your chosen wind-down activity ready and visible. For example, leave your book on your pillow when making your bed in the morning. If its easy to see, you are more likely to do it!
Winding down at the end of the day doesn't have to be complicated. Choose a couple of habits that work for you and as we always say, focus on consistency rather than perfection.
Featured in this post
Magnesium and Zinc Gummies
£12.95