I believe everyone should have a nighttime routine. I’m guilty of not following it every single night but I’ve noticed a huge difference in my performance and how productive I am in the morning when I follow my nighttime routine the night before. So, what does a successful nighttime routine look like? Truth is it all varies from person to person but let’s break down a few of the things that should be included in your routine in this blog post.
Clean up
I like to put away any dishes and tidy up my home before I go to bed. Doing so allows me to wake up in the morning truly feeling like I have a completely clean slate. This allows me to be more productive while working remotely and cleaning up each day means I only have to do a deep clean when I reset for a new week/month.
Wash up
There is something about taking a shower or bath right before bed. Having the perfect shower/bath routine is important too. You can use different soaps and lotions that have essential oils infused in them to help promote better sleep. Showering in the morning is great for when you are trying to wake up, but I find I get the best sleep when I take a bath before bed. Taking care of yourself is the most important part of your nighttime routine so be sure not to skip out on your self-care.
log off
Now that you and your space are clean it’s time to turn off your TV, log off of social media and get off the computer. Our brains need a chance to not be stimulated by bright lights and other devices. I love to fix a cup of sleepy time tea and read. This gets me in the right mood for bed.
Now that you and your space are clean it’s time to turn off your TV, log off of social media and get off the computer. Our brains need a chance to not be stimulated by bright lights and other devices. I love to fix a cup of sleepy time tea and read. This gets me in the right mood for bed.
Tips for getting the best sleep
Start by making your bedroom a sleep-friendly space. You can do this by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. As I said before, avoid screen time and do this at least one hour before bed. Help regulate your body’s sleep/wake process by eating meals at consistent times during the day and avoiding heavy meals 2-3 hours before bed. Follow recommended guidelines on proper exercise to improve overall health and your sleep. Aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. Get the recommended hours of sleep per night. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours for most adults.
