This month we’ve focused on waking up 30 minutes earlier to start your day in a productive, healthy way. A morning routine is crucial for many people each day, but it can be so difficult to wake up sometimes. If you’re still feeling like you just can’t swing the early wake up, maybe it has more to do with your nighttime routine than your morning routine. Here’s a list of three things you can do to tidy up your nighttime routine to set yourself up for success the next day.
Prep for the Next Day
Do you feel like there are so many little things you need to accomplish each morning that seem tedious but really add up in time? Are any of those items things you can prep the night before? Take an inventory of your morning activities to see which ones can definitely be done ahead of time to save time and stress in the morning. Some examples include, laying out your clothing to cut down on decision time in the morning, preparing your breakfast or packing kid lunches the night before, or finding and laying out specialty items you’ll need for the following day (think weather related items!). These little things can save you plenty of time in the morning.
Create a To Do List
If you’re like me, trying to turn off your brain to sleep can be nearly impossible some nights. This is especially challenging if you’ve got a lot to prepare for or remember the next day. One way to ease your mind is by making a to-do list for the following day. You can check off any items that you can prep ahead of time, and make sure you’re prepared with anything you’ll need to remember in the morning or throughout the day. It really helps to just know that you’ve got it covered!
Screens Down
Less screen time at night means better sleep. There is science behind it, the light on our phones does not pair well with sleep. Also, if you think about what you might be doing on your phone, it may not be the most efficient way to relax and unwind. If you’re looking for something mindless to unwind for the evening, instead of social media, maybe try a podcast (with an overall calm theme!), or some journaling, meditation, or a good book.
Once you’ve covered everything you need for the next day, made a list of the things you’ll be doing, and found a productive way to unwind, sleep is sure to come! It’s definitely easier said than done, but hopefully with a few adjustments to your nightly routine you’ll find yourself counting less sheep before sleep and getting in some quality Zzzz’s!