When creating a routine, many people always focus on their morning routines because, after all, it’s the best way to start off your day right? But what about ending your day? What about making sure you get the best rest before waking up and doing said morning routine?
Sometimes we forget the importance of having an organized night routine. For a lot of people, a night routine consists of washing your face, brushing your teeth, then sitting on your phone, computer or iPad for hours until it’s time to sleep. This was what I did for a long time but it always ended up with me getting little sleep and being crabby in the morning. I’ve started practicing many things to have a better night and now I have five tips for you to perfect your night routine.
1. DON’T DRINK CAFFEINE AT NIGHT
As college students, I know this is going to be a hard one because we need that caffeine to get through the day, but it’s so important to leave time for that to wear off before you go to bed. The time you go to bed will determine when you should cut the caffeine, but as a general time, I suggest 7 p.m., just to give you that extra time to wind down before sleeping.
2. Put your phone down 30 minutes before bed
This goes hand-in-hand with not drinking caffeine because the overall goal is to go to bed actually tired. I’m definitely guilty of laying in my bed and sitting on my phone for hours before I go to sleep, but then I can’t sleep! It is important to give your eyes a rest from electronics screens before trying to sleep.
3. Journal
Journaling is by far the most beneficial part of my night routine. It is an opportunity to talk about your day, including all the positives and negatives, which can help free your mind of worries before sleeping. If you can’t sleep because your mind is racing, writing out or drawing out your thoughts is always a helpful outlet.
4. Take time for self-care
Now journaling might be the most beneficial part of my night, but self-care is definitely my favorite. I like to turn on my diffuser and use some calming essential oils then I wash my face, brush my teeth, and do my skincare while listening to calming music. Self-care could also be reading, taking a bath or shower, cleaning up your space, meditating, along with many other possibilities.
5. Plan for the next day
For people that struggle with time management and organization, this is perfect for you. Take a few minutes to write down all of your assignments, appointments, events on a paper calendar or your phone calendar. Put your backpack together or even your outfit together, just to make your life easier in the morning!
As my roommate and fellow writer, Lauren Smith said at the end of her Building Your Perfect Morning Routine | Her Campus article: “I challenge you this week to give it a try!” These five tips can make a HUGE difference in your life.
Take care,
Olivia Pribyl <3