Chatter online is always focused on the ideal morning routine, describing the habits that will help to set you up for success, but what happens if you don’t prep for your morning the night before? Arguably, your bedtime routine may be just as, if not more important than the morning after.
As much as I wish I were naturally a morning person, rising with the sun and the birds, that is far from the case. Getting into a relaxed and sustainable nighttime routine has completely changed the game. Not only do I wake up in the mornings feeling more well-rested, but I also am now excited to get to bed early to prepare myself for the busy days adult life throws at me!
Your routine can vary depending on your personal wants and needs, but what matters most is that it enables you to feel relaxed, content, and most importantly, sleepy. My usual routine follows a few specific steps:
- Establish a bedtime: For me, I find that I function and feel better when I go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day. While this is usually easier said than done, as life tends to get in the way, I try my best to be in bed by 11 p.m. and wake up by nine a.m. This allows me to plan out my night while ensuring I am giving myself enough time to sleep.
- Limit Screentime: Everyone says it, but it really is true that cutting screentime at least 30 minutes before bed makes a huge difference. As someone who spends a bit too much time on my phone, limiting my screen time before I go to sleep and right after I wake up decreases distractions and leaves me feeling more relaxed and present throughout the day.
- Pick an Activity: The last aspect of my nighttime routine, and arguably my favorite, is the activity I choose to do instead of endlessly scrolling on my phone (which I also love to do but force myself not to). Most often, I will read my current book, but I also love to journal about my day or anything stuck on my mind. I also sometimes color or doodle, meditate, or stretch. It can be anything that relaxes you!
Your nighttime routine does not need to be elaborate to be effective. While a ten-step skincare routine and fancy pajama sets can be fun and luxurious, they may not be realistic for everyday routines. My best piece of advice would be to find one thing that works and stick with it and see how it benefits you day to day. After all, we spend one-third of our lives sleeping, so it’s best to make it as good as it can be.