How To Create The Best Bedtime Routine

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After a hard day of work, it is easy to toss aside structure and sink into your couch for the evening. 

It might feel easier after a long day, but this will only hinder your productivity and growth. 

BEFORE THE EVENING ROUTINE 

Creating and sticking to an evening routine has always been the hardest for me. 

I used to struggle with my self-discipline whenever the littlest bit of exhaustion would creep in. 

I would do well during the day, sticking to a strict schedule, but once I walked in the door, all structure went out the window. 

Instead of properly winding down from the workday, I would opt for sitting on the couch, scrolling endlessly through social media until it was time to sleep.

“Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.”

-Leo Babauta

This resulted in me feeling restless and stressed when it came time to lay down and actually close my eyes. 

Thus, taking me down the path of very long sleepless nights. 

The lack of sleep seemed only to compound my stress, further agitating my mind and body each night.

This bought of Insomnia felt like it had hit out of nowhere.

I felt frustrated and even began noticing a very sizeable dip in my performance at work, as well as struggling with sticking to my daily routine. 

I wasn’t giving myself proper time to process the events of the day and calm my mind and body. 

MAKING A CHANGE 

I did some research, finally fed up with my lack of sleep and what I presumed to be laziness. 

I realized that I was doing evenings ALL wrong!

Anything you probably shouldn’t do before bed, you name it, I was doing it! I felt like a complete idiot. 

How had I learned to master my mornings, yet be so horribly off base during the evening? 

That was easy. I lacked structure. 

WHY WE NEED A NIGHTTIME ROUTINE

A good evening routine doesn’t have to be complex.

It can be quite simple.

An evening routine’s job is to help you settle and de-stress from the events of the day. 

There are many benefits to implementing a good bedtime routine, such as: 

• Improved quality of sleep 
• Better productivity during the day
• More energy
• Heightened brain function 
• Lower stress levels

CREATING AN EVENING ROUTINE

Step 1

Have a clear and CONSISTENT bedtime.

You need to create lasting habits. Which generally takes about 21 days. Just like with anything in life, consistency is critical.

Step 2

Create and follow a nightly hygiene regimen. 

Self-care is essential, and feeling clean and papered before bed can help you fall asleep more quickly and soundly.

A good hygiene regimen might include things like, 

• A warm bath or shower (I like to listen to relaxing nature sounds during this time to help me unwind)
• A cleanly washed and moisturized face
• Brushed teeth
• Brushed hair that has been placed up or braided for the night

For a more detailed description of self-care, check out my article Why You Should Practice Self-Care.

Step 3

Unplug. I’m sure you hear this one a lot. But it is so true!

You should remove social media and all forms of electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. 

I even go so far as to putting my phone on silent mode and plugging it in across the room. 

Step 4

Clear your mind! 

There are many ways to find a peaceful state of mind before bed. You could try,

• Yoga/stretches
• Meditation
• Reciting positive affirmations
• Journaling
• Listing the things for which you are grateful for

This step doesn’t need to take long. 

It doesn’t matter if this step takes you 3 minutes or 10; you should see a difference in your mindset. 

The great part about routines is that they are entirely up to you! 

Step 5 

Create a proper atmosphere.

Creating the right atmosphere for bedtime is crucial for a good night’s rest. Setting the mood for a good nights sleep might include things like,

• Turning down the thermostat. Studies show that it is easiest for the human body to sleep between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Create a tidy sleeping space. Basically, clean your room! 
• Optimize comfort, i.e., mattress, sheets, pillows, and comforter. Also, if you don’t own a weighted blanket, I suggest you try one!
• If you are a light sleeper, try playing some sort of noise machine or fan on to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Step 6

Read a book! Nothing like a good novel to help you forget your worries and soothe you to sleep.

Look for works that will inspire or uplift you. 

What kinds of material you consume the night before you will take into your morning. 

Here are a few self-help books I recommend to leave you feeling inspired,

• The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
• The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris
• Spark Joy by Marie Kondo
• Money And The Law Of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks 

PLAN IT OUT

Now that we have established things we might want to include in our nightly routine, it is time to map it out! 

Sit down, write it out and place it somewhere you will see it! 

Block out your time and design your evening routine in the most time-efficient manner. 

Rember, it’s okay if you want to schedule a time to watch a movie or play a game with the family. 

“A day unplanned is a day easily wasted”

-Unknown

Just set a start and end time to keep yourself on track. 

If you need a little more help on breaking down and setting up a routine, check out my article, How To Create The Perfect Routine.  

YOUR TURN

I challenge you to take a look at your current routine today! Are you getting the most out of your evenings? Are you setting yourself up for success? 

Take the time to write out your routine.

Add those things you should be doing, and remove those things that may be harming your productivity. 

YOU’RE GONNA ROCK THIS! 

Want to learn more about working for yourself and achieving your best life? 

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What kinds of things do you include in your nightly routine?

What are your biggest obstacles when it comes to sticking to an evening routine? 

I’d love to know. Let me know in the comments below!

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Have a bright day!