Learn the best evening routine to adopt before bedtime so you wake up feeling physically and mentally refreshed and ready.
Routines help most of us to have productive days. While a morning routine helps you to get mentally prepared for all you have planned during the day, you can plan to be even more productive by having an evening routine – getting organised the night before!
The ideal evening routine is simple and should consist of few tasks that when accomplished will help your next day go really smoothly.
So if you want a stress-free day, keep reading to learn a simple routine you can adopt every evening before bedtime.
The Ideal Evening Routine for Adults
So your evening routine will obviously vary depending on the stage you are in life. Single? Working shifts? Kids? Student? or stay at home mom? It can sometimes be tempting to work really late and become a night owl. But over time it will take a toll on you.
It can also be tempting to come back home from a long day, have dinner and jump into bed without unwinding. I find that whenever I do this, I wake up feeling not-so-refreshed.
I know that evening routines can sometimes be hard, but the key is to keep it simple and tailor the ideas below to what works FOR YOU!
So what should be your night routine?
A great evening routine should help you de-stress, prepare for tomorrow, and prime yourself for a good night’s sleep. It should consist of the following:
Outer Order, Inner Calm
1. Tidy Up: Spend 10-15 minutes doing a light pick-up around the house. Put things away, clear surfaces, and load the dishwasher. A clutter-free space can promote a calmer mind.
2. Plan for Tomorrow: Pack your lunch, lay out clothes, write a to do list or prep anything you need to streamline your morning.
Body and Mind
3. Light Movement: Do some gentle stretches, yoga, or a short walk. This can help release tension and improve sleep quality.
4. Relaxation Techniques: Consider meditation, deep breathing exercises, or reading a calming book to unwind and de-stress.
Digital Detox
5. Power Down Devices: Turn off screens like TVs, laptops, and phones at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt sleep patterns.
6. Create a Tech-Free Zone: Designate your bedroom as a tech-free zone to encourage relaxation and better sleep.
Self-Care
7. Soothing Bath: Take a warm bath with calming essential oils or Epsom salts to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.
8. Skincare Routine: Taking a few minutes for a relaxing skincare routine can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
How long should your evening routine be?
An ideal evening routine typically falls within the range of 30 to 60 minutes. This gives you enough time to unwind and wind down without feeling rushed.
However, it’s all about finding what works for you! If you can achieve a relaxed state in a shorter amount of time, that’s perfectly fine. The key is consistency – performing the same calming activities each night in a similar order. This signals to your body that it’s time to prepare for sleep.
When should you start your evening routine?
Ideally, aim to start your evening routine 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. This gives you time to wind down and signal to your body it’s time to prepare for sleep.
Do you do the same thing every evening?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should do the exact same things every evening in your reset routine. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of a fixed routine vs. a flexible one:
Fixed Routine:
- Pros:
- Creates Consistency: Your body gets used to the routine, signaling it’s time to wind down and sleep better.
- Lowers Decision Fatigue: You don’t have to think about what to do each night, freeing up mental space.
- Cons:
- Can Be Boring: Repetitive routines can lose their effectiveness over time.
- Lacks Spontaneity: You might miss out on fun evening activities you don’t have scheduled.
Flexible Routine:
- Pros:
- Keeps Things Interesting: Variety helps prevent boredom and keeps you engaged in your reset routine.
- Adapts to Your Needs: You can adjust activities based on how you’re feeling or upcoming events.
- Cons:
- Requires More Willpower: Deciding what to do each night can be tiring, especially after a long day.
- Less Effective for Sleep: Can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle if changes are too drastic.
Here’s a possible compromise:
- Create a Core Routine: Have a set of 2-3 core activities you do most nights, like taking a bath and reading.
- Leave Room for Flexibility: Add 1-2 activities that can vary depending on your mood or schedule.
Ultimately, the best routine is the one you can stick with consistently. Experiment and see what works best for you in terms of relaxation and sleep quality.
