Getting ready for bed can be a drag, especially when all you really want to do is watch one last episode of Friends, The Handmaid’s Tale and binge on Netflix.

You were on such a good TV streak, and the couch is just too comfy.

You can’t be bothered to get your butt into bed.

Sound familiar?

I know, I know.

However, if you have a good evening routine in place and actually do it, it will make your life much easier the next day and for all eternity…

Let’s get into it.

 
 

Related Reads:

• How To Plan Your Day & Stick To It
• 9 Things To Do Every For An Amazing Sunday
• How To Take Action On Your Dreams

 

 

1. Read For 30 Minutes

Reading eases the mind and helps you to feel sleepy.

Diving deep into another world can be oh-so thrilling.

By reading we are indeed escaping reality for just a moment and it can really be a form for therapy and meditation in itself.  

Studies say that reading a little every day can help with insomnia, reduce stress, better your memory, and mental abilities.

Yes, please.

Let’s crack that book open, shall we?

My favorite books of all time are Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Just Kids by Patti Smith.

If you prefer to listen and not read, there are countless amazing podcasts out there too. Or you can check out your favorite book over at Audible.

 

 

2. Stretch

After a long day, your body and your muscles are bound to be tense.

You might not even notice that you are tense until you stretch it out.

Loosen up before bed, by putting in place a 3-minute stretching routine.

Stretching before bed relieves stress and gets your body relaxed and ready for the Zzz.

Examples of good stretching exercises:

• Downward dog
• Tree Pose
• Seated forward bend
• Happy baby
• Supta Baddha Konasana
• General shoulder stretches
• General neck stretches

 

 

3. Skincare

Don’t you dare go to bed with your makeup still on.

This is a true skincare and beauty violation.

All kidding aside, you really should have a proper routine for your skincare. Take care of yourself and your delicate skin.

Wash it off, rinse, tone, moisturize and I promise you you’ll feel so much better.

Your future self will thank you for taking the time to remove dirt, pollution, sweat, etc. after a long day.

I know it may be tempting to be lazy after a long night out on the town, or when you are just so tired you just can’t seem to swing by the bathroom before bed. But just do it.

15 years from now, you’ll be thankful you did.

Oh, and also – brush your teeth.

 

 

4. Set Goals For Tomorrow

It’s super essential to set daily goals for yourself in order to get anywhere and to eventually live out your dreams.

Set baby-goals that are in line with the bigger picture and see that the little things you do on the daily are related to your dreams.

Get out your planner, gCal or what have you – and plan out a year from now and down to the hour for the next day.

I swear, planning and goal setting has saved my life – and it will save yours. ✨

It’s the little things that add up.

 

 

5. Journal

Do a thought download and journal before you go to bed.

We all have a million things going on, our to-do lists are never-ending and thoughts are swarming around in our minds trying to take our attention when we’re about to close our eyes for the night.

Take out an A4 piece of paper, Evernote, Word Doc – whatever format floats your boat – and dump all of your thoughts onto that paper or computer screen.

Do not overthink this – write down anything that comes to mind.

This process will help empty your mind and get it ready for bed.

You don’t want to hit the pillow with giant thoughts and to-do’s that are calling at you.

Writing and getting things out will also help with general feelings of overwhelm and stress.

 

 

6. Bye Bye Blue Light

Ah, social media. It’s absolutely no good when you are preparing your mind and soul for sound sleep.

The blue light from the screen is actually convincing you to stay up and it makes you less tired.

This should be a general rule for both morning and evening routines.

Turn off all screens at least an hour before your head hits the pillow.

And for heaven’s sake, don’t bring your computer into the bed with you. I’m guilty of this too, we all do it. It’s so hard to stay away!

If you must – download the flux app that gradually warms up your screen (i.e the blue light almost completely disappears) to match your indoor lighting.

 

 

7. Set The Mood

The mood is everything.

Your bedroom should feel cool and comfy, and have a temperature of ca. 19-20 degrees Celsius (ca 67 Fahrenheit) – proven to help sleep.

Keep your sheets fresh by changing them up every week.

There is no better feeling than going to bed in a pair of cold, clean, wonderful smelling sheets.

Hanging up the sheets from your window or balcony is also a good way to gather the freshness.

Speaking of smell, essential oils is another amazing way to up the bedroom mood.

Lavender is said to help with sleep and has a calming effect.

 

 

Busy bee? Pin this article for later. 

 

 

8. Declutter

Tidy up and declutter your mind (as we’ve already talked about in the “Journal” section) and your space.

Do the dishes in the evening, take a quick spin around your house and clean/tidy anything that needs cleaning.

Wash your bathroom mirror and sink. It’s the little things that add up.

And voila – when you wake up and it’s time for breakfast, I promise you, you’ll be in a much happier and forgiving mood.

 

 

9. Get To Bed, Girl!

If you’re like me and you enjoy getting a head start on the day and wake up super early – you need to get to bed at a reasonable hour.

For a more productive and creative life, and for me to be able to reach my goals – I need to make more time.

And the only way to make more time is to wake up earlier.

I usually wake up at 6 am every morning and 8 am (at the latest) on the weekends.

It may sound crazy, but I get SO much more done.

Time is crucial when working full time and blogging. 

Nothing good happens after midnight, am I right?

I have created a mini eBook on the best tricks and tips that help with productivity and creativity.

Grab it by plotting down your first name and email and it will be on its way to you. 

 

 

10. Hydrate

It’s vital that you keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.

But when you are going to sleep, your body will not get any form of a liquid for at least 7-8 hours.

Make sure to drink enough during the day so your body can get through the night.

Maybe not binge on water/tea right before bed. We want to avoid getting up to use the toilet 10 times in a row (I hate when that happens).

Drink calming camomile tea an hour before bed, or lukewarm milk with a dash of honey, if you have trouble getting to sleep.

Cold water is my jam, but anything will do (preferably no sugary drinks that will spike your blood sugar and keep you awake).

 

Your morning routine truly starts the night before. Plan, prep, and make decisions in the evening for a more successful tomorrow.
— Mia of She Dreams All Day