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Whether you are reading this post because you are not getting enough sleep, or are simply looking to upgrade your nightly routine, I will be sharing 10 simple yet effective night-time habits to help you relax and get a better night’s sleep.
So without further ado, let’s get into these 10 night-time habits you need to follow.
Turn Off Tech
Staying off devices is easier said than done. I always find it best if I don’t allow myself to go on any tech after dinner. I make sure I get all of my work done for the day before I eat, that way I don’t have an excuse to turn on my electronics.
There are always going to be those times when I won’t be able to finish all of my work before dinner and I have to work until the later hours of the night. But if you are able to stay off tech at least an hour before you go to bed, it will make a big difference and should help you get to sleep faster.
For those nights when you have to work later, I suggest using blue light glasses. These affordable best-selling blue light glasses are my favorite pair! Because these glasses filter out blue light, they will help protect your eyes from glare and could potentially help you reduce any damage to your retina from being exposed to blue light for long periods of time.
Ultimately, these glasses filter out the light that keeps your brain and eyes awake.
Tidy Up Your Space
I don’t know about you, but my room could always use some tidying up at the end of the day. So, I take about 5-10 minutes to straighten everything up, put clothes away, and get my space organized (if it needs it).
Whenever my room gets cluttered or things are out of their place, I don’t focus or work well. This habit is honestly one that I look forward to every night. I make it a game in the way that I set a timer every night for around 5 minutes, then see how much I can get done within that small amount of time.
Plus, it is super nice waking up to a tidy room, it starts the day off on the right foot. 🙂
Cut the Caffeine
If you want to get a good night’s sleep, it is crucial that you stop drinking caffeine at least 7 hours before you go to bed. Caffeine will not only keep you from falling asleep but it can easily delay the timing of your body clock.
Essentially, caffeine will reduce your total sleep time. So do yourself a favor and stay clear of any caffeinated drinks after 2 pm. It can truly mess up your sleep schedule.
Plan for the Next Day
My mind is always going. So, when I am getting ready for bed, all I can think about is what I have to do the next day and how I am going to fit everything into my schedule.
One of the first things I do in my nighttime routine is sit down at my desk or on my bed and plan. I write down all of my to-dos, deadlines, and appointments in my planner.
I honestly don’t know if I would be able to go to bed without planning for the next day. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I have everything scheduled and laid out for the upcoming day.
Take Care of Your Skin
After a long day of working, your skin is in desperate need of a good cleanse and some soothing self-care. So after you set a relaxing mood, take your time to go through your skin care regimen. And if you don’t have one, you can build one. It might take a little bit to find a skin-care routine that works for you, but that’s okay.
After I go through my usual skin routine, once or twice a week I will indulge in a face mask. My favorite right now is this peeling solution by “The Ordinary.” So many people have been raving about it lately, so I thought I would give it a try. And, I have to say, I am loving it.
Needless to say, self-care is probably one of the most relaxing parts of my day and a nighttime habit that you should definitely start if you haven’t already.
Stretch
Stretching before bed is a great way to relax your muscles. Whether you take 5 minutes and do a couple of simple stretches in your bed, or take 15 minutes to go through a series of different moves on a yoga mat, both are beneficial and will help your muscles to loosen and not be as tight or sore when you wake up the next morning.
I used to wake up with stiff muscles all of the time, usually from workouts I did the day before. But, incorporating this simple habit into my nightly routine has allowed me to wake up feeling much better. Definitely a must for me!
Meditate
Essentially, meditating can help you sleep better. This relaxing technique will help to quiet your mind and body while helping you achieve a sense of inner peace. It may be a little uncomfortable or hard to focus at first, but the more you practice the easier it will become. Start with 5 minutes each night, then increase from there.
Journal
At the end of a long day, you probably have a lot of different thoughts running around in your head. But journaling can help you relieve all of the stress and anxiety that has built up inside of you. Just write as little or as much as you would like, but don’t hold back.
Trust me, you will feel so much better once you take everything that is on your mind and write it down on paper. This therapeutic habit can easily help your sleep, as it leaves you more relaxed with less on your mind.
Get an Outfit Ready for the Next Day
Picking out an outfit can be quite the process. And I know I am not alone when I say this. For some reason, whenever I wait until the morning to pick out what I’m going to wear, it always takes so much longer.
Take it from me, it will save you so much time and hassle in the morning if you have your outfit ready the night before. Simply look at the weather, and choose an outfit that will work with your activities for the next day.
It is a simple habit, but boy does it make a difference.
Read for 15-30 Minutes
I would suggest reading last since it is probably the most relaxing of these habits and will likely make you sleepy. Whether you are reading a book about business or a fictional book that transports you to another world, books are a great way to end the day.
There are so many benefits to reading besides it being an enjoyable activity. So take a little time for yourself before bed to pick up a book and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it is up to you how you end each day. But incorporating these 10 simple yet effective habits will help you relax after a long day, reduce stress, and get to sleep.
I hope you enjoyed this post and found some helpful tips to add to your night routine. What are some night-time habits that have changed your life for the better? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
If you liked this post, here are some related reads I think you may enjoy:
- 11 Self-Care Ideas You Need to Try
- 10 Morning Habits for Productivity
- 7 Life-Changing Girl Boss Books
