As we come to the end of the day, it is important to unwind, reflect, and prepare for tomorrow.  Having a night time routine does this.  It prepares our body to shut down for the night.  This is why a bedtime routine is highly suggested for children to help them understand that it is time to go to sleep.

If you haven’t noticed, I am a fanatic about routines.   If you missed it, please also see my post Hello Routine, my old Friend. Where I introduce the idea of routine.

In my honest opinion, a night time or bedtime routine is equally if not more important than our morning routine.  It has been shown that the state of mind you go to sleep with can be the same one you wake up with or worse.

A nightly routine should include things from these three categories, in no particular order,

Closure – This can be wiping down the kitchen counters, starting the dishwasher, folding a load of laundry, clearing a busy area in your home, or straightening your work area.

Preparation – Set your coffee maker/tea kettle for the morning, gather all the things you need for the next day, pack your lunch for work (assuming you work outside the home), and lay out your outfit you wish to wear the next day.

Self care – Take a bath, wash your face/remove makeup, unplug, have a cup of tea, read, meditate, write in your journal, or do some sort of exercise.

Doing any combination of things that gives your day closure, prepares you for the next day, and recharges your inner self.  This will not only help you wake up in a better mood, but quite possibly improve your sleep.

Start a nightly routine tonight, just remember C.P.S. Closure, Prepare, Self care.