Ah, the night routine. If you’re like me, you’ve spent years on your laptop right up until you have to go to bed. Switching off has consisted of watching a TV show, partially asleep, and groggily turning off the night. In this post, I walk you through a night routine checklist that anyone, regardless of income, can implement.
This post is all about a Night Routine | 9 Tips To Create Calm and Deep Sleep
1. Start with a four hour work day
I know this might sound crazy, but hear me out.
Research has shown that we engage in four hours of “deep work” per day — at most. This means that we’re only really working, fully focused and fully motivated, for four hours a day. So, is there a way to create a four hour work day for yourself? Can you set a timer and really devote four hours, spread out perhaps throughout the day, where you’re truly working?
I suggest this as part of your night routine, because I find that when I stick to four hours of deep work, I’m able to decompress more easily in the evening and sleep harder.
2. Set the mood
Why not tidy up the space you’re in? You don’t need to deep clean your home, but what are a few small things you can do to create an evening routine aesthetic?
Try lighting a candle and cleaning up any immediate clutter.
Having a neatly organzied coffee table is so calming in the evening with a light little burning.
3. Shower and night routine skincare
When it comes to making a night routine list, I have to suggest showering and looking after your skin.
My top tip? To create a more relaxing night routine aesthetic, try a dim light in the bathroom. I use a Caspar Glow lamp (it’s normally in my bedroom) and I place it on the sink as I shower. It’s so much more relaxing that having a bright ceiling light on as I shower. You might also want to light a candle — create some spa vibes!
After your shower, dedicate a little time to your skincare. This might be as simple as taking your make up off properly and moisturizing.
4. Stretch a little
You don’t need to do an hour long yoga session to fully unwind.
A cozy night routine is always made better by a little stretching – or doing 10 minutes of yoga. Whatever you want to call it.
Personally, I love to get out my yoga mat and spend a few minutes stretching my legs, hips and back.
5. Pack your bag for the next day
What do you need for the next day? Any specific items that you can’t go without?
I love to empty my bag and then lay everything out before repacking. Chances are, I don’t need everything I’ve been carrying around all day.
You can also place a little post it on your bag of anything you need to take from the fridge, for example, before you leave the next day.
6. Lay out your clothes
There’s something SO satisfying laying out your clothes the night before.
You’ll also feel a LOT less stressed when you wake up to an outfit. You realize how much time you spent finding your clothes etc. once you do it the night before.
7. Watch some TV or a movie
I’m going against the grain here, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with watching some Netflix in bed.
You work hard. You’re allowed to watch some TV and zone out for 30 minutes.
I’m not saying you should spend all evening watching TV. Rather, why not spend some time on your hobbies before watching a movie?
That leads me to my next tip…
8. Make some time for hobbies
I love writing. I love scrapbooking. I love reading for fun.
So, I allow myself time for those hobbies as I wind down.
You don’t have to have an hour to do those hobbies. Why not just 10 or 15 minutes? When I started making time for things I love doing just because I love doing them, I fond myself fully able to switch off SO MUCH MORE EASILY!
9. Spend a little time in bed
How often do you get into bed and it’s so late that you have to lay your head straight down to sleep?
Allowing even 10 or 15 minutes of just lying in bed, reading, or watching a TV show, is a lovely reminder that bed is for relaxation.
This post is all about a Night Routine | 9 Tips To Create Calm and Deep Sleep
You may also like…
Morning Routine Ideas | 8 Ways To Exercise Self-Care First Thing
Morning Routines and Hacks | 5 Calming Ways To Kickstart Your Day