Nighttime Routine Anyone?

Is it just me who has a nighttime routine? It feels so weird saying that (technically writing).

To be honest, my nighttime routine has changed a little since the staying and working from home thing. Before, I would be too tired to do some stuff and would just do what I thought was really necessary. Now, let’s just say, I don’t have any excuses not to do these things.

Also, I sleep hours later than I would, I don’t set my alarm and just trust my mind to wake me up when it deems “It’s time” and when I get into bed and turn off the lights, I just don’t sleep yet.

In my previous post, I talked about how I am a creature of habit. My nighttime routine calms me down, helps me sleep better, and boosts my energy for the next day.

These things set me up for a better week.

Have a workday cut-off

Imagine this: your office day while at home ‘ends’ at 5pm, but more often than not, you find yourself responding to emails or finishing projects well into the night. Sound familiar?

Working from home requires a routine wueh! And yes, work-life balance still applies here. I am trying to have a daily cut-off.

Turn your last step of the workday into a ritual that signals to your brain that it’s no longer work time. This is a good idea if you find yourself checking emails throughout the night or can’t fall asleep because you’re worried about your to-dos for the next day. 

Whatever time your workday ends, be intentional about it.

Make a to-do list for the next day

I don’t know if this has anything to do with age or just having too much to think about, but I have been forgetting a lot of what I plan to do the following day.

Once, I had clearly set out what I was to do, in my mind of course, and I had like 5 things. When I woke up, I could only remember one of the things.

That was my wake-up call!

Do something creative

Creative here is relative, I must say. What I try to do is usually perfect on a TikTok dance challenge for just a few minutes. Other times, I am writing or simply ‘Netflixing’.

So do whatever sails your boat. Like I always say, “Do you boo!”

Take 15 minutes to tidy up your space

I am one person who spends three-quarter of my day on my bed. By the end of the day, I have so much on my bed and of course, have to tidy everything up before going to bed.

This has just become a habit for me.

Make sure that you wake up every morning with a clean and organized space, so you feel calm, centered, and ready to start the day. Spending just 15 minutes every evening to declutter the bedroom of anything that piled up throughout the day makes a huge difference in your evening routine and your state of mind when waking up the next morning. 

Hygiene rituals

I have a hygiene ritual that I am very faithful to. Pre-pandemic, I would always ask myself what was necessary. Did I have anything sweet? If the answer was no, most likely I would go to bed without brushing my teeth (shame on me).

So my ritual is basically me brushing my teeth, peeing before going to bed, oiling my lips and moisturizing my hands. I don’t think it’s a lot. Is it?

Pray

I have been doing this for such a long time that at this point, it is ingrained in me. Even when I’m tired, I have to spend a few minutes in prayer. Thanking God for my day, and committing all my fears, hopes, and plans to Him. At the end of the day, He is the one who made everything possible.

Do you have a nighttime routine?

See You Next Week!