I’ve made no secret about my night owl tendencies. But whether you’re a night owl like me or not, it’s important to begin your day before bed.
Not sure what you can do to make that happen?
Well, these 20 tips are perfect for anyone who wants to start their day feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.
The List of Twenty
You don’t need to do all 20 of these things. Just select what works for you now and then either add or modify the list to work for you over time. But I suggest you start with at least one thing that you’re not already doing now.
- Plan out your day: Take a few minutes before bed to jot down your schedule and to-do list for the following day. This will help you prioritize your tasks and stay organized.
- Set out your clothes: Decide what you’re going to wear the next day and lay it out so you don’t have to scramble in the morning.
- Pack your bags: If you have to leave the house early, pack your bags and prepare any materials you need for the day.
- Meditate: Take some time to meditate and clear your mind before bed. This will help you sleep better and wake up feeling more relaxed.
- Read a book: Reading before bed is a great way to unwind and relax. It can also help you fall asleep faster. (Note: Don’t read anything on a tablet or phone or computer. Audio is fine, an e-ink reader is better, paper is best.)
- Journal: Write down any thoughts or ideas you have before bed. This will help you process your day and reflect on your accomplishments. Never journaled before? This will help.
- Stretch: Do a few stretches before bed to relieve any tension in your muscles and promote relaxation.
- Drink tea: Sipping on a cup of tea before bed can help you relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
- Turn off electronics: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt your sleep. (This is why I mentioned not using electronics with blue light earlier in this list.)
- Listen to calming music: Play some soft music to help you relax and wind down before bed.
- Take a bath: Soak in a warm bath to help your muscles relax and soothe your mind. (TMI Alert: I do this pretty much every night.)
- Use aromatherapy: Try using essential oils like lavender or chamomile to help you relax and fall asleep faster.
- Practice gratitude: Write down a few things you’re grateful for before bed. This will help you go to sleep with a positive mindset. This can be the way you jumpstart the 6th thing on this list.
- Connect with loved ones: Spend some time talking to your partner or family members before bed. This will help you feel more connected and relaxed.
- Clean up: Do a quick clean up before bed to ensure you wake up to a tidy home.
- Set intentions: Decide what you want to achieve the next day and set intentions to help you stay focused. Ryan Holiday wrote about Seneca’s “Evening Examination” and I do a variation of that every night myself.
- Review your goals: Look over your long-term goals and remind yourself of what you’re working towards. This goes hand in hand with number 16.
- Practice self-care: Take care of your skin and body by applying moisturizer and taking care of your hygiene.
- Learn something new: Read an article or watch a video on a new topic to expand your knowledge.
- Get a good night’s sleep: Finally, the most important thing you can do before bed is to get a good night’s sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. As a night owl, I shoot for 7 hours in one go and then try to sneak a nap in every weekday.
And there you have it – 20 things you can do before bed to give you a jump on tomorrow. Whether you’re a night owl or an early riser (or land somewhere in between) try incorporating some of these tips into your nightly routine and see how they help you feel more prepared and focused for the day ahead.
