Build the best evening routine for more energy and better sleep (+ free printable)

I think that having a suitable evening routine is crucial for being efficient throughout the day. Reportedly, a productive day starts the night before. So today I’d like to share with you some activities I do before bedtime. These simple actions actually work for me and solve most problems with the lack of productivity and energy in my life.

Plot out TO-DO list for the next day

Waking up without knowing what to do next is the best way to have an extremely unproductive day. I’m working from home so I need a lot of self-discipline to organizing my day just by myself. I know that if I don’t prepare my plan for the next day, I’ll probably act erratically, and blindly lash out at everything around me (worst case scenario). So, in other words, my day will be unproductive.

I’ve noticed that a simple habit such as creating the simple plan of tasks for the next day is a life-changer. But this is not only that of course. It’s just a part of my routine which (in combination with the other components) fulfills me with energy every single day.

Prepare clothes for the next day

It may seem strange or even prosaic but preparing clothes and gym bag the day before protects me from dropping the workout. I’ve observed that when I know exactly what to wear and what to grab with myself when I’m going to leave my home, my day becomes much easier.

Have a light meal and drink a glass of water

Drinking a glass of water before sleep will keep you hydrated through the night and will help the unwanted toxins to leave your body. Remember to drink only one small glass of water. Otherwise you may need to increase the amount of times you require to pee at night.

If it’s possible try to avoid drinking coffee (and other caffeinated drinks) for a period of 6 hours before sleep. Then it should be a lot easier for you to fall asleep at night.

Take care of your skin

The evening self care skin ritual is my must have. I usually turn on peaceful music and take a long relaxing bathin the warm glow of candlelights. After that I moisturize my skin with my favorite products.

Step away from the screens!

This is probably the more important rule. And for me definitely the most difficult one to follow. I personally love watching Netflix until late at night and when I do I feel exhausted the next morning. Why is this happening?

Using all kind of electronic devices during the 2 hours before bedtime has the following consequences:

• it makes it a lot more difficult to fall asleep (it stimulates the brain so we are more active and awake),
• it delays your body’s internal rhythm,
• it causes tiredness and irritability during the day,
• you may feel distracted and awaken when you need to relax and sleep,
• you may even experience insomnia.

Take time for yourself

Lastly I go to bed. When I’m in the mood for reading or meditating I’m doing that for about 15-30 minutes. When I’m not I just go to sleep right away.

A little printable gift for you

I designed and prepared an infographic about my evening (and morning) routine so you could print it and use as a cheat sheet. I hope you like it and find it useful.

>>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A MORNING AND EVENING ROUTINE CHEAT SHEET<<

If you want to discover more about my morning routine ideas – click here.

Do you have your own best evening routine? I’ll be glad if you’ d like to share your ideas with me in the comment section below 🙂

Love, M.