Why is it important to have a nightly routine? Having routines throughout your day makes things so much easier because you know what you have to do, and it takes a lot off your mind when having to get things done. Just like having a Morning Routine. The more you do a routine, the more your body gets used to it and adapts. Making it easier to go to bed on time. This will allow you to get plenty of sleep and wake up refreshed the next morning. With any schedule, it is always a smart idea to get ahead as much as possible.
Prepare For the Next Day
- Lay out your clothes for the next day. This prevents you from standing in front of the closet trying to decide what to wear. For what may seem like hours on end. You will want to do the same with your kid’s clothes. Then you do not have to worry about what they are going to wear, should by chance you or they wake up late. Things will go much smoother. Another thing is it will decide the night before should your kids be out of clothes or if there is something they need to wear for the next day and they forgot to tell you it was dirty.
- Set up the coffee/tea pot the night before. This way, all you have to do is turn it on or set the timer.
- Make a meal plan so that you know what you are eating for the next day, morning, lunch, and dinner. This will keep you from trying to figure out what to cook. Also, should you have to thaw anything out? You will have time?
Family Time Ritual
This is good for you and your kids to come together to spend quality time during your nightly routine. Here is a list of things you can do with them.
- Reading aloud to your kids. This will also help them read better.
- Do a jigsaw puzzle together.
- Color or draw which is fun for everyone.
- Send messages to your partner when they are out of town or to communicate with the kids in the room and you do not want them in your conversation.
- Share highlights from the events that happen in your day.
- Cuddle or play with your pet. They want your attention as well.
Prepare Sleep Mode
- Set a bedtime not just for you, but for everyone in the family. When the house is quiet, it is much easier for all to sleep.
- Leave electronics alone. This is hard in this day in age. Everything seems to be on your phone, tablet, computer, or even the television. Try it for a couple of nights a week. It will surprise you at how nice the quiet can be.
- Have a light snack and something non-caffeinating to drink. Like a glass of warm milk.
- Soak in a warm tub.
- Listen to soft, calming music.
- Dim the lights.
- Turn on some aromatherapy to help you relax.
- Peaceful thoughts.
- Meditate to relax your body and spirit. Using incense or candles may help.
- Read a good book. Just do not get so sucked in that you do not want to stop reading.
- Build models.
- Do word or number puzzles.
- Journal about your achievements from the day.
Check Your Bedroom
- Make sure you have a comfortable mattress to sleep on. Nothing worse than a mattress that makes you toss and turn all night long because your body hurts.
- Clean sheets are always helpful to relax and to go to sleep.
- Make sure you have the right seasonal bedding. You do not want too thick of a blanket in the summer, nor too thin of one in the winter.
- Your pajamas are for the right season and comfortable. If your pajamas are not comfy, you will be miserable trying to sleep.
- The temperature is comfortable in your bedroom. If it is too hot or too cold, you cannot sleep comfortably, which will not give you a good night’s sleep.
Exercise
If you want to exercise at night, it is wise to do low caliber so that it does not pump your body up at full speed. Here are low caliber ones, some for you.
- Stretching your limbs to work out the stiffness.
- Take a casual walk down the street or around your town. If it is cold, find a store or mall to walk around.
- Yoga.
- Tia Chi.
- Swimming laps at a slow pace.
Nightly Hygiene Regimen
- Ensure your chores are done, and we picked the house up and were ready for the next day. It is hard to get out of bed knowing your house is a wreck and that is the first thing you have to tackle.
- Taking a shower or bath will relax you because your body will be clean.
- Wash your face with your facial products before putting on your night cream.
- Brush your teeth and hair.
- Use the restroom before going to bed so you limit the number of times you will have to go in the middle of the night.
Intimacy Time
- Make sure you have time to snuggle with your partner. Whether it be on the couch or in the bedroom.
- Enjoy giving a message to your partner. This will help bring the two of you closer together.
- A shower together is another way for couples to become closer.
Many people have said not getting enough sleep can have many effects on your body. In order to stay healthy, make sure you schedule your nightly routine. You leave plenty of extra time between activities in case one should run over its allotted timeframe. Which will keep you on track to going to bed on time.
Karen Carnahan 