Routine. The word itself sounds boring; who would want to add to their already busy schedule? However, night and morning routines can be filled with tasks that you enjoy and that will either energize or relax you and help you remain peaceful and happy.
Night Routine
Your goal in your night routine is to relax, so that you can have a good night’s rest, and prepare for success the following day.
- Pick out clothes. When I wait till the morning to pick out my clothes, I don’t have enough mental energy to pick out a cute outfit, and I don’t feel as confident the rest of the day. But if I put together a nice outfit the night before, I have one less thing to worry about in the morning!
- Plan for the next day. You’re more likely to follow a productive plan if you make it the night before. Make a list of everything you need to get done that day and plan when you are going to accomplish them. Be realistic! Most tasks take longer than you would expect.
- Pack your backpack. Pack your backpack with all the books and supplies you will need. If you wait till the morning, your brain will still be foggy and you’ll be more likely to forget something you need!
- Prep for breakfast. Even if your breakfast does not require any prep, at least try to plan what you want to eat so that you don’t have to think about it in the morning.
- Read or listen. Relaxing reading before bed is a great way to calm your mind and prepare you for bed. A podcast or an audio book are also great options.
- Journal. Journaling is a great way to process the events of the day so that you can put them out of your mind and go to sleep. Plus you will enjoy looking back over your journals in years to come.
- Stay consistent. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. When your circadian rhythms are consistent, you will fall asleep faster!
- Stay away from screens. The blue light from screens may cause insomnia, so try to stay away from your phone thirty minutes or an hour before bed. Also, put your phone, or whatever you use as an alarm, on the opposite side of the room so that you have to get up to turn it off in the morning.
Morning Routine
Your goal in your morning routine is to set a good momentum for the rest of the day by creating a positive and peaceful mindset.
- Start the morning with something productive and enjoyable. This could be your favorite hobby or making breakfast, just whatever you enjoy! Isn’t it so much easier to wake up when you know you have something fun planned? (Just avoid screens since they tend to suck up all the time in the morning)
- Exercise or stretch. If you don’t like to workout in the morning, try at least a short walk or a stretch session to get your body moving.
- Work on tasks. If you’re like me and you think better in the morning (but only after breakfast), then it might be helpful to set aside some morning time to work on one of your most difficult tasks.
- Eat breakfast. Consuming some protein is important to keep your energy up throughout the day.
- Meditate. Whether you meditate on some Bible verses or take a few minutes to process your day and your mindset, giving yourself some time to slow down and think is really important in preparing for a new day.
- Clean your room. Make your bed and put away any belongings.
Everyone’s needs and schedules are different so adjust your routine to fit your life! Even a five or ten minute morning routine can give you the sense of accomplishment and momentum you need to carry you through the day.
