How many times have you heard that you need to get better sleep? And how many times have you told yourself that you’re going to bed early, but instead you stay up til 3 am?

 

When I became a mom, I realized it was vital to establish a  routine for our baby. Before we knew it, she settled into bed easier for naps and bedtime. It took me a bit longer to realize that it was important to set up similar nightly routines for myself. It’s the same concept as training your body to wake up by a certain time in the morning without the aid of an alarm clock, you know, the whole circadian rhythm thing. #Science Only just the opposite, you’re training yourself to be in bed by a certain time consistently.

To get started, I sat down one morning and made a list of realistic night time rituals to get in the habit of making sure I don’t stay up too late. I created several (7, to be exact) methods because realistically, I know I’m going to be in the mood for different things on any given day. However, I do have a base routine that is non-negotiable.

Be Productive

• Clean kitchen (or any room you’d like)
• Fold laundry
• Take a bath

Rest Up

• Read
• Go to bed early

The Ultimate

• Journal
• Drink tea
• Angel card reading

Self Care

• Drink tea
• Draw
• Face mask

Connect

• Play a game with your friends, husband, wife, neighbor

Guilty Pleasure

• watch television
• have a snack

Get Physical

• Practice yoga
• Shower
• Have sex

You can mix and match these ideas as well!

There is also a non-negotiable nightly routine list that I’ve worked very hard in creating and maintaining. It’s probably the most important for physical health for me. The routines listed above are purely for my mental health, so I can feel free to go to bed without any tasks lingering undone.

Every Night

• wash face
• moisturize
• brush teeth
• floss
• mouthwash
• apply eye cream
• apply lip balm
• take medication

How do you get ready for bedtime?