I have always struggled with finding the right nighttime routine. I read many books and watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to become an early bird. One major thing I kept seeing and hearing was how the right morning routine can prepare you for a productive day. The same, however, is true for your nighttime routine.
I used to have the worst time going to sleep at a scheduled time. I knew it was important for me to get enough sleep, but my brain just would not shut off. As a result, I would either snoozed my alarm couple (more like twenty) times, or I would be groggy and moody for the rest of the day. By lunchtime, I was usually ready to get a three-hour nap. Can you relate?
Now that I established a nighttime routine, I sleep like a baby and wake up rested and ready to be productive and focused.
These eight steps make up my nighttime routine:
- Take a shower/bath. For the longest time, I preferred to take a shower in the morning. However, over time I realized that when I take a shower at night, my body starts realizing it’s time to wind down. I also love using Bath & Body Works’ Stress Relief Body Cream. The smell of eucalyptus and spearmint is absolutely amazing! I tried using the Stress Relief shower gel, but it made my skin very dry.
- Get rid of everything negative. Try not to bring the troubles of the day to bed with you. Ask God to help you stop worrying. Don’t hold onto any grudges or anger.
- Read your Bible. I usually do my devotions in the morning, but at night, I like to read a chapter in the book of Proverbs. Because there are 31 chapters, I can easily read the one corresponding with the date of the month.
- Get your room ready. The environment can really affect your sleep! I sleep best when it’s absolutely dark, so I invested into blackout curtains. I also make sure that the temperature is right and try to eliminate any noise.
- Don’t forget your supplements. I used to take melatonin every night for years. It would help me to go to sleep quicker, but I would still wake up feeling tired. After some research, I switched to magnesium and I love it! Not only can magnesium help you go to sleep, but it plays a part in helping you achieve deep and restful sleep as well.
- Listen to some calming music. Right when I get out of the shower, I light my candle and play some music. Recently, I discovered a playlist on Spotify called “Peaceful Guitar” and I’ve been playing it almost every night.
- Go to bed at the same time every day. Yes, I know! Sounds impossible. I’m definitely one of the people who can come up with a hundred reasons for staying up later. However, the only way to ensure I get enough sleep is to get to bed early enough each night. Let’s face it …. are we really being productive when we stay up late?
- Pray. Thank the Lord for the day He gave you. Confess your wrongdoings and let go of what is weighing you down. What better place to be right before going to sleep than the Throne of Grace?
These are the things I try to do every day to prepare my body to go to sleep. Some of them might work for you, some may not. The important things is to see your routine as a priority. Find out what helps you get the best night’s sleep and stick to it.
Q: Do you have a nighttime routine? If not, why?
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Psalm 30v5
