Much like a morning routine is the key to starting your day off on the right note, an evening routine is the key to preparing for the next day.
A morning routine is only successful with proper planning—and that planning needs to start the day before.
Here’s your guide to making an evening routine, and sticking to it:
Remember Why You Need Routines
Even if you don’t think you need a routine—you do.
Having routines in life creates structure, which in turn leads to a less stressful life.
Your evening routine starts the moment you get home from work and ends the moment you go to sleep—for some, that is a short while, but for many it is hours.
So ask yourself—how do you want to live your life? Stressed, panicked, late because you waste your time on meaningless activities instead of actively making strides in your life? Or creating a balance in your life that prepares for what must be done while still leaving time for the things that you want to spend time doing?
A routine is key to getting your life back on track—and here’s how.
Keep it Simple
Everyone’s routine is different, and does not need to be incredibly complicated.
The most important thing to remember is to keep it simple, and base your routine around the absolute necessities.
Often, these are:
- Eating
- Exercising
- Preparing an outfit for the next day
- Preparing lunch for the next day
- Practicing self-care
Remember What is Important to You
Whatever routine you come up with, remember to fulfill the routine with intention.
By living our lives with intention and taking the proper time to spend on ourselves, we are working towards goals.
With these tips in mind, use this guide to create your own evening routine.
For more inspiration, check out my evening routine below!
6:00PM: Home from work, and time to walk the dog. I usually try to walk him a mile in the morning and a mile in the evening.
6:30PM: Time for dinner. I either pre-prep all the ingredients and throw something together, or keep it simple and make a smoothie or salad.
7:15PM: I relax for a bit, either reading or watching an episode of whatever is playing on “Food Network”.
8:00PM: Time for some self-care: a shower, a face mask, some hot tea, and deep conditioning treatments are my usual go-to after a long day.
8:45PM: I take my dog out on his last walk for the night.
9:00PM: I lay out my clothes for the next day and pack a lunch that will be waiting for me in the fridge.
9:30PM: I wind down for the night. Generally, I shut down the electronics by now and just read for the night. I’m in bed by 10 and ready to start my morning the right way.
(h/t Better Change Project)