5 Things to Try in Your Nighttime Routine

The things you do with the hour before you go to bed can make a huge difference on your mental health as well as your physical health. This time can easily be used to form productive habits that you can take with you into adulthood. This is a short list of things to try every night before going to bed if you don’t already.

1. Take Time to Decompress After a Long Day

Something that can be really beneficial, especially as young women is taking time to unwind from the day. Many young women have their lives mapped out to a T, so when it comes time to rest, it is important that you are taking that time to yourself. This will instantly amp up your self care and it does not take an extraordinary amount of effort.

This decompressing time can include something as simple as reading a chapter out of your favorite book, reflecting on your goals for tomorrow, or reminding yourself of the little things in your day that made it better. The best thing to do for yourself to go to bed with a positive mindset is to practice gratification.

2. Wash Your Face Every Night

This one may seem like a given, but truthfully it is easier to overlook this step than one may think. It is so easy to just wipe the day away with a makeup wipe but one thing that most girls can agree on is wanting clear skin and the confidence that comes along with that. The day to day maintenance is what gets you to that point. Your skin will thank you when you take the extra minute or two to wash your face after the makeup removal process.

3. Tea Time

Now while most people in this Millennial/Gen. X mix are die hard coffee lovers, to settle down for the evening calls for tea. Now I know what some of you may be thinking, I’d rather drink coffee at 6 p.m. and not sleep than switch to tea. I promise I shared this way of thinking, but there truly is a tea for everyone in the same way that everyone has a very specific way they take their coffee. Tea is a great way to unwind and try something new at the same time.

4. Journal

It might not always feel like the most natural act, but journaling can be a great way to release thoughts and feelings in a more private setting or to write down daily affirmations. For example during your daily decompression try mixing in journaling. It doesn’t have to be long, or eloquent, this can simply be a way to get thoughts down and a therapeutic way of letting things go. Having a journal to look back on a year, or even a few months down the road is beneficial to watch self growth. The benefits are endless.

5. Put your Phone Down Earlier

This is something that may be difficult to do at first, but once you start, you’ll see immediate results. Putting your phone down about 30 minutes before you want to go to sleep is a sure fire way to calm your mind down from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. We spend so much time on our phones so once you get settled in bed, set it aside for a more relaxed sleep.