Do I need to have an evening routine?
Every good day starts with a great night.
It feels like the chicken and the egg. Which one comes first?
Well you are probably reading this during the day or evening and why not start right now.
Waking up in the morning and knowing that some little things have been completed the night before is a great way to start the day with a smile. Some may say having a good night’s sleep sets you up for the day. How can you get some deep sleep? Having a good evening and night routine that works for you is the best thing you can do for yourself.
You already have a head start and the day has only started. What a motivational push to start the day.
So how can you achieve this feeling?
Start an evening routine.
How to start a healthy evening routine
Do you work from home or run our own business? How do you signal to yourself that the work day is over? Is it shutting down the laptop and leaving your home office?
There will always be another email and something else to do. That is ok.
Right now you are starting your evening routine.
If you work outside the home when you finally open the front door you are back and in your castle. No more thinking of work today.
Some people may use 6pm as the start of the evening routine. Others may focus on the evening meal as the starting point.
Whichever way works for you.
Food for your body
Yes, we all need to eat so most people will have dinner at home. Every day is different and whether it is cooking at home or reheating leftovers. Meal time is precious time to spend with family members. A way to come together and catch up on things that have happened during the day.
Depending on the current situation you are in, if you have small children they are at home with you. Older children may have different schedules and have clubs or events going on and of course other family members may have other commitments that keep them away from home right now. Whatever situation you are in either enjoy the meal time with those that are there right now or make the most of the peace and quiet if you are alone.
Every day is different and has its ups and downs.
Dinner is done and the clean up begins.
Yes it is time to clear the table and pack any leftovers for tomorrow and either wash the dishes or load the dishwasher.
If these are chores carried out by other members of the family even getting other kitchen things done is spending time with them too.
You probably have a routine of who does what and when and without realising it may be a well oiled routine.
Take a moment to enjoy it.
Hey of course there are always times when someone doesn’t want to do their part. That is natural. Honestly, some days I don’t want to do certain tasks either. On other days I just do it while thinking of other things.
This could also be the time when you prepare any lunches or meals for tomorrow.
Having a tidy kitchen is a great achievement to end the day.
Spend time with your family or friends
This time is different in every home. Some may head outside depending on the weather and the time of year and go for a walk. Others may spend some time with family members and catch up on things.
Yes, we have all been there on those long evenings of nothing going according to plan, or the kids are acting up, or sick and everything gets thrown out the window.
Those are also the times when you realise how important the evening routine is in installing a sense of calm in the home. You begin to cherish them even more.
It makes you realise how important it really is to be productive with your time and carry out those tasks. They don’t even take that long but they help you tick off tasks from your to do list.
Maybe you make a visit to a family member, friend or neighbour to help them out.
Making a call and keeping in touch with family and friends who do not live nearby.
Create your own productive evening schedule
Open the windows for a quick air out depending on pollen levels.
- Close the curtains and lock the doors.
- Finish the washing up and drying of the dishes.
- Empty the dishwasher.
- Wipe down the counters.
- Do a last load of laundry.
- Fold and Put some laundry away.
- Vacuum kitchen and hall.
- Take out frozen food to defrost for tomorrow.
- Go for a quick stroll with the dog.
- Watch your favourite show.
- Make yourself a cup of your favourite tea.
- Call a friend or family member for a chat.
- Snuggle on the sofa and enjoy some mindless viewing.
- When you are finished in one room do a quick tidy up e.g. fold any blankets that were used or put the cushions back on the sofa
- Have a shower.
I am sure that we all could add another 101 things to that list and maybe some change depending on the day.
Take a few moments to grab your diary or calendar and note anything that you need to record. The things that you have done today or need to follow up on.
Is there something to be done tomorrow.
Do you need to make a phone call, an appointment or write an email, then note it down. Keep a list of the tasks for work that spring to mind. Get them on paper and out of your mind.
What can you do now to help yourself in the morning rush?
The benefits of a good evening routine
Instead of looking at tasks that you are doing in the evening as negative, turn them around and think positively about them. You are getting them done and following a routine to ensure that things are done and you can focus on a relaxing night time routine.
We all lead different lives and have different responsibilities. Your list is just for you to ensure you have the best chance to start your day in a calm way as possible.
Having an evening and night time routine that works for you could be the solution to your feeling stressed in the mornings. The calm feeling of going to bed with a clear mind knowing that you have done what you can to prepare for the next day. You know what needs to be done the following day. All of this leads to a peaceful night’s sleep.
It doesn’t mean that every evening will be busy and full on. Sometimes life gets in the way and nothing gets done or only the basic things. That is ok as you know you can just catch up tomorrow. We are all humans and not automated. Sometimes we get sick or feel unwell.
If you know tomorrow evening will be busy then doing some extra chores tonight will help you tomorrow.
Starting a new day in this way is the best form of motivation. Things may not be easy to manage that day but you know what needs to happen.
You can start the day with a smile. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.
