Five Things You Should Do In Your Evening Routine

Within the past few weeks, I shared my morning routine with you.  My morning routine is a very busy one starting at 5:15 and lasting until nine before I get started on any blog work.  Today I want to share with you the five things you should do each evening for a successful morning.  I don’t want to overwhelm you with an evening routine because evenings are to wind down and relax.  Not to get yourself all worked up so you can’t sleep.  So I am going to keep it simple.  Let’s face it, routines go hand in hand with saving money!

My evening routine is essential to me.  The reason that I know this is because I haven’t been doing it in the last month.  Because, well, it is summer – the time of the year all structure is out the window.

I have decided that tonight is the night that I get back to the night time routine.  I started last night with step one – the most critical part.  Whether it is summer or not, I feel more at peace when my routine is done!

Clean up the kitchen

Make sure all dishes are cleaned up and washed.  I put all the dishes in the dishwasher and run it.  Whether there are four or forty dishes, I still run it. It may not be cost-effective, but it does what I need it to do.  I get a clean slate to start all over the next morning. Some people set out all the lunch bags and prep all that they can for breakfast and lunches the next day.  I chose not to do that.  I would rather see an uncluttered counter.

One of many things I remember about the Fly Lady System is always to shine your sink.  If your sink is clean and shiny, you don’t want anything to mess that up.  So dishes will not sit in there, and you will be more apt to wash them or put them in the dishwasher. If your sink is shiny, the rest of your kitchen will also be.  It seems to be contagious.  Just like making your bed!

Set out your clothes for the next day

Pulling out my clothes for the next day helps.  I stay at home slash work from home.  That makes it easy to stay in my jammies or yoga pants all day.  I find that creating a “uniform” of sorts works for me.  So, a collection of solid tee shirts (without stains or rips, still in good shape) and a pair of capris create my summer uniform.

I will also continue this into fall and winter using a similar t-shirt and black pants while I am home.  That way, if someone comes to the door, I look like I am presentable.  And when my husband comes home from work, I look a little more put together.  (Also, brush your hair and teeth, too!)

Make or double check your to-do list

I am a list person.  I love making lists.  I like pretty notebooks to make lists.  I even bought my favorite color printer paper to make lists.  Having a to-do list allows those tasks to have a foundation and quite frankly, get out of my head.  I always have so much going on in my head if things aren’t put down in some other medium, the will get lost in the space between my brain and the actual task.

As you move along throughout your day, the list kind of people are jotting down things that need to be done, places that we need to go, or tasks that need to be completed.  As you are getting ready for the next day, your kitchen has been clean, and your sink is sparkling, take a peek at tomorrows to do list.  Add anything else that you can think.  This will allow your mind to rest so all those tasks are not swimming around in your head keeping you awake.

 Have a cup of tea

A warm beverage sipped while relaxing before bed is the perfect way to wind down.  There are many decaffeinated teas out there if you are a tea drinker that will assist your mind and body and trigger them to know it is almost time for bed.  Just make sure it is decaf. If you aren’t a tea drinker, you could try a warm glass of water.

Read a book

Turn off all the electronics, put your phone away, and pick up a book.  I would suggest a real physical book instead of an e-reader.  The lights from those readers may interfere with your ability to sleep.  I like to read a light-hearted fiction book before bed, personally. That way, there is a good story, yet I can put it down when the time is right.  I don’t usually like to read anything that I need to take notes with or anything that I may have to remember some relevant facts.  My brain needs to prepare to shut down for the night.  Important things need not be present.

I am a big fan of routines.  Are there any rituals that are a part of your nighttime routines?  Do you have anything that you would recommend?

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