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This post is about how to create your ideal night routine for healthy habits

Are you interested in creating a night routine to support your healthy habits? When it comes to living healthy, a night routine is a great way to get started!

A healthy nighttime routine isn’t just about getting enough sleep. A mindful night routine will actually set the stage for a great morning routine and impact how your next day goes!

Having a consistent nighttime routine has been a game changer for my sleep quality, mental health, and overall healthy habits. It makes it easier to get a morning workout in and start the day with a positive outlook.

The truth is, you probably already have a night routine. Maybe you watch your favorite show, fall asleep on the couch and then make your way up to bed in the middle of the night. Does this sound familiar?

In this blog post, let me walk you through how to create your ideal night routine so you can get the most out of your day and night.

You’ll be able to go to bed with peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for the busy day ahead.

In just a few minutes a day, make it easier to get in regular exercise, get organized, create a consistent sleep schedule, and benefit from a consistent night routine.

If creating new routines is something you’re ready for, you can also learn more about routines here:

Productive 5am Morning Routine for Moms
19 Ways to Create Your Perfect Morning Routine
How to Make Your Best Sunday Reset Routine {Prepare for the Week}

Getting Started with Your Night Routine

Before you get started, it’s a good idea to decide how you are going to keep track of your routine. Believe me, it will be so much easier having a to-do list to follow! I recommend using one of the following apps:

AnyList app (iOS only)
Trello (desktop and app)
Google Tasks
Google reminders

If you already have a great calendar/task system you use effectively, then you can certainly use it for this. I personally prefer to use a digital app vs. a handwritten list, because it saves you having to write it out every day. But if writing things down works better for you, then you can start there!

Your Routine Should Match Your goals

When creating your night routine, it's important to make sure it makes sense for YOU.

For a while, I tried to have an elaborate night skincare routine. I quickly realized having a 5 step skin care routine was NOT for me and I was not motivated to make this part of my daily routine. However, if you have a certain skin type that requires more than slapping on some moisturizer and eye cream, then having a specific skin care routine might be worth it for you.

Your nighttime routine can be both a time to set the stage for a good night’s sleep and take small steps toward larger goals.

Here are some examples:

Goal - drink more water

Nighttime routine - fill water bottle so its ready immediately upon waking (you can read my post on How to Drink More Water here)

Goal - workout for 20-30 minutes first thing in the morning

Nighttime routine - clean up workout area, lay out workout clothes

Goal - get a great night’s sleep

Nighttime routine - take a warm bath or shower, shut down electronic devices and social media 1 hour prior to bed, read a good book, turn on white noise machine

Goal - get organized for next day

Nighttime routine - write out next day’s to-do list

Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

For the best results, I recommend keeping your night routine checklist to 5 tasks or less.

Then, as you create new habits and they become second nature, you can add take them off your checklist.

For example, when I started my intentional night routine - I was terrible about flossing my teeth! It may sound silly, but flossing was on my checklist and after a few months it simply became a habit and I no longer needed that reminder. The flossing came off the checklist and a new habit went on. Your routine should be flexible and change with different seasons in life.

My current night routine:

Lay out workout clothes for next day (include sports bra socks and sneakers - I can’t tell you how much time I’ve wasted in the morning looking for my sneakers!).
Charge phone + laptop
10 minute quick de-clutter (just set a timer for 10 minutes and do what you can!)
Fold and put away extra laundry
Check calendar for next day
Run dishwasher - I run my dishwasher EVERY night no matter what. Even if it is only half full, it makes a HUGE difference in your morning if you can immediately empty the dishwasher and put your breakfast plates in the dishwasher

Overall, don’t expect to make a total 180 on your nighttime routine overnight. Take it one step at a time and make sure to use a checklist for accountability. Tools for success are only effective if you use them!

Great Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

Chances are that simply starting a mindful night routine will help with more restful sleep. I know going to bed feeling more prepared for the next day has made a huge difference in my anxiety and sleep.

Here are some more ideas for creating an environment for better sleep:

Limit screen time and turn off any blue light emitting devices within one hour of bedtime.
Stay off social media, email, and text messages that may create anxious thoughts before going to bed.
Sip a cup of decaffeinated tea.
Take a bubble bath or hot shower - the warm water will help you relax and get sleepy
Run a diffuser with essential oils - lavender is often recommended for bedtime.
Use a white noise machine - we simply use our Alexa and say “Alexa, play Sleep Sounds Ocean Sounds”
Use a weighted blanket - I recently purchased this one for my son and he loves it!
Practice gratitude and focus on things you are grateful for before falling asleep
Evening Routine Starter Kit

When should I do my night routine?

I personally, do not recommend waiting until bedtime to check things off your list. I like to do most of my night routine items immediately after dinner as part of my clean up. You do not have to do everything at once, instead see what works with habits you already have in place.

Try to pair certain items on your list with tasks you already do. For example, I lay out my workout clothes when I change into my pajamas. I actually re-organized my dresser drawers so my pajamas and workout clothes would be on the same side of the dresser, making things even easier.

Overall, your night routine can be one of the best ways to take control of your days! Simply think about the important things you skip or struggle with in the morning. Then create a night routine that makes getting those things done easier. Your routine should be unique to YOU and make your life easier.

I hope you found this post helpful and are ready to start creating your new routine! I know routines can sound boring, but they are truly the foundation for creating change and reaching your goals.