I’ve recently realized that there are a few, simple tasks I can do at the end of the day to set myself up for an easier tomorrow. Given the crazy, busy world we live in, I figured this healthier nighttime routine might be beneficial to you, too!
In my opinion, there’s nothing quite as disappointing as:
- Suffering through long night of tossing and turning, only to wake up completely exhausted.
- Walking into the kitchen, first thing in the morning, to see a sink full of dirty dishes.
- Scrambling to make breakfast for the family, when you’re already running late. (Or worse, running out of time to brew your coffee, much less drink it!)
Now, close your eyes and picture this:
- Waking up, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, feeling rested and recharged.
- Smelling freshly brewed, piping hot coffee as you jump out of bed.
- A clean kitchen, ready for the new day.
These are a few of my favorite things. No joke. There’s nothing better than feeling full of energy, enjoying fresh coffee, living in a clean home, and having an easy morning. I’ve woken up a few too many mornings, feeling unrested, rushed, and stressed, to know that I never want to do it again. Luckily, by completing a few, simple tasks every night, I can set myself up for the second scenario. AKA the dream scenario.
No matter who you are: a student living with mom and dad, a new momma with a little baby, a busy wife who works 9-5, I’m confident that this nighttime routine will help you become a more organized, prepared, and overall healthier you.
You ready too dive in? Let’s talk about the five steps to a healthier nighttime routine and life:
Clean the Kitchen
Cleaning the kitchen before you go to bed means you can wake up to a sparkling, ready-to-go kitchen in the morning. This habit will help make every morning just a little bit easier. Here’s your clean kitchen checklist:
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- Wipe down counters and tables.
- Clean all dirty dishes and put them away (either in the dishwasher or cabinets).
- Scrub the sink (following Clean Mama’s Nightly Sink Scrub protocol).
- Put away all food and leftovers.
This first step may seem like a drag at the end of the day. But, I promise, it’s well worth it. In reality, it should only take about 10 minutes, which is a small nightly sacrifice for a simpler, easier morning.
Prepare Coffee & Breakfast
After cleaning the kitchen, prep your coffee and breakfast for the morning. This is what I do:
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- Fill the coffee pot with water and coffee grounds. Set it to automatically brew about 30 minutes before waking up.
- I usually prepare my weekday breakfasts on Sunday nights. But, to make my morning routine quicker, I keep single servings of breakfast in a microwave-safe bowl or glass Tupperware. Come morning, all I have to do is throw my already-prepped breakfast in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast!
- Meal-Prep Breakfast Ideas: Soft-Boiled Eggs and Roasted Potatoes, Sweet Potato & Bacon Breakfast Casserole, Overnight Oats.
- I’ll also prepare my daily supplements by putting them in a small baggie or Tupperware, so they’re ready to go. Again, just another simple step to make for an easier morning.
Magnesium Oil
Every night, before settling in, I spray magnesium oil on my arms. Magnesium comes in various forms, like capsules, spray, or powder, so you can take your pick! I recommend taking it before bed because it is known to having a calm effect on the body. According to Biotics Research, magnesium is known as the “master mineral” because it is essential for muscle and nerve function, enzyme reactions, blood sugar regulation, optimal sleep, and more!
Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
EMF’s and blue light are everywhere. They’re specifically emitted from our smart phones, televisions, laptops, tablets, etc. At night, the blue light that is produced by these devices disrupt our circadian rhythms. And as a result, our sleep takes a hit. Unfortunately, blue light can be hard to avoid, especially if you enjoy a nightly TV show with the family before bed. Personally, I love watching a mindless show with Blake before turning in for the night. And my blue light blocking glasses make it possible to do just that and sleep like a baby! You can read more about the effects of blue light and benefits of blue light-blocking glasses on my previous post, 3 Reasons Why I Wear Blue Light-Blocking Glasses.
Water with Electrolytes
Truth is, drinking adequate water is essential to living a healthy life. But if water is not being properly absorbed by the body, will you actually reap the benefits of water? The short answer: nope, not really. Luckily, electrolytes are an easy trick to help your body absorb water and effectively keep you hydrated. Sprinkling a dash of sea salt or Himalayan salt into your water can do the job. Or, you can use natural electrolytes or minerals, like Trace Minerals (my personal favorite). Every night before bed, I drink a glass of filtered water with electrolytes to keep me hydrated all night long! I also keep a glass of filtered water + electrolytes on my night stand just in case I need a midnight sip.
Bonus Step: Say Your Prayers
I typically spend quiet time with Jesus every morning. But, as of lately, I try to make a conscious effort to thank God for 5 things each night before going to sleep. This habit helps keep my heart in a grateful and content place. You’d be sursprised by just how effective this step can be!
By implementing these simple and effective steps into your nighttime routine, I can guarantee you will feel more rested and healthier. Which step will you start incorporating to your routine? Or, do you have another nighttime habit that you think is beneficial for living healthier? Let us know in the comments below!
‘Til next time, y’all. XOXO!
