Set Up Your Own Best Bedtime Routine
Transitioning to bedtime can be a peaceful, yet productive time for your day. As you set up a bedtime routine, you will work out what works best for you, and it might be all of the things below or just some of them, and maybe even some things I haven’t shared. Create a system that works for you!
I look forward to my nighttime routine, and the things I have listed below have evolved over time into the things I do to get ready for bed. Some of these things I actually do earlier in the night so that the last hour before bed is a quiet oasis of time as I get ready to lie down for the night.
**This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our full disclosure.
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine: 10 Easy Tips
To get started creating your bedtime routine, grab our free Nighttime Routine printout!
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #1: Start an hour earlier than normal
Start an hour earlier: Turn on some calming music, set the tone for a calming time. Even if you are with a spouse or significant other, this time can be a gift to yourself. I prefer to go to the bedroom after doing a few things on this list, and decompressing on my own, at least many nights of the week.
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #2: Put away electronics
Put away electronics: This means not looking at your screens. I do play my audio books, podcasts, and music while I do some of these nightly chores.
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #3: Power clean one area for 10 minutes
Power clean: This can be a pile that has gotten away from you or your desk area or just a room that needs some extra attention. It doesn’t matter, but the feeling you will get from just setting a timer to work on something can be very satisfying. You will be surprised by what you can accomplish in a short amount of time. Bonus for me is that I listen to my favorite podcast or current audiobook while I am doing this.
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #4: Pack your lunch
Pack your lunch: Whether you eat a full lunch or not, it’s always a great idea to have at least a couple of snack options to take along with you to work. If you work from home, this might be a good time to portion some out so that you are not mindlessly eating too much. Make sure to keep an updated grocery list, so that when it’s time to head to the store, you have put some thought into it.
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #5: Do set chores
Do some chores: One of these chores needs to be setting up your bedroom for optimum sleep. Turn down the thermostat to your comfortable nighttime setting. Turn the lights down low until you turn them off eventually. Open a window if you prefer that. Always have an extra blanket just in case.
Other nighttime chores might be to start a load of laundry or to fold a load. Start your dishwasher. Water the plants. Set your alarms for the next day -is this just me?? (I set them up for waking, dog duties, and jobs that might need doing that I need a reminder for.) Any job that you could eliminate from your morning is the best!
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #6: Take a warm bath or shower
Take a warm shower: I am a nighttime shower taker. I love getting clean before I climb into bed for the night. It is soothing to clean up, moisturize, and then turn in for the night! This is my favorite body lotion -it comes in a big bottle, and the price is right!
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #7: So some light stretches
So some light stretches: This can be an entire yoga routine or just a set of easy stretches to end your day on a peaceful note.
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #8: Choose outfit for tomorrow
Choose an outfit: This is something I HAVE to do the night before! If I don’t, then I will be late for work the next day. I just cannot make up my mind about this in the morning. Even if I just decide on at least my top, then I am good -the rest will work itself out. But, I have to put some thought into this!
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #9: Create a to-do list for tomorrow
Create a to-do list: Think “brain dump” for tomorrow. Get out all the things. I like to write down calls I need to make, emails to send and places I need to go to. Anything that I don’t want to forget the next day. Just get all the things down on paper or in a note on your phone. Then, you can always go back and number the items the next morning as you plan the day.
This more than anything has helped me relax and be able to sleep -knowing that I have got things out of my brain where they might be forgotten in the moment of a busy day…
How to Set Up a Bedtime Routine #10: Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a great practice for building up the positives in your life. If you are intentionally looking for things to be grateful for, you will find them. As you end your day, you will be surprised by the fact that there is SO MUCH to be grateful for! Try to think of at least three things you are grateful for from your day or just in general. I usually fall asleep as I add to my grateful list in my head.
Your entire outlook will improve, and if you are in a slump or a down place, gradually, with this practice, you will notice an improvement. Start now, start wherever you are. Start on January 1st or June 18th or November 3rd. Gratitude is a special way to gain a new and wonderful perspective. Here is our wonderful new NPP gratitude journal!
Remember as an NPP Subscriber you always get 15% off your entire cart in the NPP Store with the code nppvip15
Tools for setting up your bedtime routine!
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
White noise machine for toolkit
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Weighted neck and shoulder heating shawl for toolkit
Buy Now →
Accupressure mat and pillow set
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Adult coloring book for toolkit
Buy Now →
Heated and weighted lap blanket for toolkit
Buy Now →When you are setting up your own bedtime routine, remember that you are in charge. This routine can be modified and tweaked as needed and as often as you want. You might have a different routine for weekend nights than weekday nights. Do what works for you!
Related posts for How To Set Up a Bedtime Routine:
9 Best Gadgets for the Midlife Reader
Stress Reducing Toolkit: 10 Tips to Create This Now
7 Ways to Overcome Mid-life Crisis If You Are a Woman
Mom Self-Care: The Gift of 4:15
We would love to stay in touch!
Be sure to see all of the Next Phase Parenting Resources on our Resources Page and subscribe to our Next Phase Parenting newsletter below for a weekly dose of love from us about surviving and thriving in your almost or already empty nest. Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram where we share lots of helpful info for parents with teens, young adults, our aging parents, and other issues that we experience in the sandwich generation ! Thank you so much!❤️
