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For years I heard all about how morning routines.

Anytime someone mentioned a "routine", my mind would think they were talking about a morning routine.

The thing is I hated waking up.

To me, mornings were the worst time of the day.

I knew I would be a night owl until the day I die.

It wasn't until about a year ago I realized there are, in fact, other types of routines!

Shocking, I know.

That was around the time when I started getting into books about personal growth, so starting a routine sounded good to me.

And the first routine I ever started and stuck with was my night routine.

I'm still doing it to this day!

And sure, I've added new routines into my daily life since then.

But that first nighttime routine started a snowball effect of habits that truly have changed me to my core.

So let's talk a bit about my nighttime routine and how you can create one of your own.

How to Make a Night Routine

I've learned that one of the best things about night routines is just how customizable they are.

We all have different hobbies and interests, so that will be reflected in how we end our days.

As you read the things I do in my nightly routine, you might realize that a lot of it just isn't for you.

And that's ok!

As my daily needs change, my routines often change too.

That's why I'm first going to tell you about my own night routine.

Then I will help you create yours!

Just know that each of these habits in my night routine has a purpose.

Each of these habits helps give me closure for the day.

I feel fresh when I wake up the next morning.

And that's what I hope you feel too once you start your night routine.

It Starts With a Cup of Tea

The first step in my night routine is enjoying a cup of tea.

Specifically decaf!

I drink many cups of tea throughout the day, but this one is special.

It tells me that it's time to start winding down.

I always drink an herbal tea that usually has chamomile, because I only drink chamomile at night, so I associate the drink with my night routine.

If tea isn't your thing, I get it.

You can replace it with something else that feels calming.

Sometimes I don't have time to make tea, so I change it out for a glass of water.

I suggest choosing something relaxing and avoiding anything caffeinated.

Reading a Book

While drinking my tea, I spend some time reading a book.

I switch between novels and personal growth books depending on how I'm feeling.

There are times when I want to escape into another world after a long or stressful day.

That's when I go for a novel.

But if I want something inspiring before bed that makes me think, I choose a personal growth book.

I do my best to find books that won't make me use my brain too much.

If you aren't a reader, listening to podcasts or audiobooks is another option.

The idea is to start off your night routine with a relaxing drink and do something you enjoy that doesn't take too much energy.

Try to stay away from anything work-related or too stimulating.

Journaling

I truly thought this was one of the most overrated habits ever.

Trust me, I tried to start journaling before and it just wasn't for me.

But I've learned that journaling on one specific thing makes it much easier.

And for me it's happiness.

There are other options like gratitude, reflection, or goals.

But I chose happiness because it works best for me and helps me end my day on a high note.

This was the first habit I added to my night routine and it wasn't my idea.

I was reading The Slight Edge (a great book by the way) and the author, Jeff Olson, mentioned this exact habit.

First, I write down 3 things that made me happy.

I usually aim for things that happened that day, but do whatever works for you.

Then I take around 2 minutes and write another thing that made me happy but in more detail than before.

This made such a huge shift in my life.

I was suffering from very bad anxiety at the time, so negativity seemed to follow me no matter what I did.

But when I started journaling about happy things I began to see things in a positive way.

And since then I have never given up this habit.

Prayer or Meditation

After journaling, I put everything away and began either praying or meditating.

This is the most calming part of my night routine and I love it.

Taking a few minutes to reflect on the day, and my emotions, and letting go of any stress is such a relaxing habit.

If you’re new to meditation, there are lots of guided meditations online that you can use.

Or if neither of these is for you, you can skip this habit.

Shower Time!

Taking a shower is pretty much the final "main" habit in my night routine.

Washing away the day's stresses and getting ready for sleep is such an incredible feeling.

I used to take cold showers at night, but I'm now getting better sleep with warm showers.

Do whatever works best for you!

I never wash my hair at night and tie it up.

This is also a great time to get out of other thoughts and focus on your senses.

Think of the smell of the soap, the feeling of the water, and of your mind and body relaxing.

Taking some deep breaths before I hop out is such a great feeling.

I feel like this is where I really transition into bedtime.

I know that I will get into bed in only a few minutes and that always makes me feel sleepy.

Changing for Bed and Sleeping

The last habit in my routine is getting changed for bed and going to sleep.

It's pretty self-explanatory, but clean pj's and an organized bed are the two most important parts for me.

I make my bed every morning right after my feet hit the floor.

I've been doing that for so long now that I can't remember the last time I didn't make my bed.

If you need to set an alarm or lay out clothes for the next day, now is the time to do it.

Prepping for tomorrow helps me get rid of that final feeling of stress before going to sleep.

How This Routine Changed My Life

Before I started this night routine, I found it hard to unwind at the end of the day.

I would often wake up at night.

The next morning I felt like I didn't get enough sleep.

Scrolling through social media or watching TV until bedtime made me feel like I wasn't ready for sleep.

These are some things I've noticed since starting my night routine.

I Slept Better

I began sleeping through the entire night.

It had been years since I slept that well, and my goodness I was grateful.

The steps in my routine let my body know it's time to start getting ready for bed.

Since then, I fall asleep faster and feel a lot more rested when I wake up.

I Feel Happier

Because of my journaling, I notice things when they make me happy and reflect on them that night in my journal.

I have a lot more optimism when I look at the world around me.

I truly believe I owe this new positive mindset to this habit.

Happiness is something I feel throughout the day now and I notice it when it happens.

Consistency Really IS Key

Sticking to my night routine for over a year has given me a sense of consistency.

I know exactly what I need to do every single night.

The consistency has also gone into other areas of my life.

I've started new routines and habits that I have stuck to for many months now thanks to it.

Tips for Creating Your Own Night Routine

After reading all of this, you might have a few ideas for your own night routine.

That's great!

Here are some tips for you when you start your night routine.

Start Small

There's nothing wrong with starting small.

Beginning with one or two things let's you get comfortable with this new routine.

Once you feel like you're ready, you can add more.

Try not to overwhelm yourself at the beginning.

Do Things You Enjoy

Your night routine should be something you look forward to, so do things you enjoy.

After a lot of trial and error, I now know that it's easier to stick with a routine if you like doing it.

Just because other people are doing something doesn't mean you have to if you don't enjoy it.

Be Consistent

Try to stick to your night routine as consistently as possible.

Consistency helps make your night routine a part of your daily life.

I can't even imagine an evening without my night routine.

It just feels wrong.

Changing Things Is OK!

I know I just said that consistency is important, but life happens!

Being flexible is important and there may be nights you can't follow your routine exactly.

That's ok!

Adjust where you need to and get back to your regular night routine when you can.

Every once in a while reflect on your night routine and how it's working for you.

if some of your habits aren't helping you relax or you just aren't enjoying anymore, adjust your routine.

Are You Ready to Start Your Night Routine?

Thanks for reading this far!

I applaud you for wanting to end your day with a night routine.

If you want to chat about anything I mentioned in this blog post, I'd love it if you DM me on Instagram!

Sweet dreams!

Isabella