What makes highly productive and successful people so effective is a mix of various factors. Some of these factors may be beyond our control—such as personality type or natural energy levels—that simply make such individuals higher-performing than average. However, there are other things we can control and manipulate for our benefit. For example, most productive people have a steady, repeatable nighttime routine that sets them up for success each morning. International Finance will discuss how we can build a solid nighttime routine that determines our success and productivity the following morning.
Do Something You Love
Including a fun activity in your evening routine can help you unwind and reduce stress. Journaling, knitting, or listening to music are examples of activities done purely for enjoyment that signal to your brain that the workday is ending.
No matter how busy you get, it’s important to carve out time for yourself. When you engage in a relaxing or entertaining activity, you relieve stress and set yourself up for a more optimistic, peaceful morning.
Put Away The Digital Screens
We often spend our evenings staring at digital screens, whether watching TV shows or reviewing emails on our smartphones. At least a few hours before bed, it’s essential to put away digital screens. The bright blue light emitted by most devices interferes with our ability to sleep. Additionally, these screens can cause stress.
Although blue light is environmentally friendly, it can affect our sleep and even contribute to diseases, according to a study from Harvard Medical School in July 2024.
Read A Physical Book
Rather than browsing your phone, pick up a book. Reading helps relieve tension in your mind and allows you to think more clearly. To prevent your brain from becoming overstimulated right before bed, choose something uplifting or humorous.
Set Priorities And/Or Tasks
Spend a few minutes listing the tasks you want to accomplish the next day. This helps you focus in the morning, reduce anxiety, and clear your mind. If any work spills into your evening, set priorities or make task lists.
Mornings must be focused and productive to ensure you hit the ground running with a solid set of goals. Write down everything you hope to accomplish, preferably on paper, and prioritise each task.
Make Decisions For The Morning
Choose minor details ahead of time, such as your outfit, breakfast, and workout schedule. Making fewer decisions in the morning frees up mental energy for more important tasks. This is known as “Decision Fatigue,” a phenomenon where the quality of our decisions diminishes as the number of decisions we make increases.
Meditate
Stress levels can be significantly reduced, and your body can be primed for sleep with just a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation before bed. Five minutes of mindfulness can have a noticeable impact.
Go To Bed At The Same Time
Consistency is key. It’s easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed when you go to bed at the same time each night, as it helps regulate your body’s internal clock. The goal of developing a nightly routine is consistency, not perfection. Start small, stay dedicated, and watch your productivity improve.