Do you often struggle to get up and feel groggy for the rest of the day? Try building a sleep routine!
Everyone knows that tired morning feeling that no espresso or cold shower can fix. So how do you stay fit and energized throughout the day? The first step is to start creating a solid evening sleep routine. If you fall asleep easily, you’re more likely to sleep through the night and wake up feeling refreshed.
Think about the things you like to do in the evening—showering, walking the dog, loading the dishwasher, watching a series, brushing your teeth. These can all be part of your evening routine. It can also help to take a short walk, meditate, play an instrument, read a book, or have a cup of herbal tea. You can tailor your evening to your preferences, but be sure not to be too active just before bed, and switch off your screens (laptop, phone, TV) in time.
Also, start your evening routine early enough. Figure out how long your activities usually take. Don’t wait until you’re already tired—this often leads to rushing to get to bed, which is not a relaxing way to end the day. Some things, like brushing your teeth or showering, can be done earlier in the evening.
Still waking up tired? It’s okay to have some coffee, but avoid caffeine for at least 6 hours before bedtime. Otherwise, falling asleep will be harder, and you’ll end up in a vicious cycle.