I have previously detailed out my morning routine that enables me to start every day with a bang, and the workday habits that have supercharged my productivity. So, to complete the set, I want to share the steps I take every evening to reflect on what I’ve achieved and to set me up for success for tomorrow.
My Evening Habits
1. Check-in with my partner
After a long day at work, I really cherish the moment I get home and get to hang out with my partner of 18 years, Jessie. It’s often my first conversation of the day that isn’t about work, and just hearing about what she has been doing with her day, discussing the day’s events, or even just talking nonsense, is a much-needed change of pace to get my mind out of work mode and into a state of relaxation.
2. Eat dinner together at the table
I’ll readily admit that for a long time we have been a TV dinner kind of couple, but we recently rediscovered the pleasure of sitting at the dining table. It’s so much better for connection, not to mention we tend to eat slower and more mindfully, meaning we appreciate the taste and sensation of our food more than if we were more focused on Netflix.
3. Set out my gym and work clothes for tomorrow
Getting as prepared as possible the night before enables my morning routine to run quickly and smoothly.
When you’re just starting out with a habit like a morning workout, making it as easy as possible for you to get started in the AM will certainly help ensure you stick to your best intentions.
4. Offline by 8pm
By 8pm I’m usually pretty tired, and I’m self aware enough to know that I will start to make poor decisions about how to spend my time. For example, if I pick up my phone at this time of day, I’m likely to scroll through Instagram aimlessly or find myself reading clickbait articles that aren’t adding anything to my life.
By trying to be completely offline by 8pm it removes these temptations and means I’m more likely to stick to my last few habits of the day.
5. Daily reflection / journalling
This is another habit I find to be amongst the most powerful.
After reading a lot about the daily practices of some wonderfully successful and happy people, I have created my own daily reflection template that asks me a series of questions about how my day has gone, essentially tracking to what extent I am sticking to the habits and values that I have identified as important to me.
The template asks for 7 things I am grateful for, my 3 biggest wins of the day and one thing I am proud about. It’s fantastic for my wellbeing and mindset to be able to end each day with a bit of a celebration like this. And it also acts as a nice record to go back to on days when I’m feeling less positive.
The template also tracks things like what I have eaten throughout the day, how much money I have spent, any new connections I have made, and key lessons learned.
It’s a great way to ensure that every day counts and a timely reminder before bed of what I can do to make tomorrow even better.
6. Go to bed at 9.45pm (ish)
It took me a lot of years to realise this, but 7 hours 30 mins is the bare minimum I need in order to function truly at my most energetic and positive tomorrow.
As mentioned above, I’m usually so tired by 9pm that any additional time spent awake at this point isn’t going to be me operating at my best, so far better to start turning the focus to making tomorrow as good as it can be, which means getting as much sleep as possible.
7. 15mins language learning (currently Spanish & Dutch)
Consistent practice is key for learning a new skill like a language too, and studies suggest that last thing at night is a great time to memorise new vocabulary and phrases.
I use apps Duolingo and Mondly for a quick-fire language lesson before I turn out the lights.
So those are the habits I try to end every day with in order to enhance my happiness and prepare me for the next.
What are your evening routines? Is there anything you’d recommend I try? I’d love to read any suggestions you have in the comments below.
