A nightly routine, do we need one?
The kids are finally in bed. You can finally sit down and watch The Bachelor in peace.
Are you ready for the next day, though?
Set yourself up for success with this one little tip – prepare the night before.
I know you’re thinking, “but once I’ve put the kids to bed and clean up from dinner how much energy do I have left to do much more?”
We each have different tasks and responsibilities perhaps trying to get some cleaning or laundry done each night. It’s important to consider our individual “pain points.” What tasks make your morning chaotic? Is it having to empty the dishwasher, picking out your kids (and your own) clothes, packing lunches and making coffee?
We’ve talked about ways to simplify your morning. Now we’re talking about really establishing your nightly routine to master your mornings.
Think about ways you could prepare the night before. Even though you may not feel up to spending an additional 15 minutes on household chores, in the morning, you will thank yourself and start your day feeling prepared.
Incorporate these four minor tasks into your nightly household routine to prepare for the next day:
1. Clean off your kitchen counters, wash out your sink, have dishwasher unloaded, etc. If your kitchen is ready for the next day, you’ll feel miles ahead when you wake up in the morning.
2. Tidy your house. Do a quick walk through and pick up random socks, magazines, shoes, etc. that are lying around and return them to their homes. Even if all the toys go in a bin they are at least picked up off the floor reducing mental clutter.
3. Pack any bags for the next day – work bags, school bags, diaper bags, etc.
4. Briefly review your schedule and ‘to do’ list for the next day. This is key especially if you have a lot going on the next day. Add things you are hoping to accomplish. Write down anything you need to do, or are thinking about – this helps you to sleep easier knowing you aren’t forgetting or stressing over your ‘to do’ list. Review what’s for dinner in your meal plan.
Other ideas of bonus tasks that can help reduce your “pain points”:
- decide and lay out your and your kids clothes
- set the automatic timer on your coffee maker
- fold laundry
- have breakfast planned and prepped
- prep and pack lunches
There are, of course, nights where we are tired and just don’t feel like doing our nightly household routine, but when we make it quick and only add the necessary tasks, we’re more likely to stick to it. Don’t try to do too much, or you’ll become overwhelmed and not want to commit to the nightly routine night after night. The key here is establishing what the things that make your mornings chaotic are. Then, create a nightly routine that is quick and efficient to help you master your mornings.
What are your best tips for creating and keeping a nightly routine?
