The Evening Fix: Habits for Waking Up Energised

 

Ever hit snooze one too many times and wonder why your mornings always feel like a scramble? It’s time to look at your evening routine

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Huffington Post

Do you wake up feeling sluggish and unfocused, blaming it on not being a “morning person”? While some people are naturally more alert in the morning than others, your evening habits might be the real culprit. The way you wind down at night has a significant impact on how you feel the next day. Proper rest and relaxation reset your brain, but too many of us fall into habits that sabotage our mornings.

Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for and how to fix them:

Neglecting Self-Care

Taking care of yourself isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks; it’s about meeting your basic needs, like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and eating well. Sleep isn’t just rest – it’s when your body and mind recover, process information and prepare for the next day. Skimping on sleep can leave you groggy, irritable and unable to focus.

Fix it: Set a consistent bedtime, avoid caffeine late in the day and create a relaxing pre-sleep routine. Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable, quiet and free of distractions.

Mindless Social Media Scrolling

After a long day, it’s tempting to unwind by scrolling through social media, watching videos, or responding to messages. While it may feel like a harmless way to relax, the blue light from screens can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Plus, social media keeps your brain engaged, making it harder to wind down.

Fix it: Set a time limit for social media use in the evening. Try replacing screen time with reading, journaling, or meditation to help your brain relax before bed.

A Lack of Structure

Do you find yourself rushing around in the morning, scrambling to get out the door on time? Or do your evenings slip away without any real wind-down time? Without structure, your mornings and nights can feel chaotic, making it harder to start the next day on the right foot.

Fix it: Establish routines to create a sense of order. A morning routine can set the tone for the day, while an end-of-workday routine helps you transition from work mode to relaxation. Finally, a bedtime routine signals to your body that it’s time to rest.

Your mornings don’t have to feel like a struggle. By prioritising self-care, setting boundaries with screens and building structured routines, you’ll set yourself up for a more focused and energised start to the day.