We all know the importance of morning routines—our brains have been programmed this way. We preach how breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that our 6am gym sesh is of critical importance, and so on. Although doing our morning right is 100% valuable, because of this, our night-time routine can often fall short. The funny thing about this is that the way you spend your night will directly impact how you’re gonna feel when you wake up. We mean, the hangover serves as cut clear proof of that.
Yes, looking after yourself has proven to be more difficult than originally imagined (we totally miss our mum).
Hit up this list about how successful people end their day and see if it makes a positive difference in your day-to-day life. Here are five ways that successful people end their day.
Exercise
For those who aren’t a fans of the 6am wakeup call, we understand and you’re not alone. Opt for exercising at night and work off the stress of the day (and maybe the pasta you had for dinner). Whether it is going for a romantic stroll with your s/o, hitting a Pilates class with the squad or just clearing your head by smashing it out on the cross-trainer, there are many health benefits. Plus, exercising literally releases endorphins that make you happy, so it’s guaranteed to make you feel you good #science. Side note: be careful not to workout too late, because exercise can be as stimulating as late-night caffeine!
Review Your Day And Shake It Off
Not every day is a good one, and we mere humans are forced to put up with a lot. Whether it is a boss that pushes your buttons or a personal life dilemma, life can be one stressful ride. We encourage you to review your day and reflect on the mistakes you made, or people that rained aaall over your parade. Perhaps opt for a journal and embrace your inner Carrie Bradshaw (unloading your thoughts can make all the difference). Think about what is in your power to change and if there’s something positive you can do, then decide to do it! Once this is done, in true Taylor Swift spirit… Shake. It. Off. No matter how crappy a day is, one thing stays constant: the promise of tomorrow.
Feel Fresh With A Routine
As much as we find ourselves winging it, there’s no denying that a good routine can have us feeling relaxed and on track. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot”, feels hella true when remembering how paying attention to your skin for five minutes a night equals a huge shift in your inner confidence. It may be a skincare routine (making sure you REMOVE makeup and product and washing your face is of critical importance), cleaning up your room or maybe it’s making lunch for tomorrow but whatever it is you’ve been neglecting, pop it on your to-do list and be sure to tick it off before bed. It’ll leave you feeling seriously empowered and ready for a new day.
Put Down The Screen
We may be guilty of the occasional eye roll when someone tells us to take a break from our iPhone or laptop before bed. Whether it is our mum, friend or s/o, we think, pfft how can replying to a few emails really hurt? It turns out that the light that comes off screens (on phones, laptops, iPads, TVs, etc) restrains the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your circadian rhythm. We totally understand, that’s a mouthful, but basically it means, the blue light from your screens is affecting your ability to get to sleep. Your screens are keeping you alert and even if you feel tired, your brain becomes under the impression that it should fight to be awake and absolutely not drifting into relaxation. Make a pact with yourself to put the screen down half an hour before hitting the hay and see if it makes a difference to your slumber.
Have A Warm Drink And Read Something Positive
Is there anything more comforting than a warm drink? We think not. Whether it is a hot chocolate, herbal tea, or decaf coffee, a warm drink holds true healing powers. Match this with reading something positive and you’ve got yourself a winning combo. Even if you don’t have time to snuggle up with a good book, get yourself a daily mantra and be sure to read it or write it down before you escape to dreamland. Oscar Wilde once said: “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it”.
How's your morning's looking? Here's how successful people start their day.
Image Credit: The Proposal