Is it a morning routine that supports a night routine or a night routine that supports a morning routine?  I guess just like the chicken and the egg…we’ll never know! 

You’ve heard and read about the importance of a great morning routine and how critical it is to set up your day effectively starting in the morning.  There are many recommendations on what constitutes a great routine; however, one that I found helpful is that of Jim Kwik, an author and a brain coach, who offers the following: 

• Reflect on your dreams and write them down before getting out of bed.  He suggests this action helps us tap into the works of our subconscious minds while we sleep, generating ideas and discoveries. 
• Make your bed and accomplish the first task of the day.  
• Hydrate and oxygenate your body – drink a glass of water; take an outdoor walk or do a breathing exercise.   
• Take a cold shower – cold therapies are great for resetting your nervous system and have been known to help with inflammation. 
• Pray and meditate 
• Nourish yourself with brain foods such as eggs, broccoli, walnuts, salmon, leafy greens, blueberries, and avocados 
• Set a plan for the day

After doing further readings, I’ve learned that in order to have a great morning routine, you should have a supporting night routine.  To be effective, productive, and useful during the next day, here are some recommendations for your evening routine: 

• Eat 2 hours before going to sleep to allow your body to process your food. 
• Set all of your electronic devices aside, including TV, 1 hour before bed.
• Speak and write down your affirmations; for example: “I will be energized and ready for my presentation tomorrow” or “I will have a great date night with my husband” 
• Process and let go of pain, distress and failure and write your gratitude in your daily journal.  Journaling has been known and used widely for processing of feelings, emotions and thoughts.  
• Create a to-do list for the next day.  Not only do you free your mind of these tasks by transferring them from your mind onto a list but you also have a tentative game day plan. 
• Sleep in a dark, quiet room in a designated sleeping clothing, aka pajamas, as our mind associates our clothing with a new activity or setting. 
• 7-9 hours of sleep (recommended) 

I hope this list will enable you to get a better rest, allowing you to wake up energized for the next day.  Support your morning routine by having a great night one.   Be intentional.  Be present.  Be great.