Mindful Mornings and Peaceful Nights: The Importance of a Good Routine

Hey girlfriend! Just like any other twenty-something, I go through phases. Changing my routine to be simpler, healthier, and more productive has been one of the toughest challenges, but it’s definitely been worth it.

Working for a living can get redundant and mundane. But little changes, like a stretch in the morning, a warm cup of tea in the afternoon, and a good book before bed, can go a long way in boosting your mental and physical health. Instead of rushing through the day which makes you feel scattered, taking time for these small moments can help you stay focused at work and more motivated to accomplish your goals outside of it.

Morning Routine

1. Make Your Bed It may sound small, but taking a couple of minutes to make your bed can work wonders. Not only does it make your room look cleaner, but it also gives you a small dopamine boost—your brain’s reward system is activated by completing just one task at the start of your day. Plus, after a long day of work, there’s something extra comforting about climbing into a neatly made bed instead of a chaotic heap of sheets.

2. Create a Meditation Ritual A few minutes of mindfulness can have a huge impact on your mental health. Whether you sit in silence, daydream on your balcony, or journal your plan for the day, the goal is to take a moment to pause and mentally prepare for whatever the day throws at you. It's less about the technique and more about carving out time for yourself before you have to give your attention to anyone else.

3. Don’t Skip Breakfast We’ve all heard it: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s because it’s the first meal after a night of fasting, when your body has been hard at work repairing itself. Show your body some love by replenishing its energy. Whether it’s a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or a quick bowl of oatmeal, make sure you fuel up. And before reaching for tea (or worse, sugary coffee), try hydrating with a glass of water first.

Evening Routine

1. Get Physically Active If you struggle to keep your energy up throughout the day, regular exercise can help. Whether you enjoy Pilates, running, weight lifting, or CrossFit, these activities give you a boost of adrenaline to keep your energy levels high. For a gentler approach, try walking or yoga—they’re low-impact but still get your heart pumping and leave you feeling accomplished. Plus, regular exercise helps you build stamina and perseverance, which can positively affect other parts of your life.

2. Prepare for Tomorrow Taking a few minutes to lay out your outfit, pack your lunch, and schedule your tasks for the next day can make all the difference. Knowing what to expect can ease the stress of the morning. When you handle these tasks the night before, you only need to focus on “doing” the next day, not scrambling to figure out what needs to be done. It also helps you gauge how much time and energy certain tasks will require, leaving room for relaxation in your schedule.

3. Ease Into Slumber Staying up too late can result in a rushed morning, where you scramble to get out the door without forgetting anything. A simple solution? Prepare for bed the same way you prepare for the day. Putting away electronics, taking a warm bath, slipping into cozy pajamas, and doing a skincare ritual can help you unwind. Reflect on your day by journaling any moments—good or bad—that stood out to give you a fresh perspective for tomorrow. Add relaxing music and aromatherapy, and you’ll be out like a light.

Don’t let the idea of needing “spontaneity” derail you. You can only truly be spontaneous if you have a routine to break away from. Otherwise, you’re just winging it. Bad habits like not getting enough sleep, eating junk food, and drinking or smoking can weigh you down and make life feel more difficult. Remember, you get out what you put in—this applies to your body, your job, and your life. By eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated, you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to avoiding health problems. It’s time to reclaim your time and energy—bit by bit—so you can feel more in control of your life.

Creating a new routine may be challenging at first, and there will be times when you fall short. But over time, you’ll start looking forward to the structure. Take things one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to set reminders to stay on track. It’s all about finding what works for you!