Bedtime routines aren’t just for kids (although they do help). They’re for grown-ups and grandmas, college students and single people. Why? They help you get more done with less brain power.
When my girls were little, I thought bedtime routines were for babies. People of all ages can benefit from a bedtime routine, though. Why? Because routines help us learn to do things automatically and free up brain space for other things. For example, when my daughters were learning how to drive, they couldn’t have the radio on. Now they turn up the tunes and sing along. Their brains have made driving automatic, which frees up space for other activities.
Establishing a bedtime routine for yourself and your family (make sure you get them involved, too) will allow everyone to start the next day feeling calm and collected: The polar opposite of feeling overwhelmed. Sure, unexpected things might happen (hello, alarm clock I forgot to set), but for the most part, an established bedtime routine helps us start the next day feeling confident and ready to face the world.
Today’s episode has five hacks for helping you establish a bedtime routine–no matter your age or season in life. You’ll get more done in less time when you can create routines that relegate the mundane to the periphery of your brain.
Show Notes
Want to know more about automaticity? Check out this post.
Here’s a free planning tool to help you set bedtime routines.
You might find this post on personality types and how they decide how we process data.
Use triggers to help you establish new routines and habits.
Do you really need to take care of yourself? YES! Find out why!

Come Back Next Week
Come back next week and listen to an episode on the importance of teaching your kids about having a growth mindset.
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I *try* to establish good bedtime routines, but I’m not always successful. I did better with my kids than I do for myself. 🙂
Lisa notes recently posted…Can You Tell Me Your Name Again?
I do much better with a set sleep schedule.
Barb Hegreberg recently posted…6 Word Poetry #80
Bedtime routines are so important! I get really off balance when my sleep routine is disrupted! Great tips, my friend.
Shelbee
I’m all about setting the stage for the next day the night before. It is so helpful – especially if you oversleep!
Jerralea Winn Miller recently posted…NEGATIVE THOUGHTS SHOULD BE TABOO
I definitely do not sleep well when I skip the wind down!
Michele+Morin recently posted…Why Does Feeding People Make Us Feel So Happy?
Of late, I’ve been writing down 3 gratitudes and the words that inspired me through the day. I avoid taking my phone to the bedroom and take my Kindle instead. I seem to be sleeping better with this!
I agree, having a routine and time to wind down before bed helps a lot!
I agree Anita! I need a bedtime routine, it’s actually comforting.
Blessings, Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…What happens when Trust is Broken?