Productive people have daily routines that help them succeed. Success begins and ends with both mental and physical well-being. Health is heavily dependent on nighttime routines. Here are the things that many successful people do before turning in for the night.
1. Review the Day
Before going to bed, think about the day, asking yourself if the things you did had meaning. Consider how your actions have positively contributed to your life and the world. Review your goals to make sure they line up with your how you’re spending your time. By using time-tracking software during the day, you can better review how you spent your time.
2. Write Down Your Thoughts
By writing down your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and emotions, you can analyze where things went wrong. Writing also helps you improve your communications skills. Overall, writing down your thoughts will help you think clearly, eliminate negative self-talk, and notice your most dominant emotions. By journaling, you may uncover something that you haven’t been giving enough attention. In a pinch, use your smartphone’s built-in note taker app.
3. Read
Heavy readers make great leaders. For example, Bill Gates reads for one hour each night, choosing from a variety of topics. A lot of the world’s most successful people are big readers, fitting in at least 10 minutes every night. As if you needed more motivation to pick up a book, readers also improve their brain’s long-term health. Reading on the go? Invest in a tablet and carry your books in one device.
4. Set the Next Morning’s Priorities
Since so many things take place every day, it’s easy to lose focus. Every evening before bed, look over your schedule and plan for the next day. Make a list of the things that have to get done, assigning each task a priority. Don’t list more than five things that have to be done the next day. The next day, you’ll be less stressed, better prepared, and more confident. For every minute you spend planning, you save yourself 10 minutes in execution. Use Evernote to keep your daily schedule on all of your devices.
5. Spend Time With Family
In order to stay connected with the people in your life, you have to make time for them, plan and simple. When things in your life are hectic, this is the perfect time to treat your family like a priority.
6. Get Things Done
Successful, productive people utilize their talents, skills, knowledge, and energy to get things done, including the things they have to do, not just the things they’re good at. Squeeze the most you can out of the 24 hours you have available.
7. Detox, Digitally
By disconnecting from your busy work life, you can relax, care for your body, and soothe your soul. Each night, put your phone in a different room, turn off the television, and spend some time unplugged. Your health will improve and your energy will skyrocket. Plus, you’ll make time for those other activities you’ve been neglecting.
8. Get Outside
In order to be refreshed enough to handle your wild work life, get outside and experience nature. The great outdoors is restorative, fun, and exciting. There’s no better way to unwind after a stressful day than heading outside.
9. Meditate
Several successful people, including Tim Ferriss and Oprah, meditate before bed. Set aside ten minutes before bed to meditate, letting your thoughts flow. The next day, you’ll be more focused and productive. Plus, you’ll be relaxed enough after your meditation to easily fall asleep.
If possible, develop these nine habits to increase productivity and become more successful!