9 Things to Do Before Bed to Maximize Your Well Being
At our summer camp outside of Chicago, Illinois, we recognize the importance of goal setting and positive psychology to maximize one’s well being.
A recent article details 9 steps you can take each night to do the same for yourself. Summaries below, with the whole article by Jacquelyn Smith available at this link.
1. Read. Experts agree that reading is the very last thing most successful people do before going to sleep.
2. Make a to-do list. Clearing the mind nightly means cluttered thoughts don’t end up invading your head space during the night.
3. Spend time with family. It’s important to make some time to chat with your partner, talk to your kids, or play with your dog.
4. Reflect. Keeping a “gratitude journal” reminds you of the progress made that day, helping you stay motivated, especially during challenging times; many successful people take the time just before bed to reflect on, or to write down, three things they are appreciative of that happened that day.
5. Meditate. It’s a great way to relax your body and quiet your mind.
6. Plan out sleep. Go to bed at a consistent time each evening; this is a key habit all sleep experts recommend to help ensure a healthy night’s sleep.
7. Unplug. Truly successful people do anything but work right before bed. They don’t obsessively check their email, and they try not to dwell on work-related issues. Give yourself a buffer period between the time you read your last email and the time you go to bed.
8. Lie down on a positive note. Avoid negative self-talk, which only creates more stress.
9. Picture tomorrow’s success. Envision a positive outcome unfolding for the projects you’re working on.