How to Increase your Performance at Work with a Nightly Routine

You might think that your performance at work is just dependent on what actions you are taking throughout the day between 9 to 5. However, what you do after work can affect your performance at work just as much! The things you do after work like exercising, eating well, and going to bed at a reasonable hour all affect your performance the next day. Morning routines usually get all the credit for high performance at work, but even your nightly routine before you go to bed can make a tremendous impact. Here are tips on how you can increase your performance at work with a nightly routine.

Get enough sleep
This may seem like the most basic step, but it also might be the hardest. Getting a consistent good night’s rest (and not just Monday through Friday) will keep you alert and focused the next day.

Don’t eat sweets right before going to bed
While you might be craving a sweet treat (even a piece of candy) it’s best to avoid it if you’re going to be going to bed soon. Having sugar before bed can lead to you feeling groggy the next day, almost feeling slightly hung over.

Set your priorities for the next day
Take a few minutes to outline your priorities for the next day and set realistic expectations for them. If you’re anxious about what you need to get done the next day, this will help you feel more in control and ready to take on the next day.

Don’t check your school or work email past 8pm and unplug
One of the hardest and best things to do for yourself to ensure you have a high quality nightly routine is to unplug. If possible, don’t check your work email past 8pm. This will allow you to truly relax and take a break from your work.

Meditate
A simple five to ten minute meditation can go a long way, especially right before bed. Meditating daily, no matter at what time of the day helps you focus and increases your clarity (both things that can really make an impact on your work performance). Many people assume that they can’t meditate especially when first starting out because they say they can’t quiet their mind. If you can relate, clothes your eyes and focus on your breathe by repeating inhale and exhale to yourself as you’re breathing. This will help you focus on the breath which is arguably more important than completely quieting your mind.

Set your clothes out for the next day
Many successful professionals claim to set their clothes out for the next day. This gives them more time in the morning to get ready for the day and there’s no stress when it comes to finding something. It’s ironed and ready to go when you wake up.

Do something creative
If you decide to unplug around a time where you’re still feeling quite awake and not yet ready for bed, this is the best time to do something creative that doesn’t involve being in front of a screen. This year adult coloring books have taken the world by storm and are a great way to unwind in the evening and have been known to reduce stress and anxiety which will help lead to a better night’s sleep.