Tranquilosophy: PM Routine

Week 28 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility

Picture yourself curled up with a journal, candle lit nearby, and taking a few moments to exhale after a productive day. Ah, the joys of an evening routine.

Your PM routine is the bookend to your AM routine {week 17}. This time offers an opportunity to tie a bow around the day and set the tone for what’s to come tomorrow.

For many, it’s an important decompression time to unwind, restore, and replenish. Ideally with a cuppa tea and furry friend nearby.

How do you spend your day’s finale?

Do you flop on the couch, kick up your heels, and surf the Internet? Make a meal, pull out a book, and connect with loved ones? Channel surf looking for entertainment while eating processed food mindlessly? At times, guilty as charged.

No judgment, just observe your pattern. Is it serving you? Does it set you up for success or leave you drained?

The moments before we close our eyes offers time for self-care to prepare your body {and mind} for the following day. Design an evening routine that works for you and your lifestyle.

Create a no-more-electronics time to shut down computers, TVs, and phones. This allows your mind to unwind without external stimulation. Instead of technology, connect to your breath or try a few restorative yoga poses. To avoid random text messages and phone calls, set your smartphone to Do Not Disturb {my favorite iPhone setting}.

Write in your journal. Soak in the tub. List gratitude and lesson’s learned from your day. Connect with loved ones—fur babies and humans. Prep for the next day by choosing your outfit, packing a healthy lunch, and setting out any workout gear or necessary supplies. Avoid alcohol or caffeine {yes, that means chocolate} within a few hours of bedtime.

Clear clutter and review tomorrow’s priorities. Set your alarm to allow seven to nine hours of sleep. Create a setting conducive to relaxation. Lower the thermostat to keep your body cool. Spritz your pillows with lavender spray. Dab lavender oil on your temples. Insert earplugs and don your eyepillow.

This wind down process can be accomplished in five minutes or, if you have the luxury, 60 minutes. Clarify how you want to close the day so it complements your morning routine in a healthy, holistic way.

The few hours you have post-work/pre-sleep may vaporize if a routine isn’t in place. Plan ahead to make your evenings intentional. Get the sleep you need. Use your personal time to ground, reflect, and gear up for the opportunities granted the next day. Nighty night and happy slumbering.

Share your experience this week in our Facebook group. Snap a photo of your evening routine and share it using #52weekstranquility.

Watch for Week 29 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility here next week.

Thank you for being here with us. Bisous. x

52 Weeks of Tranquility

This complimentary program is designed to help us stay motivated and engaged in 2015. Each week I’ll send inspiration to your inbox via Love Notes.

Joining later in the year? No worries, read previous weeks here.

To find support and community, join the private Facebook group and use hashtag #52weekstranquility to create additional online connections.

Connect live by calling in to seasonal Tranquilosophy podcasts. Next one happening Monday, September 21. Can’t join us live? Recordings are available.

May we savor deep moments of tranquility.

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