7 evening habits that will make your life better almost instantly, says psychology

We all know how vital our morning routines are in setting the tone for the day.

But did you know that your evening habits are just as important?

In fact, psychology says they can transform your life almost instantly.

These aren’t just any habits, mind you. They’re scientifically-proven strategies that tap into the power of your subconscious mind right before you drift off to sleep.

This article will unveil seven such evening habits.

They won’t just help you unwind from a tech-filled day of entrepreneurial challenges, but also recharge your mind, and prepare you for tomorrow’s triumphs.

So, ready to doze off into a better life? Read on!

1) Unplugging from the digital world

We live in a hyper-connected digital age, and it’s no secret that our devices often feel like extensions of our own bodies.

But as tempting as it is to keep scrolling through emails or social media feeds before bed, it’s crucial to set them aside.

Renowned psychologist, Dr. Amie Gordon, explains, “The blue light emitted by screens on cell phones, computers, tablets, and televisions restrain the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep/wake cycle.”

So, if you’re serious about improving your life almost instantly, make a habit of unplugging at least an hour before bed.

Not only will it help you sleep better and wake up refreshed for another day of entrepreneurial challenges, but it also offers you a moment of quiet reflection – a rare commodity in today’s fast-paced world.

Remember, disconnecting from the digital world doesn’t mean disconnecting from progress.

On the contrary, it’s about recharging your mental batteries to come back stronger and more focused.

2) Reflecting on the day’s accomplishments

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship and overlook your own victories.

But taking a moment to acknowledge your accomplishments before bedtime has been a game-changer for me.

I used to wrap up my day feeling overwhelmed by the tasks I hadn’t completed.

Then, I stumbled upon a quote by psychologist Carl Rogers: “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” It got me thinking.

Every night, I started listing down three things I accomplished that day, no matter how small. This simple habit shifted my focus from what was left undone to what was achieved.

The result? I began to see myself as a continual learner and achiever, rather than someone constantly playing catch-up.

It instilled a sense of satisfaction and self-worth that helped me sleep better and wake up ready to conquer the next day.

So start reflecting on your day’s victories. You might just find it’s the motivation you need to keep pushing forward.

3) Cultivating gratitude

Have you ever had one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong? I know I have.

During my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve had countless nights where I couldn’t sleep due to stress.

Then, I came across a quote by psychologist and Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl: “When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

This shifted my perspective. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, I started practicing gratitude before bedtime. I would think about all the things I was thankful for, from the big achievements to the small joys.

The practice of gratitude not only helped me put my challenges into perspective, but it also helped me sleep better.

The honesty is, we all have bad days. But cultivating a habit of gratitude can make even the toughest day seem a little bit brighter. It’s not about ignoring the negatives but about focusing on the positives that are often overlooked.

So, give it a try tonight. You might be surprised by how much there is to be grateful for.

4) Engaging in light exercise

Getting your body moving before bed might seem counterintuitive, especially after a long day of entrepreneurial challenges. But hear me out.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, engaging in light exercise in the evening can improve the quality and duration of your sleep.

This isn’t about high-intensity workouts that could rev up your energy levels at the wrong time. It’s about gentle exercises like yoga or stretching that help relax your mind and body.

Personally, I’ve made it a habit to do a quick 15-minute yoga routine before bed. It helps me unwind from the day, clear my head, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

If you’re looking to improve your life almost instantly, consider incorporating some light exercise into your evening routine.

It might just be the key to a better night’s sleep and a more productive tomorrow.

5) Establishing a bedtime routine

I used to think that a bedtime routine was something only children needed. But, as an entrepreneur, setting a regular sleep schedule turned out to be one of my most beneficial habits.

Dr. Matthew Walker, a renowned sleep scientist, once said, “Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.”

By establishing a consistent bedtime routine, not only did I improve the quality of my sleep, but I also found myself more alert and productive during the day.

The key is consistency. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Over time, this leads to better sleep quality and overall health.

If you’re an entrepreneur burning the midnight oil, consider setting a regular sleep schedule.

It could be one of the best decisions you make for your wellbeing and your business.

6) Embracing solitude

In a world that’s constantly urging us to stay connected and engaged, I’m going to suggest something that might seem a bit counterintuitive: embrace solitude.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Solitude is for me a fount of healing which makes my life worth living.”

It’s easy to see solitude as something negative, especially after a day filled with teamwork and collaboration. But spending time alone in the evening, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can drastically improve your mental wellbeing.

This doesn’t mean you have to sit in complete silence. It could be as simple as reading a book, mediating, or listening to calming music.

For me, this quiet time allows me to process the day’s events and prepare myself mentally for the next day.

It provides me with a sense of peace that carries over into my sleep and helps me wake up feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes my way.

So tonight, try embracing solitude. You might find it’s the perfect way to end your day.

7) Visualizing success

The power of visualization is often underestimated.

But as psychologist Dr. Albert Bandura said, “People who believe they have the power to exercise some measure of control over their lives are healthier, more effective and more successful than those who lack faith in their ability to effect changes in their lives.”

Before you sleep, visualize your success for the following day. See yourself overcoming challenges, achieving your goals, and celebrating your victories.

This simple habit can boost your confidence and motivation, making your life better almost instantly. So, give it a shot tonight!

Wrapping up

Taking control of your life often starts with the smallest steps. As we’ve seen, your evening routine can play a significant role in shaping your overall wellbeing and success.

From unplugging from the digital world to visualizing success, these habits are not just about ending the day on a high note. They’re about setting the tone for a better tomorrow and, ultimately, a better life.

It’s no secret that being an entrepreneur can be challenging. But by incorporating these evening habits into your routine, you’re not just responding to those challenges – you’re taking proactive steps towards personal growth and resilience.

So as you wind down tonight, remember: each action you take, no matter how small, is a step towards the life you want to live.

By making these habits a part of your routine, you’re not just dreaming of a better life – you’re living it.