What does your nightly routine look like? Do you stay up into the wee hours surfing the internet, or spending time on Facebook or Instagram, or perhaps on LifeDaily?
While we certainly hope that you are, after doing some research, we have concluded that the most successful people in the world have their own special routines of things that they do before bed.
We want to join this group, so LifeDaily has come up with a list of the top 8 things the most successful people in the world do before bed:
1. Get Your tasks done
You may be exhausted when you get home, but to follow the path of the most successful people, it's important to complete your tasks.
Maybe it's a quick phone call, or maybe a little more time consuming, like finishing some paperwork.
Whatever the task may be, avoid telling yourself that you will get it done tomorrow. We all know how that goes: tomorrow comes, and you're slammed with 10 other tasks that you begin, and you leave the one from yesterday unfinished.
Do yourself a favor, and tie up your loose ends.
2. Read
Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates knows how important reading is. No matter what time he gets home, he reads for an hour before bed. "It's part of falling asleep," he says. Mr. Gates reads about topics like healthcare, climate change, and business and politics, and you should read about whatever it is that relaxes you.
Keep in mind that as common as it is for us to read on our phones, iPads, Kindles, and laptops, reading from these tablets and eReaders can be disruptive to our sleep. This is due to the light that is emitted from these devices.
Go old fashioned and read a "real book" or magazine for an optimal night's sleep.
3. Write down your biggest accomplishments for the day
I know you may be thinking, "what did I really accomplishment today?" I am sure however, that you had some victory or something that you can say your proud of.
As humans, we can be very hard on ourselves, and we put a lot of pressure, when in reality, we are doing just fine.
Maybe you got to work extra early today, or you took initiative on a project when you normally just sit back and wait for others. Maybe you were kind to someone today.
Whatever your "daily win" is, write it down. Give yourself permission to be proud, and tomorrow you will want another win.
Root yourself on!
4. Plan for the next day
The idea of planning might give you stomach pains, but this is something the most successful people in the world know is crucial to success
Start off with tiding up your place, pick out your clothes for tomorrow, and get together any important documents.
Then sit down, and write out your to do list. What are the top tasks you want to accomplish tomorrow? This planning will most likely guarantee that you will be more focused, and more likely to be productive and efficient.
5. Step away from electronics
Yes, I know you are attached to your phone. It goes with you to the bathroom, it's glued to you in bed, and you probably even sleep with it under your pillow.
However, unless you are texting your boyfriend or girlfriend a quick "I love you," you really need to get off that thing.
Shutting off our mind before we sleep is not possible, but it is during these times of relative quiet that new ideas may come. This comes when you're alone with yourself, and you have time to think.
Even Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg turns off her phone at night, and if she can do it, you have no excuse why you can't.
Well...maybe just put it on silent.
6. Get enough sleep
It's no fun going into work or school exhausted with your eyes closing. It's even worse when you are driving tired- which is extremely dangerous by the way.
While the WSJ recommends 7 hrs of sleep per night, use your judgement, and make sure you are getting enough so that your mind, and your body are awake for the next day.
You don't just want to function, you want to be on top of your game.
7. Meditate
As mentioned in my previous LifeDaily article, meditating for just 10 minutes a day is a great way to relax your body and mind.
There are tons of meditation applications out there. We recommend putting your cellphone on airplane mode so you can practice meditating interruption free.
8. Spend time with family
Decide that the day has ended, and you will go into another phase of the day. If you work until 6 pm, make sure that you get your work done and end your day so you can focus on another part of your life.
Enjoy dinner with your family, spend time with your partner, friends, or anyone else that is important to you.
With these 8 great tips, we hope that you will join us in practicing these nightly routines so that we can all be a step closer to success.