6 Simple Evening Habits to Elevate Your Tomorrow
Vol. 1, Issue 3
There was a time when my mornings felt choppy, let’s just say, a bit disconnected. A new day would come, but yesterday’s tasks still lingered. In the past, I would wake up and feel uncertain about what to wear to the gym or what to eat, which made my mornings feel scattered. This feeling made me realize that there was a lack of rhythm in my routine. I noticed I was constantly adjusting the following day instead of moving forward with my goals.
Something needed to change.
I experimented with multiple evening routines, to-do lists, wind-down rituals, and productivity hacks. I was so ready to dive in, but noticed the focus was different than what I was looking for. Most of the routines felt isolating, robotic, and cold, with a heavy focus on falling asleep. Although quality sleep is essential, I was craving something more holistic, a rhythm that gently closes the day while quietly fueling the next. I needed habits that helped me feel supported, reflected, and ready to move forward with clarity and purpose.
These six simple habits are now a sacred part of my evening routine, not ritual rules; they are rituals of momentum. When practiced with intention, they help me wake up the next day feeling more grounded, refreshed, and prepared. You know the old saying, Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
Write Yourself a
“I am So Proud of You” Note
Taking a moment to pause after work and writing myself a note about why I am proud of my day feels incredibly rewarding. It allows me to validate the hard work and grit that often go unnoticed behind closed doors. Give it a try, write yourself a small note, and place it near your workspace so you can read it the following day. It could say:
You needed support and reached out to meet the approaching benchmark. Just Fabulous!
It was challenging, but you stayed the course. Congrats, you did that girl!
You experienced a slowdown in your momentum, but you pushed through and concluded your task. Don’t be surprised, you did that!
Think of this practice as an energetic handoff from the woman you were today to the person you’re becoming tomorrow.
The note you write for yourselves can serve as a motivational boost when you read it the next morning, reminding you that you are a person who follows through. This process ultimately leads to consistently feeling confident as you demonstrate that you are committed to staying consistent for the long haul.
Plan a Breakfast That Fuels You
Meal planning changed the game for me. I’m not perfect with it every week, but when I do make the time, my days go by a lot more smoothly. Britt (my fiancé) and I select what meals and snacks we’d like to have that week.
Next, I will write down all meals on my pretty meal planner, which doubles as a shopping list, a win-win. Now that you have a clear plan for what you’re having, prepping your breakfast the night before is that much easier. Maybe you’re having cold oats, or you need to cut up the fruit and freeze it for tomorrow’s smoothie. The goal is to eliminate friction in the morning and start your day fueled, mind, body, and spirit.
Lay Out Your Workout Clothes the Night Before
It’s not just about the out (although a cute set gets the job done); it’s a visual reminder that you are showing up consistently for your wellness. Whether you're moving your body at 5 a.m., hitting the gym mid-morning, or engaging in an afternoon workout at home, setting your clothes out the night before makes showing up for yourself so much easier. It’s one less decision you have to make, and it gives your mind a visual cue that you’re making yourself a priority. Keep your water bottle ready too, little prep steps like this build momentum and help you start the day with intention instead of chaos.
Reflective Night Check-In
Take 5-10 minutes to journal about your day. Ask yourself:
-What went well?
-What didn't go so well?
-What are the lessons I learned, and how can I try my best to avoid repeating those mistakes?
I am a firm believer in setting intentions in the morning and found that asking projected questions sprinkles ease into my tomorrow; I wake up feeling empowered and a strong leader of my own life. When I journal I ask myself, "Tomorrow, I want to feel ___________."
This check-in let me close the day with peace and not pressure.
Prepare Your To-Do List and Visualize Success
Take a moment to close your eyes and ask yourself: What are the three things I absolutely want to accomplish today? If nothing else were on my list, what would make me feel proud and at peace tonight? Now, visualize yourself completing these tasks smoothly and confidently with grace and ease.
Now, practice resilience, take a moment to reflect on what might get in your way and how you can stay steady when it happens. This isn't about being negative; it's a powerful, stoic practice. Ask yourself, What could go wrong? Think about the predictable obstacles, like traffic delays, coworkers moving slowly on a collaborative project, and dealing with certain attitudes. You get the idea, right?
Now, strategize what solutions you can put in place to stay ahead of these challenges. The goal is simple: stay ready so you never have to get prepared.
Wind Down with Prayers and Affirmations
As your day comes to a close, take a moment to center your mind by expressing a gratitude prayer. Thank your higher power for giving you the energy to serve and show up as your best self. Speak life over yourself. Choose words of affirmation, mantras, or phrases that soften your mind, soothe your spirit, and anchor you in worthiness. This is your time to rejoice in how far you’ve come and practice forgiveness for any missing steps. Release today's stress, step into the energy of trusting your journey, and embrace the new opportunities that tomorrow will present.
For example, you could say, “ I am grateful for the challenges that allowed me to strengthen my faith today, or “Before I lay my head down to rest, I want to take a moment to shower myself with love and self-appreciation for…” Which habit would you start tonight?
Join the Self-love Lounge
Want more self-love practices, more ease, and rituals that make you feel like ”her”? Join the waiting list of my newsletter, The Lux Loungue, for weekly intention setting, journaling prompts, soundtracks to set the mood, and soft reminders that your inner queen deserves a life of beauty, alignment, and peace. There’s a gift for the wait.