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After reading book The Will Power Instinct by Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. I began rethinking how to reduce unwanted decisions in the morning, for a firmer grasp of my willpower. We all have limited cognitive fuel and every time we make a decision, big or small, we use up our powerful cognitive fuel and prevent us to stay committed to our goals. In order maximize this cognitive fuel, having a successful night routine is vital for the next day. Here are a few things to consider to incorporate in your night routine for a successful morning.
Start on Sunday Night– An efficient week, starts by organizing and preparing on Sundays. Not only noting any errands for the week ahead, but making small decisions. Decisions that will free up energy the next days. Here are a few things to decide on Sunday:
1. Plan clothing for the week
2. Workout schedules or classes to attend
3. Groceries and weekly meal ideas
Meal prep the night before – A great way to sticking to a healthy diet is setting aside your meals and snacks the night before. This makes decisions of what to eat easier and set asides those unwanted cravings. Also having food ready helps us get out of the door faster.
Layout What You’ll Need – Best way to ensure your start your morning right and on time, is to reduce as many task in the morning. Layout anything you’ll need in the morning from vitamins to what you’ll be wearing. Those few minutes add up and running late should never be an excuse.
A Clean Space – Getting in the habit of just picking up clothes, washing dishes, and a bit of tiding up leads to reducing time in the morning. I find that if I just pick up 10 items at night, my house already starts to look a lot more organize….and in turn make my life starts to feel more organize.
Unplug and Relax – Learning to unplug and relax at night is a struggle to most people, especially for myself. But having a good nights rest, in turns leads to better and healthier decisions in the morning…and the other benefits of sleep. So turn off any screens (TV, phones, computers, etc.) thirty minutes before bed and choose to read or mediate. Putting your mind and body at ease and raising the melatonin levels in your body for a deeper sleep.