9 Important Things To Do Before Bed – Night Routine Checklist

A good night routine makes your whole day better. I want you to try building one yourself.

I started focusing on my night time habits a year ago. It’s made me feel great, and I’m sticking with it.

A solid bedtime routine is vital for your health – your mind and body both need it.

Winding down right at day’s end helps. Your worries fade. Your skin looks better. Your mind gets quiet time that lasts until morning.

The best part? You don’t need big changes to relax at night.

Just add some simple hygiene, beauty, and self-care steps. That creates an easy bedtime checklist. It helps you truly end your day.

Looking for a super strong bedtime plan? See: 12 Amazing Ideas For The Best Self-Care Night Routine.

But a quick 30-minute routine works too. You’re in the right spot.

You might want to pin this post now for later.

Here, I share 9 Things To Do Before Bed. Together, they make a perfect night routine.

This is the bedtime checklist you need. Tick it off each night. It brings more balance and calm to your life.

Let’s look at them now.

9 Things To Do Before Bed

1. Put My Phone On Do Not Disturb (And Leave It Across The Room)

This is rule number one for me.
I used to scroll in bed until my eyes hurt.
It made my brain buzz when I needed quiet.
Now, 30 minutes before I want to sleep, my phone goes silent.
I turn on Do Not Disturb.
Then I plug it in far away from my bed.
Out of reach is key.
No more tempting notifications lighting up the screen.
No more “just one more video.”
This simple act tells my brain the day is truly done.
It creates a physical barrier between me and digital noise.
The difference in how quickly I fall asleep is huge.

2. Wash My Face & Brush My Teeth

This sounds basic, I know.
But doing it consistently signals bedtime to my body.
It’s like flipping a switch.
Cool water on my face feels refreshing.
It washes away the day’s dirt and stress.
Brushing my teeth is part of that clean feeling.
I do it right after putting my phone away.
It only takes a few minutes.
This routine isn’t just about hygiene.
It’s a mindful moment.
I focus on the cool water, the minty toothpaste.
It helps me transition from “doing” mode to “resting” mode.
Plus, waking up with a clean mouth is a nicer start.

3. Jot Down Tomorrow’s Top 3 Tasks

My brain loves to remind me of everything at 11 PM.
“Don’t forget the meeting!”
“Did you send that email?”
Writing down the next day’s top three tasks stops this.
I use a small notebook by my bed.
Just three things.
Not a huge to-do list.
Just the most important for tomorrow.
Getting them out of my head and onto paper is freeing.
I know I won’t forget.
It lets my mind relax because I have a plan.
I close the notebook and literally close the book on tomorrow’s work for tonight.
This takes less than two minutes but saves me hours of worry.

4. Spend 2 Minutes Tidying Up

I’m not talking deep cleaning.
Just a super quick sweep.
I put away any stray dishes from the living room.
I fold the throw blanket.
I clear clutter off the kitchen counter.
Maybe I straighten the pillows on the couch.
Walking into a tidy space in the morning feels amazing.
It removes a low-level stress I didn’t even know was there.
Starting the day with visual calm sets a positive tone.
It prevents that “ugh, this place is a mess” feeling first thing.
This tiny habit makes my home feel more peaceful instantly.
It takes almost no time but makes a big difference.

5. Lay Out Clothes For The Morning

This is a game-changer for smooth mornings.
I pick out everything I’ll wear tomorrow.
Shirt, pants, socks, underwear – the whole outfit.
I even check the weather app quickly.
Then I lay it all out on a chair or hang it up ready.
No more frantic searching while half-asleep.
No decisions needed when my brain is foggy.
It saves precious time and mental energy.
Knowing exactly what I’m wearing removes one more morning hurdle.
It makes me feel prepared and in control before I even go to sleep.
Such a simple thing, such a big relief.

6. Fill My Water Bottle & Put It By The Bed

I wake up thirsty almost every morning.
Having water right there is essential.
Before bed, I fill my favorite bottle with fresh, cool water.
I place it on my nightstand.
No stumbling to the kitchen half-asleep.
No dehydration headaches.
It’s also a gentle reminder to hydrate first thing.
Taking a few sips right when I wake up helps me feel more alert.
It’s a healthy habit made effortless.
Plus, knowing it’s waiting for me is oddly comforting.
Just one less thing to think about.

7. Do a 5-Minute Stretch or Gentle Yoga

My body holds onto the day’s tension.
Sitting, standing, rushing around – it adds up.
Spending just five minutes stretching before bed releases that.
I don’t do anything fancy.
Just simple moves.
Maybe a forward fold to loosen my back.
Gentle neck rolls.
A child’s pose on the floor.
I focus on deep, slow breaths.
This isn’t a workout.
It’s about releasing tightness and calming my nervous system.
It helps shift my body out of “go” mode and into “slow down” mode.
I always feel more relaxed and ready for sleep afterward.
It connects my mind and body peacefully.

8. Read a Physical Book (Not a Screen!)

This is my favorite wind-down ritual.
I grab an actual book or magazine.
Something enjoyable, not work-related.
Fiction, a light biography, anything pleasant.
I read under a soft lamp for about 15-20 minutes.
The physical book is crucial.
No blue light from a tablet messing with my sleep hormones.
The act of turning pages is soothing.
Getting lost in a story distracts my mind from daily worries.
It replaces scrolling with something nourishing.
Often, I find myself naturally getting drowsy.
That’s my signal to put the book down and turn off the light.
It’s pure relaxation.

9. Take 3 Deep, Slow Breaths in the Dark

Lights are off.
I’m cozy under the covers.
Before my mind can start its usual chatter, I take three deep breaths.
I inhale slowly through my nose, filling my belly.
I hold it for just a second.
Then I exhale slowly and completely through my mouth.
I focus only on the feeling of my breath moving in and out.
This simple act anchors me in the present moment.
It pushes away any lingering thoughts about the past day or tomorrow.
It signals very clearly to my body and brain: “It’s time for sleep now.”
More often than not, I’m asleep before I know it.

One last thought…

That’s my list of 9 Things To Do Before Bed.
They take me about 30-45 minutes total.
You don’t need to do all nine tonight.
Start with just one or two that feel easiest.
Maybe put your phone away earlier.
Or try writing down those three tasks.
Build from there.
The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s creating small moments of calm that signal the end of the day.
These simple actions tell your body and mind it’s safe to rest.
They build a bridge between the busy day and peaceful sleep.
Stick with them, and you’ll likely notice better sleep, calmer mornings, and more energy.
I know I did.
Give them a try tonight.
Sweet dreams!