Small Changes = Big Results: The Evening

Excited about this series?  Me too!  I plan on implementing a few new changes myself as we go along, so I’ll be sure to report on my findings and I’d love for you to do so also either in the comments or on my Facebook page.  We can keep each other accountable!

It’s almost the end of the day.   Have you been consistent with your small changes?  If so, you should be feeling a little bit healthier and happier by now.  I’ve been finding myself less stressed – and not that life has gotten more relaxing – if anything, these last few weeks of school have become even busier than usual.  Regardless of what you’ve done (or not) during the day today, you still have time to turn things around and end your day on a positive note: 

Suggestions for the evening:

1.  Relax with a glass of wine?  Maybe not . . .  if you find yourself reaching for a glass of wine or other drink before bed, you might want to rethink the timing.  Alcohol causes restless sleep.  So – feel free to enjoy a glass with dinner, but try to time it for at least two hours before bed.  Have a glass of water or herbal tea instead.

2.  Reduce your screen time.  If sitting in front of the TV for hours before you go to bed is your norm, it’s time to stop!  If you want to watch TV, just watch a favorite show or two and then turn the TV off.  Read a chapter of a book, play an easy card game with your spouse or work for a little bit on a relaxing project.  And FORGET going to sleep to the TV – the screen will disrupt your sleep and stop you from getting the quality rest you need.

3.  Evaluate your cravings.  It’s been a few hours since dinner and you’re hungry, right?  If you ate a healthy dinner, probably not.  More likely you are bored or sleepy.  If you really think you need to eat, go for something light and easy to digest – maybe yogurt with fruit or a cup of hot chocolate.

4.  Go to bed.  This one has always been my struggle.  Everyone is finally asleep, I have the house to myself – time to get things done!  Or even just to finally sit down, read and relax.  [tweetherder]BUT… staying up too late is just stealing time from tomorrow.[/tweetherder]  I’ve found that if I stay up late, I’m tired, grumpy, and sorry the next morning.  Maybe you just need to go to bed earlier.   I know I do!

What change are you going to make at the end of your day?  I’m going to make an effort to get to bed by 10:30 every night.  No more burning the candle at both ends!