9 evening habits of people who truly have their life together, according to psychology

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | January 22, 2025, 10:38 pm

Evening routines can be a game-changer.

They set the tone for the next day, and when done right, they can bring a sense of order to your life.

And guess what? People who really have their stuff together swear by them.

According to psychology, there are certain habits these folks tend to follow.

And no, it’s not rocket science – anyone can adopt these habits and see the difference they make.

So, let’s dive into the nine evening habits of people who genuinely have their life together.

These are simple, yet powerful changes that can help you master the art of living well. Trust me, you’ll want to take notes!

1) They unplug

In this digital age, it can be tough to switch off.

The constant pings and alerts from our devices are a near-constant distraction. But people who have their life together understand the importance of unplugging.

Psychologists agree that detaching from our screens a few hours before bed can do wonders for our mental health and sleep quality.

It allows the brain to wind down, free from the blue light emitted by our devices that can interfere with our natural sleep cycle.

So, one of the top evening habits of successful individuals is to disconnect. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or simply enjoying some quiet time, these folks make a conscious effort to step away from technology before hitting the hay.

And guess what?

It works. This simple habit can lead to better sleep, less stress, and an overall increased sense of well-being.

2) They take time to reflect

This one’s a game-changer.

Taking some time out of your evening to reflect on your day can bring a sense of calm and clarity that’s often overlooked.

I started doing this about a year ago, and let me tell you, it has made a world of difference.

Each night, I spend a few minutes jotting down what went well during the day, what didn’t go as planned, and how I could improve.

It’s not about being too hard on myself but more about acknowledging the day’s events and learning from them.

Psychologists suggest that this practice of daily reflection can boost self-awareness and encourage personal growth.

It’s like giving yourself a mini performance review each day – but in the most positive way possible.

3) They prioritize physical activity

Did you know that evening exercise can actually help to improve your sleep quality?

It’s true!

According to studies, individuals who engage in moderate to high-intensity exercise in the evening reported improved sleep quality compared to those who didn’t exercise.

People who have their life together understand the importance of keeping their bodies active.

They often include some form of physical activity in their evening routine, whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or even a high-intensity workout.

This habit is not just about keeping fit physically; it also helps to clear the mind and reduce stress levels.

It’s like hitting two birds with one stone – you get to maintain your physical health and enhance your mental well-being at the same time. Now that’s a win-win situation!

4) They plan for the next day

Imagine waking up and knowing exactly what your day will look like. No rushing around, no last-minute scrambling, just a clear plan of action. Sounds pretty great, right?

People who seem to have their life together are often masters of planning.

They take some time each evening to outline their tasks and goals for the next day. This could be as simple as jotting down a to-do list or as detailed as time-blocking their entire day.

Planning ahead like this can significantly reduce stress and increase productivity.

It gives you a roadmap to follow, making your day more manageable and your tasks more achievable.

Plus, it frees up mental space for more important things.

5) They ensure a clean environment

Ever heard of the saying, “Cluttered space, cluttered mind”? There’s a lot of truth to it.

A clean and organized environment can have a profound impact on your mental well-being.

Those who have their life together make it a point to tidy up their space each evening.

It’s not about deep cleaning or becoming a minimalist, but rather maintaining an environment that promotes peace and productivity.

This could be as simple as washing the dishes, tidying up the living room, or preparing your workspace for the next day.

The goal is to create an environment that allows you to start the next day on a fresh note.

6) They cultivate gratitude

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to overlook the simple blessings that surround us.

But those who truly have their life together have mastered the art of gratitude.

Each evening, they take a moment to appreciate the good in their lives.

It could be the smile of a loved one, a meaningful conversation, or even the comfort of a warm bed. It’s about recognizing and cherishing these small moments of joy.

Cultivating gratitude like this has been shown to increase happiness and reduce stress.

It shifts our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. It’s a gentle reminder that no matter how tough things get, there’s always something to be thankful for.

7) They practice good sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene might sound like a fancy term, but it’s essentially about creating the best conditions for a good night’s sleep.

It involves habits like keeping a consistent bedtime, making your sleeping environment comfortable and quiet, and avoiding caffeine or heavy meals before bed.

I used to struggle with insomnia, tossing and turning into the wee hours of the morning.

It was a frustrating cycle that left me feeling exhausted and unproductive. But once I started practicing good sleep hygiene, things began to change.

It wasn’t an overnight fix, but gradually, I began to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

My energy levels improved, my mood stabilized, and I just felt better overall.

This is a habit that people who have their life together swear by.

Good sleep hygiene can significantly improve the quality of your sleep and by extension, your overall health and well-being.

8) They engage in a relaxing activity

We all need a way to wind down after a long day, and for those with their life together, this often involves a relaxing evening activity.

This could be anything from reading a book to listening to calming music or even soaking in a hot bath.

Engaging in such activities helps to transition your mind and body from the busyness of the day to a more relaxed state, conducive to sleep.

This practice not only helps with better sleep but also contributes to managing stress levels.

It’s like carving out a little ‘me time’ at the end of the day, a ritual that signals your brain that it’s time to rest and recharge.

9) They set intention for the next day

This is possibly the most powerful habit of all. People who seem to have their life together don’t just plan their tasks for the next day; they also set their intentions.

This means they decide on the attitude and mindset they want to bring into the new day. It could be an intention to stay positive, to be productive, or to be kind to themselves.

Setting an intention like this helps to start the day on a positive note. It’s like setting the tone for your day before it even begins. So despite the challenges that may come, you are mentally prepared and equipped to face them.

This is more than just a habit; it’s a lifestyle change. And it’s one that can make a huge difference in how you navigate your days.

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