Why you need an End of Day Routine
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day and forget to take time to slow down and organise our thoughts. Having your own business can make it feel like there’s no distinction between work and home and can make it really hard to detach from our workday.
Unplugging creates the boundaries around work and home and helps you create a clear divide between the two. Studies have shown that those who remain in ‘work mode’ are more likely to feel tired, worn out, stressed and less able to sleep.
An end of day routine can help us to wind down and prepare for the next day, ensuring that we start fresh and focused. In this blog post we’ll explore a few steps you can take to create an effective end of day routine.
Set a time for your routine
To make your end of day routine a habit, it’s important to set a specific time for it to take place each day. Whether it’s 3pm, 5pm, or even 8pm, setting a consistent time for your routine will help you to stick to it and make it part of your daily ritual. It’s also a great way to ensure you have healthy boundaries around the way you work. You can even create an end of day playlist to help you transition from work time to home time.
Empty & file contents in your downloads folder
First thing’s first, let’s talk about your downloads folder. This is not a file storage system. It’s so easy for this folder to become cluttered with files, photos and documents that you may not need anymore. Taking a few minutes at the end of each day to empty and sort your download folder will help you stay organised. Next time you go looking for your files, this habit will ensure that you can easily find them. Bonus!
Clean up your inbox
Take a few minutes to clear out your email inbox. Respond to any urgent emails, delete any spam or unnecessary emails, and organize any emails that need follow-up. This can help you feel more in control of your workload and ensure that you don’t miss any important emails or deadlines.
Brain Dump
Sometimes, our minds can feel cluttered with thoughts and ideas, making it difficult to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Taking a few minutes to do a brain dump can help clear your mind and make it easier to relax. Write down any thoughts or ideas that come to mind, without worrying about organizing or prioritizing them. This can help you feel more calm and focused as you head into the rest of your evening.
Plan for tomorrow
Before you leave your desk for the day, take a few minutes to plan for tomorrow. Make a to-do list or schedule out your day to ensure that you stay on track and do everything you need to do. This can help you feel more prepared and reduce any stress or anxiety you may have about the next day’s tasks.
Clean up your desk
Once you’ve dealt with the digital clutter take a few minutes to tidy your workspace. Put away any notebooks or supplies that you no longer need, grab those mugs and make sure everything is in its place. Your tomorrow self will thank you for it as you arrive the next day to a clean and tidy workspace.
Finish on a high!
Expressing gratitude has been shown to have many benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. Before you leave your desk, take a few minutes to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. This can be as simple as thinking about your loved ones, your job, or even the food you ate for lunch. By focusing on the positive, you can end your day on a high note and start the next day with a positive mindset.
Creating an end-of-day routine can be a powerful way to improve your productivity, reduce stress, and improve your well-being. By incorporating these steps into your routine, you can ensure that you end each day on a positive note and start the next day with clarity and focus. Give it a try and see how it can transform your work and personal life!
If you’d like to take a peek at my end of day routine then you can grab the template for my ClickUp task here! If you’d like more tips around operations, systems and mindset then be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Want to create a systems that works for you, let’s chat!
