Podcasts > The Mel Robbins Podcast > Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

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In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Robbins tackles the phenomenon of decision fatigue and how it adversely impacts our evening routines and sleep quality. She introduces the concept of "revenge bedtime procrastination" and its harmful effects.

To combat decision fatigue, Robbins presents a 5-step evening routine to help listeners start each day recharged and in control. This routine involves establishing an optimal bedtime, clearing clutter to reduce mental burden, preparing for the next day to minimize morning decisions, practicing self-care before bedtime, and separating from electronics to ensure quality sleep. Robbins also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care in the evenings after catering to others throughout the day.

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Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

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Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

1-Page Summary

Decision Fatigue and Its Impact on Evening Routines

Mel Robbins discusses the phenomenon of decision fatigue—the mental exhaustion that results from making over 35,000 decisions per day and having one's energy depleted. Decision fatigue causes symptoms like procrastination, impulsivity, avoidance, and indecision.

Decision Fatigue Hurts Routines and Sleep

Decision fatigue in the evenings leads to staying up late watching TV or scrolling through phones instead of sleeping, according to Robbins. She introduces the concept of "revenge bedtime procrastination"—delaying sleep to reclaim personal time, resulting in less sleep which makes the next day harder.

The 5-Step Evening Routine to Combat Decision Fatigue

Bedtime Based On 9 Hours in Bed For 8 Hours Sleep

Robbins suggests calculating your bedtime by deciding your wake-up time and working backward by nine hours to ensure quality eight-hour sleep cycles.

Clean Up Today's Messes to Start Fresh Tomorrow

Streamlining tasks like clearing counters and putting away clothes reduces visual clutter and mental burden, Robbins says.

Make Tomorrow's Tasks Easier By Preparing In Advance

Robbins recommends preparing for the next day—laying out clothes, making breakfast/lunch—to minimize morning decisions and preserve energy.

Take 5 Minutes For Yourself Before Bed

She encourages taking five calming "me time" minutes before bed to signal your body it's time to wind down for restful sleep.

Tuck Your Phone In Before You Sleep

Robbins advises separating from your phone before bed by placing it in another room to reduce exposure to blue light and avoid mindless scrolling instead of sleeping.

Sleep and Next Day Preparation

High-Quality Sleep Is Essential for Health

Robbins stresses the importance of high-quality sleep, citing studies linking lack of sleep to depression, diabetes, heart issues, and disrupted circadian rhythms.

Evening Prep Sets You Up For Success

She explains that preparing the night before—clearing clutter, easing tasks, and self-care—reduces morning stress and fatigue, allowing one to start the day organized, rested, and in control to boost productivity.

Putting Yourself First In the Evenings

Robbins emphasizes focusing on yourself during the evening routine after a day spent catering to others. She encourages avoiding distractions to create a calming space and take time for self-reflection and prioritizing well-being through self-care activities like the five-minute wind-down.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The number of decisions an average person makes per day can vary widely and may not be as high as 35,000 for everyone, as decision-making frequency can depend on the individual's lifestyle, job, and personal circumstances.
  • Some individuals may thrive under pressure and make better decisions when they have less time to ponder, suggesting that decision fatigue might not affect everyone equally.
  • The concept of "revenge bedtime procrastination" may not account for individual differences in sleep needs and personal preferences for how one unwinds after a day's work.
  • The recommendation of nine hours in bed for eight hours of sleep may not be suitable for everyone, as sleep needs can vary by age, health, and individual differences.
  • Streamlining tasks and preparing for the next day can be helpful, but for some, this level of organization may feel restrictive and could potentially add to stress rather than alleviate it.
  • The advice to take five minutes for oneself before bed may not be sufficient for everyone, as some people may require more time to unwind and relax.
  • The suggestion to tuck the phone away before bed, while beneficial for reducing blue light exposure, may not be practical for those who use their phone as an alarm or need to be available for emergencies.
  • While high-quality sleep is essential for health, the link between sleep and health issues like depression, diabetes, and heart issues is complex and may involve many other factors beyond sleep alone.
  • The emphasis on evening preparation assumes that morning stress is a significant issue for everyone, which may not be the case for individuals who have flexible schedules or do not experience morning stress.
  • The idea of focusing on oneself in the evenings may not be feasible for those with caregiving responsibilities or evening work commitments.
  • Avoiding distractions and creating a calming space is subjective and may not be universally applicable, as some people may find certain distractions or environments to be relaxing.

Actionables

  • You can create a "decision menu" for common choices to quickly select options without overthinking. For instance, have a weekly meal plan or a set of pre-decided work outfits to choose from, reducing the number of decisions you need to make in those areas.
  • Develop a "nighttime transition ritual" that includes activities unrelated to screens or work, such as a short walk, reading a physical book, or doing a puzzle. This can signal to your brain that it's time to shift out of daytime mode and prepare for sleep.
  • Introduce a "tech curfew" where you set an alarm an hour before your intended sleep time as a reminder to turn off all electronic devices. Use this time to engage in relaxing activities like meditation, journaling, or gentle stretching to encourage a state of calm before bed.

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Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

Decision Fatigue and Its Impact on Evening Routines

Mel Robbins discusses the phenomenon of decision fatigue, its symptoms, and its impact on our ability to maintain evening routines and get adequate sleep.

Decision Fatigue Occurs As Decision-Making Ability Declines Due To Mental Exhaustion

Robbins describes feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or weary in the evenings after a long day spent making decisions and taking care of others. According to Dr. Lisa MacLean, by bedtime, the average person has made over 35,000 decisions which contribute to mental exhaustion. The result is decision fatigue—a state where individuals want to do nothing, avoid further activity, or refrain from making more decisions.

Over 35,000 Daily Decisions Drain Individuals' Energy

The collective strain of the tens of thousands of decisions a person makes throughout the day depletes their mental reserves. This phenomenon is cumulative, worsening as more decisions are made.

Symptoms Include Procrastination, Impulsivity, Avoidance, and Indecision

There are four main symptoms of decision fatigue: procrastination, impulsivity, avoidance, and indecision. Robbins points out that this mental exhaustion leads to procrastination on simple tasks like folding laundry, impulsive indulgences such as eating ice cream directly from the carton, and avoidance of activities that require decision-making, like mindlessly scrolling through one's phone. Indecision is particularly destructive in the evening, leading to hours spent browsing without choosing anything to watch.

Decision Fatigue Hurts Routines and Sleep

Robbins notes that decision fatigue in the evenings leads to procrastination when it comes to bedtime, which results in staying up late watching TV or scrolling through phones instead of sleeping.

Struggle to Sleep On Time, End Up Scrolling Phones or Watching Tv Late

This behavior is compounded by the effects of blue light from screens that suppress melatonin and the "doom scrolling" that keeps the brain engaged, both of which make it hard to fall asleep. Even having a phone nearby affects the quali ...

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Decision Fatigue and Its Impact on Evening Routines

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Clarifications

  • Decision fatigue is the idea that making numerous decisions throughout the day can lead to mental exhaustion, making it harder to make choices later on. This exhaustion can manifest in symptoms like procrastination, impulsivity, avoidance, and indecision. In the context of evening routines, decision fatigue can result in delaying bedtime, engaging in unproductive activities, and negatively impacting sleep quality. Understanding decision fatigue can help individuals manage their routines better and prioritize rest for improved well-being.
  • The concept of making over 35,000 daily decisions leading to mental exhaustion is based on the idea that each choice, no matter how small, consumes cognitive resources. This cumulative effect can deplete mental reserves throughout the day, making decision-making more challenging as time goes on. The number is an estimate to illustrate the constant cognitive load individuals experience, which can contribute to decision fatigue. This phenomenon highlights how the sheer volume of decisions we make daily can impact our cognitive functioning and ability to make sound choices.
  • "Revenge bedtime procrastination" is a phenomenon where individuals delay going to bed as a way to reclaim personal time and control over their day. This behavior often occurs when people feel that they haven't had enough time for themselves during the day due to work or other responsibilities. By staying up late, they try to compensate for this perceived lack of personal time, even though it can lead to reduced sleep and impact their well-being the next day. This term highlights the tendency for some individuals to sacrifice sleep in favor of leisure or relaxation activities, ultimately affecting their overall sleep quality and daily functioning.
  • Blue light emitted from screens, like those of smartphones and computers, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to blue light in the evening can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep. This disruption occurs because blue light mimics daylight, signaling to the brain that it is still daytime and reducing the production of melatonin, which is crucial for promoting sleep. Limiting screen time before bed or using blue light filters can help mitigate the impact of blue light on melatonin suppression.
  • Decision-making abilities are typically freshest in the morning due to a well-rested mind and body. This is known as the concept of "decision ...

Counterarguments

  • The number of decisions an individual makes daily can vary greatly depending on their lifestyle, job, and personal circumstances; the figure of 35,000 may not be accurate for everyone.
  • Some individuals may thrive under conditions that require constant decision-making and may not experience decision fatigue in the same way.
  • Decision fatigue might be mitigated by decision-making strategies or tools, such as prioritization, delegation, or the use of decision aids, which are not discussed in the text.
  • The symptoms listed (procrastination, impulsivity, avoidance, and indecision) could also be indicative of other underlying issues such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression, rather than solely decision fatigue.
  • The concept of "revenge bedtime procrastination" may not apply universally, as some individuals might have different motivations for staying up late that are unrelated to decision fatigue.
  • The assertion that the morning is the best time for making decisions might not hold true for everyone, as some people are naturally more ...

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Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

The 5-Step Evening Routine to Combat Decision Fatigue

Mel Robbins presents a five-step evening routine designed to reclaim the evening and combat "revenge bedtime procrastination."

Bedtime Based On 9 Hours in Bed For 8 Hours Sleep

Calculate Bedtime By Working Backwards From Desired Wake-Up Time to Ensure Quality Sleep

To ensure quality sleep, Robbins suggests calculating your bedtime by deciding your wake-up time and working backward by nine hours. She emphasizes the importance of picking a consistent bedtime to get the full benefits of eight hours of sleep.

Clean Up Today's Messes to Start Fresh Tomorrow

Streamlining Tasks Eases Visual Clutter and Mental Burden

Robbins compares cleaning up your space to flushing the toilet—it’s essential for starting fresh the next day. Streamlining tasks such as clearing counters, doing dishes, and putting away clothes can drastically reduce stress and set a positive tone for the day.

Make Tomorrow's Tasks Easier By Preparing In Advance

Reducing Morning Decisions Preserves Energy for Important Tasks

By preparing for the next day in advance—laying out clothes, preparing breakfast, and packing lunch—you'll make your morning routine smoother. Robbins lays out her exercise clothes and fills a water bottle the night before to minimize morning decisions and conserve energy for more important tasks.

Take 5 Minutes For Yourself Before Bed

Calming Activities Signal Wind Down

Robbins encourages taking five minutes for yourself before bed, which can be spent running a bath, making tea, journaling, or ...

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The 5-Step Evening Routine to Combat Decision Fatigue

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Not everyone requires 8 hours of sleep; some may need more or less, so a one-size-fits-all approach to calculating bedtime may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Cleaning up every evening might not be feasible for those with demanding schedules or other responsibilities, and the pressure to do so could add to stress rather than alleviate it.
  • Preparing for the next day in advance assumes a predictable schedule, which may not account for individuals with variable or spontaneous work and life demands.
  • Taking 5 minutes for oneself before bed may not be enough for some people to wind down, and others may find different activities more relaxing or beneficial.
  • The recommendation to tuck the phone away may n ...

Actionables

  • Use a smart plug to schedule your bedroom lights to dim gradually before your bedtime, mimicking a sunset and promoting a natural preparation for sleep.
    • This strategy helps your body recognize that it's time to wind down without you having to think about it. For example, if you want to sleep by 10 PM, set the lights to start dimming at 9:30 PM, so by 10 PM, your room is in a low-light state conducive to sleep.
  • Create a "tomorrow box" where you place everything you'll need for the next day, like your keys, wallet, and work materials.
    • This physical box acts as a visual reminder to prepare for the next day and ensures you don't forget anything in the morning. It's a simple way to streamline your morning routine without having to think about what you need each day.
  • Replace eveni ...

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Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

Sleep and Next Day Preparation

Robbins discusses the critical role of high-quality sleep for health and daily functioning, as well as the impact of nightly routines on the next day’s success.

High-Quality Sleep Is Essential for Health

Robbins stresses that getting high-quality sleep is essential for making empowering decisions in the morning, hinting at the broader health implications of poor sleep quality on our lives.

Lack of Sleep Linked To Depression, Diabetes, and Heart Issues

Research published in Harvard Health Publishing has shown that shortened sleep cycles are linked to an increased risk of depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Robbins echoes these findings, emphasizing the need for adequate sleep to avoid such health issues.

Consistent Sleep Schedules Help Regulate Circadian Rhythms

Robbins also implies that a consistent sleep schedule can lead to faster and deeper sleep, which suggests a beneficial impact on circadian rhythms.

Evening Prep Sets You Up For Success

The importance of preparing the night before is crucial as Robbins explains that it can profoundly reduce stress and enable us to start the day organized and focused.

Clearing Clutter, Easing Tasks, and Self-Care Reduce Morning Stress and Fatigue

Addressing clutter and tasks as part of a wind-down routine at night leads to starting the day without additional stress or fatigue, Robbins notes. Completing simple evening tasks, like putting away cutlery and dishes, and turning off lights before setting o ...

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Sleep and Next Day Preparation

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While high-quality sleep is generally essential for health, individual sleep needs can vary, and some people may function well with less sleep than others.
  • Nightly routines can impact the next day's success, but flexibility and adaptability are also important, as rigid routines may not be suitable for everyone or every situation.
  • The link between lack of sleep and health issues such as depression, diabetes, and heart problems is well-established, but it's important to note that these conditions are multifactorial and not solely caused by poor sleep.
  • Consistent sleep schedules are beneficial for many, but some individuals with non-traditional work hours or lifestyles may find it challenging to maintain such schedules and still lead healthy lives.
  • Evening preparation can indeed reduce stress for many people, but for others, too much focus on preparation might lead to anxiety or reduce spontaneity and flexibility in their ...

Actionables

  • Create a 'wind-down' box with items that signal your brain it's time to sleep, like a book, herbal tea, and a notepad to jot down thoughts. This box can become a physical part of your nightly routine, helping you transition from day to night and signaling to your body that it's time to wind down, thus improving sleep quality.
  • Designate a 'morning launch pad' area where you place everything you need for the next day. This could include your work bag, keys, and a list of top priorities for the day. By having a specific spot for these items, you reduce morning decision fatigue and start your day with a clear action plan, enhancing focus and productivity.
  • Implement a '10-minute tidy ...

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Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control

Putting Yourself First In the Evenings

An effective evening routine can help reclaim time and attention for yourself, resulting in better mental and physical well-being.

Evening Routine Reclaims Time and Attention For Yourself

Robbins emphasizes the importance of focusing on yourself during your evening routine. After a day spent catering to work, family, and various other responsibilities, the evening offers the perfect opportunity for self-reflection and taking time back for yourself. Engaging in a wind-down routine signals to the body, mind, and nervous system that it's time to relax and can counter decision fatigue by providing the much-needed mental break.

Robbins encourages listeners to avoid phone use and other distractions at night, stressing the significance of reclaiming evenings for oneself. By doing so, you can create a space for calming activities and self-reflection, capitalizing on this chance to prioritize your wellbeing.

Prioritize Evening Needs For Wellbeing

Taking time during your evening routine to engage in self-care activities conveys the message, "I matter." Such actions promote the notion that rest, sleep, and feeling good are essential, reinforcing the significance of personal well-being. Robbins suggest ...

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Putting Yourself First In the Evenings

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Evening routines may not be one-size-fits-all; what works for one person may not work for another due to individual differences in lifestyle, work schedules, and personal preferences.
  • Some individuals may find that their most productive or creative times are in the evening, and thus a routine focused on winding down could potentially stifle their productivity or creativity.
  • The recommendation to avoid phone use and other distractions might not consider the positive aspects of connectivity, such as staying in touch with loved ones, relaxing through entertainment, or using apps designed for meditation and relaxation.
  • The emphasis on self-care and self-reflection may not acknowledge the importance of social interactions and how they can also contribute to well-being, even in the evenings.
  • The idea that even five minutes of calming activities can make a substantial difference might be overly simplistic and not take into account the complexity of stressors or mental health issues that some individuals face, which may require more comprehensive approaches.
  • The concept of reclaiming time for oneself in the evenings might not be feasible for people with demanding jobs, family responsibilities, or c ...

Actionables

  • Transform your bathroom into a mini-spa each evening by setting up a basket of pampering items like scented candles, face masks, and luxurious lotions. This dedicated self-care kit can be a visual and tactile cue to start your wind-down routine, making it easier to transition from a busy day to a restful evening.
  • Create a 'no-phone zone' in your living space with a small box or shelf where you and your family can deposit your devices at a set time each evening. This physical separation from technology can help reinforce the habit of disconnecting and can be a fun challenge for everyone to stick to, fostering a shared commitment to present, screen-free time.
  • Start a micro-journal ...

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