Yes, that’s plural – because I think it helps to have more than one evening routine. I have a routine for transitioning from work to home and a pre-bed routine.

Moving my brain from work to home can be a chore some days. It helps to create a routine or ritual that can mark the change. For example, you might sort the mail, walk the dog, light a candle, have a drink, and start dinner. Your personal routine might include checking homework or working out and showering. Having some sort of routine can re-orient your attention.

Having a bedtime routine can help you sleep better as it signals your body that it’s time to rest. Neither electronics nor vigorous exercise should be part of a bedtime routine. But these things might be:

• Five-minute tidy up
• Prep work bag
• Layout clothes for the next day
• Remove makeup and moisturize
• Brush teeth
• Night prayer

Routines don’t need to be set in stone, but they do signal your body when it’s time to move to something new.