Creating a night routine can be a game changer for your overall well-being and productivity. If you still have not started incorporating one, I’d suggest you give it a try to include little changes to your existing routine to see the transformation yourself.
5 Essential elements for a transformative night routine
A night routine is a little more than a prelude to sleep, it is a ritual that sets the tone for a good night’s rest and a productive tomorrow. Here are five things to be included in your night regimen.
UNWIND WITH A DIGITAL DETOX
In the hour before bedtime, disconnect from all digital devices. The blue light emitted from the device interferes with the circadian rhythm of your body and makes it harder to sleep. Instead, you can meditate, read a book, or do deep breathing exercises to signal the body that it is time to wind down.
REFLECT ON THE DAY
Take a moment to reflect on the day. What went well? What could be improved? Maintaining a journal will help process thoughts and feelings, setting you up for a clearer mind in the morning.
PREPARE FOR TOMORROW
Lay out your clothes, prepare your lunch plan, or write down a to-do list for the next day. This can reduce your stress in the morning and give you a sense of control.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
The skin repairs itself during the night. Following a skincare routine is crucial. Cleanse your face to remove impurities and apply a moisturizer to help rejuvenate your skin.
CREATE A SLEEP-INDUCING ENVIRONMENT
Make sure your bedroom is conducive. This would mean having a comfortable mattress, a cool temperature, and minimal light and noise. Consider using blackout curtains, ear plugs, and white noise machines if necessary.
Always remember that consistency is the key. A night routine should be a staple and not an afterthought. Sweet dreams and productive days await those who invest in their nightly habits.
For someone who only knows about the number of chakras inside us. I’d say this book will be my ABC to learn more about it, how to locate it, and how to mitigate it. When we talk about well-being we often get to think and act only on physical and mental well-being.
But I used to wonder when people keep talking about spiritual wellness, what would that be and why is it being discussed by many? Well, this book made me understand why and why not I should give it a go. Gone are the days when we presumed spirituality talks were only for older people. This book changed my perception and if it is anything about wellness, I’m game.
When I started reading this book, it raised a lot of eyebrows. Being an avid reader, it has been habitual for me to carry it along, so the book traveled with me during cab rides, and play dates, and were not. So, when I mentioned raised eyebrows, it was all the presumed notion of why she is reading about spirituality at this age. I laughed it out, because rather than wasting time on explaining why to them, I’d rather enrich myself in the words of Daaji. The book is divided into three parts – Read and Enjoy, Do and Feel, Meditate and Transcend. I was impressed when I read the introduction, the idea of consciousness to be taken on a journey fascinated me. The simple and natural process as explained by the author will promise you that you can achieve it. Read and Enjoy: The chapters under this topic explore the significance of spiritual anatomy and the origin of the soul. Do and feel: This section will give you an overview of heartfulness practice, and explain the chakras- their characters and tips to overcome limitations on consciousness. Meditate and Transcend: Throughout the spiritual journey, it could be made easier with an atlas, as it gives you a picture of experiences and the conditions during the journey.
The sections ask Daaji and self-reflection to help you with a deeper understanding of what was learned, questions that would arise after learning through the chapter, and replies from Daaji on the same.
Heartfulness essential practices is my favorite chapter in the book where we learn techniques that evolve consciousness and ways to integrate the spirit into everyday life. The only things that are needed for you to get involved in these practices are your willingness and interest. All you need is just ten minutes in your day-to-day routine to include this practice.
The mere mention of the word inventure which translates to the inner adventure will convince you to take a chance on this amazing transformational path. A simple questionnaire from Daaji will help you to locate how far you have traveled in this inventure.
The book leads you on a path to sustainable joy. The book will encourage us to integrate our fragmented lives. Natural freedom and miraculous happiness can be discovered through awareness and meditation.
Daaji blends ancient wisdom and modern practices making spirituality accessible and relevant. The book also bridges the gap between spirituality, science and personality experience.
About the Author
Kamlesh D. Patel, affectionately known as Daaji, has been the global guide for the heartfulness movement since 2014. Daaji is the spiritual leader of Shri Ram Chandra, a meditation organization with practitioners in over 150 countries. He is also fourth in line of raja yoga (which is known as “royal yoga”). His followers include the president of India, Ram Nath Kovind. He is the author of numerous books, including USA Today Bestseller Heartfulness Way (New Harbinger, 2018) and Designing Destiny (Hay House, 2019). While balancing his spiritual journey, Daaji was also a successful pharmacist in New York City, and is married with two sons.
Self-help has always been one genre that keeps me glued while reading. I look forward to books that have a tone that is practical and not something preachy. I choose books which have a good amount of examples, case studies and research based evidence which is a sign that the book needs to be added to my TBR. Here are a few books that made it to my reading list.
Average sucks by Michael Bernoff
A book that challenges you to come out of your comfort zone and unleash your true potential. The reason we don’t get what we want is that we have an average that defines the behavior, performance, and results. This is the reason that the book argues. Our average is the invisible force that keeps us stuck in mediocrity and prevents us from achieving our goals. It shows how to identify our average, raise it, and surpass it so that we create an extraordinary life. It is not a typical self-help that gives generic advice but rather a powerful guide that teaches how to change mindset, habits, and actions. The author has used these tools and techniques with thousands of clients.
The book has three sections such as PART 1: The problem– Explain what your average is. How it affects you and why it hurts. PART 2: The solution– reveals the five steps to raising your average and creating a lasting change. PART 3: The action– provides exercises, challenges, and resources to help in implementing the solution and transforming your life.
A suitable book for anyone who wants to improve any area in their life- personal, professional, and social. I realized how my average was holding me back from achieving my dreams. I found a lot of tools and strategies to raise my average to create more happiness and success. A good guide that teaches you how to live an above-average life.Read a short review here. Buy a copy.
Money hacks by Larry Steinhouse
A book that reveals the secrets of money and how to use it to your advantage, it also challenges the common myths and misconceptions about money. The book shows you how to think differently and creatively based on your financial solution. I loved the topics that the book covered such as,
How to obtain huge lines of credit while building up credit scores and your net worth.
How to negotiate better deals and save money on everything you buy.
How to avoid pitfalls and traps of debt, taxes, and inflation.
How to develop a money mindset that attracts wealth and abundance.
The book is written in a simple, conversational, and humorous style with stories, tips, and real-life examples from the author’s own experience as a successful real investor and entrepreneur. The book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about money and how to make it work for them. It is not a get-rich scheme but a realistic guide that teaches the skills and strategies you need to achieve your financial goals. The book opened my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities that money can offer and how I can use it to create more happiness and security in my life.
I found a lot of tools and techniques that can be applied to my situation. A realistic guide which can help anyone understand the truth about money and how to use it smartly. Read a short review here. Buy a copy.
The Science of getting started by Patrick King
A book that explores the psychological and biological reasons why we procrastinate and how to overcome them. It reveals the hidden forces that prevent you from taking action such as perfectionism, fear, impulsiveness, self-doubt, and boredom. It also provides practical and proven strategies to help start and finish any task, goal, or project.
How to use the power of habits and routines to automate your productivity.
How to leverage the psychology of motivation and rewards to boost your performance.
How to apply the principles of behavioral economics, neuroscience, and game theory to make your work more fun and engaging.
How to overcome the common excuses that keep you stuck.
How to deal with distractions and interruptions.
How to cope with stress, anxiety, and fatigue which can sabotage your progress.
Written in a clear, concise, and conversational style, with case studies, personal anecdotes, and scientific research that support the author’s points the book is not a boring text but an entertaining lively guide that teaches skills on how to master the mind and take action.
This book is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in any area of life. The book was very helpful and an insightful read which helped me understand how I procrastinate and how I can change it. A lot of tips and techniques can help boost my productivity and achieve my goals. I can say that it is a science-based solution to getting started. Read a short review here. Buy a copy.
Lead or get out of the way by Gary .J.Vien
Lead or Get Out of the Way is a practical and inspiring book that lets you know how to become an effective leader. And if you are already one, this book will help you become much more effective. Based on his forty-year career in the military, education, government, and business as a leader, the author presents 8 principles of leadership that help in achieving your goals, overcoming challenges, and influencing others.
With clear examples, tips, and exercises these 8 principles are explained in detail for us to apply in our situations.
The principles are:
Communicate effectively.
Build trust and credibility.
Know yourself and your purpose.
Lead by example.
Collaborate and partner.
Empower others.
Embrace change and innovation.
Celebrate success and learn from failure.
A good handbook that lets you assess the leadership skills currently and find out areas for improvement. Written in a simple and engaging style, with a pinch of wisdom, insight, and humor, it is a book that is apt for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills, irrespective of whether they are people who aspire to be leaders or new and experienced leaders. A helpful and motivating read, the book gives practical tools and strategies to enhance leadership abilities and confidence. Making me think about how to make an impact on others and to think differently is what the book made me gain.
These books help understand what actually is happening and analyse situations. They also guide you on how to handle situations by giving you the knowledge about tools and techniques which will help you arrive at solutions. Read a short review here. Buy a copy.
Book reading is beneficial and enjoyable as it not only helps to lower stress but also to gain knowledge, enhance creativity, and improve memory and focus. Not only that it also exposes the reader to different perspectives, and experiences and also helps to foster compassion and empathy. As one engrosses oneself in reading into a captivating story and its characters, books can give you pleasure and entertainment. Reading can be termed a lifelong habit that can help transform one’s mind, soul, and life.
Here are some genres that I love reading. These are genres that can work for a beginner or if you’ve been into reading for a long time as well.
MYTHOLOGY
A genre that features characters and stories from folklore, myths, and traditions. Through this genre, one can explore the origin, its implications, and how it reflects and identifies the beliefs of people. With creativity and imagination, new narratives can be made that appeal to modern readers.
Kavita Kane is my favorite when it comes to this genre. I love her retelling and especially the way she portrays the female protagonists whom we as readers know only as characters in epics and not much more. Kavita can be termed one of the best in the new era of retelling. Karna’s Wife and Tara’s Truce are my favorites from her works.
FANTASY
A genre that features magical, supernatural elements like elves, wizards, and dragons. Here imagination is limitless and anything is possible. These books can help transport you to a different world. On the other hand, as a reader, you can also take inspiration to be more curious, adventurous, and courageous.
Gebre by N.K.Jemison is a fantasy book. The author is the same award winner of the Broken Earth Trilogy. The book is set in a world where magic is controlled by seasons. Gebre is a young girl who must master her powers and save her people from a tyrannical empire. The book is thrilling and captivating as it explores identity, oppression, and resistance. Mad sisters of ESI by Tashan Mehta is another book that I recently liked. The author’s creation of a world of shape-shifting islands rings out her imagination and skills. The cover will make you fall in love even before you start reading.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
I find this genre enjoyable because I read a lot to my kids and get myself engrossed at times. Children’s books these days come in a variety of genres themselves. They not only help engage kids but also help in molding them. Kids can learn new words that improve their vocabulary, and also stimulate their curiosity and imagination. They can also serve to be a tool to enhance their emotional, social, and moral development. Being a book reviewer in this genre I love getting myself involved in reading so many good books that are out there for kids today.
Devdutt Pattanaik and Ruskin Bond are some of my favorite authors in this genre.
NON FICTION
The non-fiction genre features factual and informative content about people, events, and topics. Depending on their purpose these books can inspire, educate, and persuade the reader. They have different formats like memories, religion, travel, essays, and biographies. This will help expand their knowledge and also enrich their lives. I usually choose to read books on topics of self-help, food, skincare, finance, and the human body.
Atomic Habits remains one of my favourites in this genre though I read the book a long time ago.
I hope the genres I’ve listed here will help you in choosing a good book for your next read. Let me know in the comments.
Reading books take you to another world. It’s a noisy world out there and I tell you reading a book is one kind of meditation. A turn of a page can make your brain network calm and free you from the chatter that you’re currently present in. It helps boost dopamine making you empathize over people, providing ways to socialize and broaden our perspectives.
The power of reading helps in healing trauma, virtually transport you to another world or even help you build new qualities. There is no better teacher than a good book. Books can be an escape from the reality, the mundane day to day demands in front of us. All avid readers would agree with me that reading books is self-medicating and it is no surprise that reading books offer many more benefits.
A survey by the NPD revealed that the book sales went up in 2020, increasing print volumes much higher post 2004. While this was the trend it was also noticed that they were buying more but took much more time to complete because they were doing it slowly. The reason being they were distracted.
The mind doesn’t stay calm, holding a book in hand and screaming out ‘can’t you see I’m busy’ would show that you are not completely into reading. The lack of concentration in turn made it harder for them to proceed with reading. The anxiety in us that makes the brain constantly scan for threats around is becoming a roadblock to the reading. It releases stress hormones that is consuming more energy that people find it hard to concentrate on reading.
Here is how you can practice mindful reading. These habits will ensure that reading benefits you.
Begin with a short read
Our brain loves it and releases happy hormones when it is given a reward. And finishing a book that you started with is definitely rewarding that your brain wants to continue doing it. So pick up a short engaging read that you can finish sooner.
Meditate before reading
Reading needs a calm mind for it to happen naturally. Sit down and clear your mind away from thoughts. Close your eyes and do a deep breathe or even meditate with a prayer.
Reading to relevancy
Sometimes reading about what’s happening around you or what’s happening with you an make you stay glued. It will make you more attentive to what you read. Reading fiction, memoire also helps in making you show empathy on others.
Familiarity
Uncertain times can be handled when you return to something familiar that gives you solace. There are two types of readers: One who wants to keep reading to discover and learn about new things, and one who rereads just to comfort themselves and give them stability.
Read first thing in the morning
It is a great thing to start the day with. It can in putting your phone away and spend more energy on reading.
Put your phone away
Phones are a main distraction especially when it comes to reading. Give it to someone who wouldn’t give in for your please or in another room. The best would be even kept it in another floor.
Make it a habit
Relax yourselves in a comfortable spot, make yourself a hot cup of chocolate or your favorite beverage and try reading at the same time every day.
Read like a child
Read under the blanket, under the bed or a cozy corner like how we used to when we were kids. It gives a whole new perspective to the reading habit.
Stop reading if you cannot concentrate
Life has uncertainties that make you stress and let reading not be one. So, whenever you feel like that thought creeping in put down your book.
Listen to audiobooks
During solitary times it is comforting to hear a voice is your mind that is not yours. GO for an audiobook if you cannot read yourself and let the narrator take the stage while you relax.
Be prepared for the next.
Once you finish a book or you are almost going to complete it, keep another one ready so that you will continue to read. Do not give a long pause.
Here are reasons why reading can be a therapy. It’s called bibliotherapy.
Sometimes stories can hold deeper meanings in us than the real situations we live in.
Rekindling the interest in reading can make you feel connected and alive.
Switching of the stress buttons, giving yourself some me-time and helping you relieve from stress.
It will make you feel that you are not alone and there are people going through similar situations.
It gives you a sense of creativity and even make you start writing probably a journal which might further help to understand what you are going through.
I hope these benefits will definitely give you that positive push to get back to reading. But a reading challenge can even push you further to make it more interesting when you have a goal set for the number of books that you look forward to complete. I am taking part in blogchatter’s#TBRChallenge and aimed at completing 30 books this year. If you would want to know more and like to participate you could check here and sign up.
That Madras Mom 