By Mandy Green
2 minute read
Ever notice how diets seem to work—until 8 p.m.?
Just like our eating habits, our daily productivity can decline if we don’t set ourselves up for success with a solid nighttime routine. As admissions professionals, your ability to show up with energy, focus, and a positive mindset is critical for interacting with students, families, and colleagues.
Here’s a nightly exercise to ensure you go to bed feeling great and wake up ready to win the next day:
- Reflect with Gratitude and Self-Improvement Questions:
Before hitting the pillow, ask yourself:
What three things are you grateful for today? Shifting your mindset toward gratitude will reduce stress and help you sleep better.
What actions did you take today to move closer to your goals? Tracking your progress, even small wins like connecting with a potential student, fuels motivation.
What could you do differently tomorrow? Identify one improvement, so you can approach the next day with clarity.
- Slow Down:
Imagine trying to park a car while still speeding at 60 mph—it’s not going to work well! The same goes for winding down at night. Shut off your electronics at least an hour before bed. This mental “parking” time lets your mind slow down and prepares you for quality rest.
- Reduce Stress with Breathing:
Admissions work can be demanding, and stress management is key. The 7-7-7 breathing technique is a simple yet powerful tool:
Breathe in through your nose for 7 seconds,
Hold for 7 seconds,
Breathe out through your mouth for 7 seconds.
This calms your nervous system, which can improve sleep quality and help you wake up feeling refreshed.
- Pre-Plan Your Day:
Your productivity tomorrow starts the night before. Write down a to-do list, and then identify the three most important tasks for the next day. Aim to tackle them before 10 a.m., when your energy and focus are at their peak. You deal with multiple responsibilities—so front-loading the most critical tasks for you in your role will give you momentum for the rest of the day.
- Read to Unwind:
Reading helps your brain transition into relaxation mode. While you might want to read an inspiring nonfiction book, but sometimes a light novel will help you unwind more effectively. Whatever it is, a few pages before bed can enhance the quality of your sleep.
By incorporating these steps into your nightly routine, you’ll show up more energized and ready to perform at a high level the next day.
Email me if you ever want to talk me through your evening or morning routines.