The Top 10 Things I Have Learned From Flylady #1: The Power of the Before Bed Routine

Originally published on 26 April 2007

I am not a morning person. In fact, I am usually not awake and grumpy as a bear when I get up. This state does not lessen until somewhere after my second cup of coffee. Before Flylady, mornings used to be hellish. I would wake up, stand in the closet for several minutes, trying to think about what to wear as my sleepy mind tried to remember what the weather would be like and what my scheduled contained. After showering and stumbling downstairs, I would look around for long periods of time for my keys, briefcase, briefcase contents. Then I would try and make my lunch. If there were other people around, they would be yelled at for getting in my way as I tried to get out of the house on time. Invariably I would be late, and even grumpier because of the sendoff from home.

One of the things that Flylady emphasizes is the importance of the before bed routine. These are the acts that you do the night before to set yourself up for a good morning. I have found that since I do this consistently, my mornings are much smoother and much less likely to end in yelling. Here is what mine includes:

Check the Weather and Calendar

I do this to find out what I need to wear. I can dress appropriately for temperature, weather, and client site. (Some of my clients do not allow loose clothing and require safety shoes).

Lay Out All My Clothes

In addition to being appropriate, this step allows me to make sure that the outfit I select doesn’t have to be ironed or repaired at the last minute — things I used to realize after I put the clothes on.

Get My Bags Ready for Tomorrow

This means I put all of my work papers in my briefcase, pack my lunch (leaving it in the fridge, of course), and add anything I need for the day’s errands to the pile. This pile may not be right by the door, but it is ready to go on my way there.

Make Coffee

This lets me wake up to a fresh pot first thing in the morning. Need I say more?

Turn Off the Computer

If I am going full tilt on the computer right up until bedtime, I can’t relax enough to go to sleep. Taking time away from the computer, either by reading or something equally low key, I set myself up for better sleep.