Building an evening routine sounds simple in theory, but many people struggle to make their habits stick. After working with hundreds of individuals on their sleep preparation routines, we've identified five common mistakes that sabotage success.
1. Starting Too Big
The most common mistake? Trying to implement a complete 90-minute evening routine from day one. This approach almost always fails because it requires too much change too quickly.
The fix: Start with just one 5-10 minute habit. Once that feels natural (usually 2-3 weeks), add another small element. Building gradually creates sustainable routines rather than temporary changes.
2. Being Too Rigid
Some people approach evening routines like military drills—every activity must happen at exactly the same time in exactly the same order. This rigidity makes routines fragile and stressful.
The fix: Build flexibility into your routine. Have a core structure but allow for variation. Weekends can look different from weekdays. Social events don't have to derail everything—a shortened version of your routine still counts.
3. Choosing Activities You Don't Enjoy
Just because journaling works for someone else doesn't mean it will work for you. Forcing yourself to do activities you find boring or unpleasant ensures your routine won't last.
The fix: Choose activities that genuinely appeal to you. If you hate meditation but love puzzles, do puzzles. If reading feels like work but listening to music relaxes you, listen to music. Your routine should feel pleasant, not like homework.
4. Ignoring Your Actual Schedule
Designing a routine that requires going to bed at 9 PM when you regularly have commitments until 10 PM sets you up for failure. Similarly, planning activities that need a full hour when you realistically have 20 minutes won't work.
The fix: Design your routine around your real life, not your ideal life. Look at your actual schedule over the past month and build something that fits those patterns. You can gradually shift your timing, but start where you actually are.
5. Quitting After Missing Days
Perhaps the biggest mistake: viewing missed days as failure and giving up entirely. Life happens—travel, illness, social events, work deadlines all interfere with routines.
The fix: Expect to miss days. Plan for it. Missing one day, or even several, doesn't erase your progress. Simply resume your routine the next evening. Consistency over time matters more than perfect adherence.
Remember: the goal of an evening routine isn't perfection. It's creating a sustainable set of habits that help you wind down and prepare for rest. Avoid these five mistakes, and you'll be well on your way to a routine that actually sticks.
Ready to build your routine? Check out our step-by-step starter guide for a realistic approach to evening preparation.