Start Making a to-Do List Before Bed
Productivity depends on planning. You need to create the right to-do list , add context and deadlines to it , and find time for deep work to get it all done. However, one detail we think less about is when to make a to-do list. You may find it helpful to do this in two stages: once before bed and then again the next morning.
Why You Should Start Writing a To-Do List Before Bed
Many productivity techniques require you to start any planning with a sort of “brain dump,” writing down everything you need to do so you can then organize it all into more manageable chunks. This is a basic but important starting point that serves to get whatever is bothering you out of your brain and onto a piece of paper (or digital document) so you can feel a little freer.
Instead of resetting your thoughts in the morning, take five minutes before bed to write down everything you need to do the next day. You don’t have to break any of this down into action steps, prioritization, planning or anything like that. You just have to get it all out of your head and onto the page. You’ll feel more motivated and at peace just knowing that you already know everything you need to do the next day, as if you already have a plan in the works. Keep a notepad or journal next to your bed to make this even easier, and get into the habit of doing it every night.
Don’t take my word for it: studies have shown it’s beneficial. One 2018 study says the practice can be beneficial and easy to do because it counteracts other productive behaviors that cause “negative affect, anxiety, and rumination” before bed, provided you have the health environment to do so. environment and personality. Like any productivity hack, it’s all subjective; what works for someone else may not work for you, but it’s always worth a try.
Take this exercise to the next level by preparing everything you might need to solve problems, such as downloading a large program you’ll need for a project or keeping a reusable bag by the door so you don’t forget to take it to the grocery store.
What to do the next day
When you wake up, you can review the list you made the night before. Use a prioritization technique like the Eisenhower Matrix to figure out which tasks are most important and timely, or a method like Getting Things Done to simplify your list and break it down into actionable steps.
The night before, you should prepare for everything by getting everything out of your head and allowing yourself to relax before going to bed. The day is when you come up with a concrete plan and get to work. Once you get into the habit of doing this, you’ll feel calmer at night knowing you already know what’s planned for the next day and you’ll wake up ready to tackle it.