Do you need expensive products and luxury tools to build good morning and evening routines? No! You can easily make solid, sustainable morning and evening routines that don't break the bank. Good routines support your mental and physical health, improve your mood, and help you get better sleep.
This blog will provide you with practical, actionable tips on how to establish a more effective morning and evening routine. Let us guide you toward wellness and improved sleep without breaking the bank. Luxuries are great when you can afford them, but some of these tips are free, and others are easy and low-cost!
Why Routines Matter (Even on a Budget)
Maintaining consistent morning and evening routines is beneficial for your mood and focus. They help you stay awake during the day, improving productivity for both work and play, while encouraging good sleep at night.
Small changes can have a significant impact. You don't need to break the bank, nor do you need to get up at 5 am and run for an hour (all respect to the people who do get up at 5 am, run for an hour, and love it).
As consistency matters most, it's better to do simple things you can do every day but also tell yourself skipping a day here and there won't do you any lasting harm. Your routine should not be another source of stress!
Morning Routines That Won't Break the Bank
Here are some of our suggestions for morning routines that won't break the bank with money or time:
Free or Nearly Free Habits
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Journaling or a gratitude log. This can be done with just a small notebook and paper, or you can even use your phone. Gratitude logs are where you write down everything you are thankful for.
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Morning stretches or yoga. YouTube has a wealth of short yoga videos that you can use; five to ten minutes is enough to get your circulation flowing and wake your body up.
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Sunlight exposure. Take a short walk. Or, as a minimum, step outside and look at the sky. Doing this clears out the remaining melatonin from your brain and can be as good as a cup of coffee!
Low-Cost Boosters ($5-$25)
If you have a little bit of money, consider:
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A simple skincare routine. Use a cleanser, moisturizer and foundation with SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
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Coffee or tea ritual. Get yourself a mug with a funny or inspiring slogan on it or a beautiful tea bowl.
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DIY smoothie or protein shake. Smoothies and shakes are easy to make with a blender and making them yourself means you can choose exactly the ingredients you want, as well as being cheaper than going to a smoothie bar.
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Morning routine tracker. You can download an app for your phone or use a printable routine tracker.
Budget-Friendly Energy & Focus Tips
Many expensive tools are entirely unnecessary. Here are some much cheaper tips for energy and focus:
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Natural light. We've already discussed a bit of sunlight exposure, but natural light is better for you than a fancy light therapy lamp (although if you live far enough north that you're leaving for work in the dark and getting home in the dark, a light box can be helpful).
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Music or podcasts. Choose upbeat music or a hopeful podcast.
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Simple goal-setting habits. Improve focus by setting a simple goal for each day. Keep it achievable and don't beat yourself up if you "fail."
Night Routines That Help You Unwind (Affordably)
A good night routine helps you de-stress, relax, and get the seven to nine hours of sleep we all need, but many of us don't consistently get.
Here are some of our tips:
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Screen-free hour before bed. Consider reading a physical book or listening to a podcast instead.
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Breathing exercises or guided meditation. There are numerous free phone apps available, or you can search YouTube for meditation and relaxation videos.
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Reading or journaling. Both can clear your mind, and again, reading a physical book can make it easier to turn off your screens.
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Bedtime affirmations or intention setting. Consider an affirmative mantra such as "I am enough" or "I am loved." Some people stick this on the bathroom mirror so they can see it while brushing their teeth.
Cheap & Effective Sleep Aids
If you are genuinely having problems sleeping, you don't need expensive (or prescription) sleep aids. Instead, consider:
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Chamomile or peppermint tea. Some tea companies offer sleep blends. Try a couple and find what works for you.
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Lavender on or under your pillow. A few drops of essential oil, a pillow spray, or a sachet under your pillow. The scent of lavender is known to promote sleep.
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Add something cozy. If you sleep cold, wear a set of fuzzy socks. If light bothers you, get a sleep mask.
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Budget skincare. A quick cleanser and moisturizer are typically enough to use. Use GreenBirdi's curated products for a sustainable routine.
Budget Hacks for Better Sleep Hygiene
Still having problems dozing off? Time to consider good sleep hygiene. There are three key points here:
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Consistent bedtime routine. Try to go to bed (and get up) at about the same time, even on weekends. Don't stay up late without a very good reason.
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Reduce clutter in your bedroom. Keep things tidy and consider evicting objects from your room that bother you in the dark.
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Create a calm sleep environment. Turn your phone off or set it to Do Not Disturb. Keep the temperature cool and the blinds closed. If you have ambient noise, consider a white noise generator.
How To Build Your Budget Routine
Not all of these will work for everyone, but they're all worth trying. To build your routine, follow these steps:
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Define your goal. Do you need improved focus? More energy? Better sleep? Focus your routine on that goal, and it will be easier to follow.
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Choose two or three affordable habits. Don't try to start with too many, or you won't be able to keep it up.
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Commit to seven days. Reconsider and adjust after seven days. Repeat.
Transform Your Routine with Intentional Habits and Low-Cost Enhancements
Start with simple solutions and add one or two low-cost enhancements. Start by turning off your screens a little early or taking a five-minute walk in the morning. You can even park further away from the office. However, ensure you are clear about your goals and what you want to achieve from your morning and evening routines.
You don't need luxury products to feel your best. Instead, transform your day and night with simple, intentional routines. Check out GreenBirdi's marketplace for affordable and sustainable products to support your morning and nighttime routines.
