Tip #22: Set Your Alarm for Bedtime

This smart simple tip was found in the list of 52 Proven Stress Reducers.

What this tip means is that first of all you need at least two alarm clocks (or get a dual alarm clock). You will be using one alarm clock in the usual way – for waking up in the morning. But you will set another alarm clock for the time when you have to go to bed. This alarm clock will act as a reminder to stop your activities for today and go to sleep.

When to Set Your Bedtime Alarm

If you don’t know at what time you have to go to bed, it’s safe enough to count back 8 hours from the time you have to wake up. Start going to bed at this time, and adjust over the next days.

Why You Need a Reminder

Most people go to sleep later than they initially planned and that’s why you need a reminder. Few more pages of the book to read, few more episodes on TV to watch, few more blogs to browse… 90% of these activities can be safely postponed to the next day, or even simply cut off your life.

Quite often people simply forget what time it is. “Oh my, it’s 1am, I need to be sleeping already!” Sounds familiar? Put another alarm clock nearby.

Making It Work

Remember to use snooze if you still aren’t ready to go to bed, just like you snooze it (I know you don’t, but just in case :) in the morning. Going to bed after the alarm does require some discipline, but I’m sure you can handle it. After all, it’s a much easier thing to do than waking up with the morning alarm!

Additional Tips

• Do not use the same alarm sound for morning and evening alarms
• Do not use any loud or irritating sounds for the evening alarm

Hope these tips are self-explanatory. Good luck with your experiments!