Discover how Stoic philosophy can bring peace, clarity, and purpose to your nightly routine. In this video, we explore 7 powerful stoic habits inspired by Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and teachings from The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. These simple, timeless practices will help you sleep better, reduce anxiety, and live with greater intentionality.
Whether you're new to stoicism or a lifelong student of the Stoics, this video will show you how to integrate stoic principles into your everyday life. Learn from the wisdom of the ancients and modern thinkers alike — from The Art of Living by Epictetus, to the insights of Think Like a Roman Emperor.
00:00Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.
00:07This timeless wisdom from the ancient philosophy of Stoicism guides us on how to live a virtuous and happy life amidst the chaos and uncertainties of the world.
00:18Stoicism is not just a collection of abstract ideas, but a practical way of living that can help us overcome challenges, cope with stress, and achieve our goals.
00:28But how can we apply Stoicism to our daily lives?
00:33One effective method is by developing nightly habits that help us reflect on our actions, learn from our mistakes, and prepare for the next day.
00:42In this comprehensive guide, I will share seven simple yet powerful nightly habits of a Stoic that will make you more resilient, calm, and focused.
00:51Before we dive into these habits, I encourage you to stay with me till the end of this discussion, as resilience and focus are essential traits for living a Stoic life.
01:03Also, consider subscribing to our platform and hitting the notification bell so you don't miss any of our insightful content.
01:11Habit 1. Review Your Day
01:13Every night before you close your eyes, you have a golden opportunity to become a better version of yourself.
01:21This is the time to look back at your day.
01:24Evaluate how you have lived, acted, and grown.
01:28This reflective practice is not about harsh self-judgment or dwelling on failures, but about learning from experiences and celebrating successes.
01:37Seneca, one of the greatest Stoic philosophers, advocated for this habit.
01:44He wrote,
01:44When the light has been removed and my wife has fallen silent, aware of this habit that's now mine,
01:51I examine my entire day and go back over what I've done and said, hiding nothing from myself, passing nothing by.
02:00By reviewing his day, Seneca could evaluate his actions and thoughts,
02:05Seeing how well he had adhered to the Stoic principles of wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control,
02:12he also cultivated gratitude for the positive aspects of his day
02:16and practiced forgiveness for himself and others regarding the negative ones.
02:21This practice improved his character, happiness, and impact on the world.
02:27You can adopt this habit by asking yourself simple yet profound questions every night.
02:32What did I do well today?
02:34What did I do poorly today?
02:37What did I learn today?
02:39How can I improve tomorrow?
02:41These questions will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses,
02:45achievements and mistakes, lessons and opportunities.
02:49They will enhance your self-awareness and alignment with your values,
02:53making you more resilient, calm, and focused.
02:56Don't just ask these questions, write them down.
03:01Documenting your reflections will make them more concrete, memorable, and actionable.
03:07This practice will also create a record of your progress, challenges, and growth.
03:12You can use a journal, notebook, or app for this purpose.
03:17Consistency is key.
03:19By writing down your answers every night,
03:21you will form a powerful habit that can transform your life and make you more Stoic.
03:27Habit 2. Meditate on your mortality
03:30Every night before you drift into sleep,
03:34you have a rare opportunity to awaken your soul
03:36and ignite your passion by facing the ultimate reality of life,
03:41death.
03:41This habit may sound daunting, but it is actually liberating.
03:47The ancient Stoics embraced this practice knowing that death is inevitable and unpredictable.
03:52They believed we should not fear or avoid it, but face it with courage and dignity.
03:58Moreover, they saw death as a source of motivation and inspiration,
04:03reminding us that our time is limited and precious.
04:05One effective way to meditate on your mortality is by practicing Memento Mori,
04:13which means, remember that you will die.
04:16You can do this by imagining that tonight is your last night on earth
04:20and asking yourself powerful questions.
04:23How would I feel about my life if I knew I was going to die tomorrow?
04:28What would I regret not doing or saying?
04:31What would I be proud of or grateful for?
04:34These questions help put things into perspective,
04:38prioritize what matters most,
04:40and live each day as if it were your last.
04:43They encourage you to appreciate what you have,
04:46pursue what you desire,
04:48express your love, and fulfill your purpose.
04:51Don't just ask these questions.
04:52Feel them deeply.
04:54Let the emotions that arise,
04:56sadness, joy, fear, gratitude,
04:59sink into your heart, gut, and bones
05:01By experiencing these emotions every night,
05:04you will form a powerful habit that can transform your life.
05:08Meditate on your mortality and make every day count.
05:14Habit 3.
05:16Read Stoic Literature
05:18Before entering the realm of dreams,
05:21you have the chance to read Stoic literature
05:23and learn from the wisdom of the ancient Stoics
05:26who have shaped human history.
05:27This habit is not only educational,
05:30but also inspirational.
05:33It was followed by influential figures
05:35like Marcus Aurelius and Nelson Mandela,
05:37who found guidance and solace in Stoic writings.
05:42Consider reading some of the best Stoic literature ever written,
05:45such as
05:46Meditations by Marcus Aurelius,
05:49a personal diary of the Roman emperor and philosopher,
05:52reflecting on life,
05:54death,
05:55duty,
05:55and virtue.
05:57Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
05:59A collection of letters offering advice on topics like friendship,
06:04anger,
06:05happiness,
06:05and grief.
06:06You don't have to read a lot,
06:09just a few pages or paragraphs that resonate with you.
06:12You can also use Stoic quotes as affirmations or mantras.
06:17By incorporating this habit,
06:19you will enrich your mind with valuable insights,
06:22reinforce your Stoic beliefs,
06:24and inspire yourself to act according to them.
06:28Reading Stoic literature helps you learn from the experiences and examples of the ancient Stoics,
06:34who faced many challenges and hardships yet remained calm and composed.
06:39Apply their lessons and strategies to your life to overcome obstacles and difficulties.
06:45This habit will make you more resilient, calm, and focused.
06:50But don't just read these books.
06:52Live them.
06:54Embody their teachings,
06:55practice their exercises,
06:57and follow their guidelines.
06:58By living these books every night,
07:01you will create a powerful habit that will transform your life.
07:06Habit 4
07:07Detach from external things
07:09To live a Stoic life,
07:12you must detach from external things.
07:14This means not letting your joy or sorrow depend on factors beyond your control,
07:19such as wealth, fame, honor, or other people's judgments.
07:24The Stoics taught that the only thing we can master is our own mind and will.
07:31Everything else is subject to fate and fortune.
07:34They also believed that external things are not inherently good or evil,
07:38but become so based on how we view and respond to them.
07:42One technique to practice this detachment is negative visualization,
07:48which involves envisioning the worst-case scenario.
07:51Imagine losing or never having the things you value or desire,
07:55and ask yourself,
07:56How would I endure if this happened?
07:59How would I find joy without this?
08:02How would I grow from this experience?
08:05By practicing negative visualization,
08:07you can weaken your attachment and fear,
08:09increase your appreciation and satisfaction,
08:13and prepare yourself for any possible outcome.
08:17Rise above the world by not being enslaved by it.
08:20Define yourself rather than letting the world define you,
08:24and create your own happiness instead of relying on external factors.
08:29Habit 5
08:30Focus on your purpose
08:32Focusing on your purpose is not a trivial matter,
08:36but a vital and noble one.
08:38You have a destiny to fulfill,
08:40a mission to accomplish,
08:42and a legacy to leave behind.
08:44You possess a spark of divinity within you,
08:47and you must fan it into a flame that illuminates the world.
08:51The Stoics understood that we are not here by chance,
08:54but by providence.
08:56We are part of a cosmic order and have a duty to uphold it.
09:00We are active participants in life,
09:02interconnected beings,
09:03and creative contributors.
09:05To focus on your purpose,
09:08practice prososh or attention.
09:11This involves being mindful and aware of your thoughts,
09:14words, and deeds.
09:16Constantly ask yourself,
09:17what is my purpose in life?
09:19What is the most excellent way to pursue it?
09:23What is the most urgent thing to do right now?
09:25By doing this,
09:28you will sharpen your vision,
09:30align your actions,
09:31and prioritize your tasks.
09:34You will not waste time on distractions,
09:36but invest it in essentials.
09:39You will move purposefully rather than drifting aimlessly.
09:45Habit 6
09:46Practice Self-Discipline
09:48You have the power to shape your destiny,
09:51overcome any obstacle,
09:53and achieve any goal.
09:55The ancient Stoics knew and practiced this truth.
09:58They believed that the key to living a good life is self-discipline,
10:02the ability to control your impulses and emotions,
10:06and act according to reason and virtue.
10:09Self-discipline involves choosing what is right over what is easy,
10:13what is noble over what is base,
10:15and what is lasting over what is fleeting.
10:17It requires avoiding excesses and vices
10:20and cultivating moderation and virtues.
10:23Challenge yourself daily to do something difficult or uncomfortable,
10:27such as waking up early,
10:29exercising,
10:30eating healthily,
10:32or helping others.
10:34By practicing self-discipline,
10:36you will strengthen your willpower,
10:38overcome weaknesses,
10:40and improve your skills.
10:41You will face any situation with courage, wisdom, and calmness,
10:45make this your nightly habit and your way of life.
10:48It will transform you into the master of your destiny.
10:54Habit 7. Relax and sleep.
10:57Well, the final habit of a Stoic is simple yet crucial.
11:01Relax and sleep well.
11:02Relaxation and sleep are not luxuries, but necessities,
11:07not distractions, but investments,
11:09not indulgences, but rewards.
11:12The Stoics understood that these are essential for recharging,
11:16restoring balance, and renewing strength.
11:18Practice ataraxia or tranquility by breathing deeply and slowly,
11:22letting go of tension or stress,
11:25stretching your body,
11:26meditating on your purpose or values,
11:29and praying to your higher power or inner wisdom.
11:32By doing this, you will relax your mind and body,
11:35enabling you to sleep soundly.
11:38When you wake up,
11:40you will be ready to face the day with confidence,
11:42courage, and clarity.
11:45Relaxation and sleep
11:46are the final touches to your Stoic lifestyle.
11:49They are vital for your well-being and success.
11:54Don't neglect,
11:55underestimate,
11:56or sacrifice them.
11:58Relax and sleep well.
12:00You deserve it.
12:01These seven nightly habits of a Stoic
12:04will make you more resilient,
12:05calm, and focused.
12:07Practice them consistently
12:08to live a virtuous and happy life
12:10in a chaotic and uncertain world.
12:13But don't just take my word for it.
12:16Try them for yourself
12:17and observe the results.
12:19If you found this guide helpful,
12:22share it with your friends
12:23and leave a comment saying,
12:25I am resilient to show your commitment.
12:28If you are new here
12:29and wish to learn more about living like the Stoics,
