Everyone has a morning routine. Some people meditate, some people do yoga, some people just make a fried egg and check the headlines. But these moments are important. They set the tone for the day and shift your mindset into work mode. However, evening routines are just as important. Rest, relaxation, and sleep are all critical for our mental and physical health. So what does Bill Gates, one of the most well-known business leaders in the world, do during his evening hours? First, he washes the dishes. He says this provides a meditative calm counterpoint to the day’s chaos. Second, he reads. There are myriad benefits to reading. It expands critical knowledge bases, helps people develop better communication skills, and can even increase empathy. Reading reduces blood pressure and helps manage stress. Why are these two activities so crucial for Gates, though? He understands that it’s important to draw boundaries between his professional and personal life. If evenings are spent planning for the next day’s work, it’s difficult to disconnect, and rest never really occurs. By prioritizing rest, he can approach the next day’s challenges with calmness and clarity.