Evening Routine

" We first make our habits, and then our habits make us" - John Dryden 

HI friend!

My evening routine is one of my favorite parts the day. Its my time to unwind, review the day, and practice self-care, etc. My evening routine helps regulate my circadian rhythm and lets my body know it’s time to sleep and rejuvenate. This allows my body to heal while I sleep.

Crafting the perfect night time routine isn’t just about brushing my teeth and hopping into bed, it’s about doing activities designed to help my body and mind wind down after a busy day.

Wind down from your busy day using these soothing night time routine ideas that will set the stage for restful sleep and rejuvenation. Here are cozy and calming ideas to transform your evenings:

1. Plan Your Day Ahead

Alright, the first of the night time routine ideas is to plan your upcoming day the night before. This is a fairly simple act once you get used to it. If you have a planner or journal grab that with your favorite pen and write down anything you need or want to do the following day. This could include work time, any home tasks like cleaning or cooking, or even any socializing you had planned.

By taking a few minutes and organizing the day ahead it can alleviate anxiety and any uncertainty you may have in your mind about upcoming tasks. This helps to clear your mind and allows you to start creating a more calming atmosphere. Which in turn allows your mind and body to get prepared for sleep.

2. Quick Tidy-Up of House

Before jumping into bed take a few minutes to do a quick cleanup around your home and bedroom. Clean off the kitchen counters and table, load and run the dishwasher, fold blankets, and arrange pillows on the couch. Also, put any clothes away that might be thrown around in your bedroom, this can really help make it feel less cluttered.

Having a clutter-free environment can reduce stress and create a more peaceful environment in your room. And if you can create more peace, you will feel more comfortable and ready for bed.

3. Take a Sunset Stroll

Getting outside for either a sunset walk or simply watching the sunset is a great activity to add to your evening routine. A short walk after dinner specifically can help your digestion and reduce any potential for bloating or other digestive issues.

Being outside and getting fresh air also helps soothe us mentally and activates our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and relax). The colors of the evening sun—reds, oranges, and yellows—result from low solar angle sunlight. This type of light signals our bodies to start producing melatonin, preparing us for sleep.

Finally, by watching the sunset we are helping to regular our circadian rhythm.

4. Gentle Evening Stretching

Gently moving your body is another great nighttime routine idea that can release tension in your body and promote relaxation. By engaging in calming movement, we connect with our bodies and this allows us to tune into our deeper needs.

This mindful approach helps shift your focus away from the stressors of the day bringing your attention to your breath and your physical body. Focusing on your breathing and slow movements calms your mind and increases mindfulness. Preparing your body for sleep and creating a more tranquil mental state.

5. Practice Nighttime Meditation

Creating the perfect evening routine with these nighttime routine ideas is meant to quiet our minds and calm our bodies. By practicing some meditation in the evening you can center your thoughts and release mental and physical tension. Even doing 5-10 minutes of meditation where you focus on breathing, physical sensation and simply being open can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

6. Use Calming Essential Oils

Using calming essential oils in your nighttime routine can create a serene environment.

Diffusing oils like lavender and sandalwood in a diffuser can help calm your nervous system and ease feelings of stress. And when we’re less stressed, we automatically relax and fall into a state of peace.

7. Curl Up With a Good Book

Reading a book before bed can be a transformative addition to your evening ritual. It offers a peaceful transition from the busy hustle of your day to a calming, relaxing state before sleep.

Unlike watching TV which exposes your eyes to disruptive blue light and interferes with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, reading provides a similar escape without the interruption on your body.

So tonight, instead of turning on Netflix try picking up that book on your bedside table (because I know there’s one there) and read the first page. Let reading be a part of your relaxing evening routine.

8. Practice Reflective or GRADITUDE Journaling

Journal, spend a few minutes writing about what you’re GRATEFUL for and focusing on feelings or abundance.

Also reflecting on your day through journaling can help you process any lingering thoughts and release any associated tension. This practice not only clears your mind but also fosters a more positive mindset.

So, instead of lying awake replaying confusing social interactions from earlier, you can transition smoothly into a peaceful state and fall asleep more easily.

Grab your favorite journal to kickstart your nighttime routine.

9. Sip on Some Herbal Tea

Another great nighttime routine ideas to add to your evening ritual is to sip on some herbal tea.

And yes, only herbal. 

We don’t want to be drinking any caffeinated drinks close to bedtime, and some teas like black, oolong, matcha, and green contain caffeine. So that’s why I’m specifying herbal teas since they do not contain caffeine and won’t stimulate your nervous system while we’re trying to get you to relax.

Chamomile tea is a common herbal tea that can help calm serves, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation for better sleep. Lavender tea is another herbal tea with similar properties that promote relaxation and calming of your nervous system.

A nice warm cup of calming tea before bed can prepare your body and mind for a restful sleep and a productive morning ahead.

10. Use Candlelight or Dim Lights in the Evening

In the evening our bodies are trying to slow down and relax into a peaceful state to prepare for rest. We can help do this by reducing the use of artificial lights.

Similar to when you look at blue light emitting devices in the evening, artificial lights in your home can suppress melatonin production. This tells your brain it’s not time for bed yet and won’t allow you to fall into a relaxing state that we require to get good sleep.

So instead of using your bright artificial lights in the evening, only have on smaller lamps with yellow light or even using candlelight when possible.

This type of soft warm lighting allows the production of melatonin and gets your body and mind ready to sleep.

And, not only will candlelight help you fall asleep faster, but it’s also just soooo beautiful and calming. I mean who doesn’t love the warm glow of candlelight? Pure magic.

11. Unplug from Electronics 30 Minutes Before Bed

The last one of the nighttime routine ideas is to turn off your electronics 30 minutes before bedtime. I think most of us know scrolling on our phones before bed isn’t good for our mental health.

Well, it’s also not great for our body health. Meaning that the artificial blue light keeps our system stimulated and signals our bodies to produce cortisol to stay awake. Which is the opposite of what we want.

Same with TV, iPad, and computer screens, unfortunately. Other activities you can do before bed that don’t involve electronics include: Reading, journaling, yoga, and tidying up your home, etc.

Getting away from electronics allows your mind and body to still, relax, and unwind. Plus, you’ll probably start to notice how much better you feel mentally when you limit social media before bed.

It’s really a win-win here.

12. Take care of your skin

Your skin care should be a MUST for every nighttime self-care routine. Treat yourself with love and good skincare products that take off the day’s dirt and stress.

Take off your makeup and use a skin-friendly cleanser or face wash followed by your favorite moisturizer and eye cream if you want.

Don’t forget your lips, hands, or feet as these are the most neglected parts we often miss to take care of. Nighttime skincare massages improve blood circulation making you feel fresh and relaxed.

A nicely pampered skincare ritual will take you to a blissful state inducing a night of good sleep.

13. Brush Your Teeth

So people argue that brushing your teeth in the morning is enough, but is enough good enough? The point is, you need to brush your teeth twice a day. It’s what dentists recommend and you can’t wade your way out of it.

So, if you want to maintain good oral hygiene, brush your teeth before bedtime.

Also, after this routine task, you won’t be tempted to snack after dinner, which is all the more reason to add it to your nightly routine.

You can practice any routine or ritual to make your nighttime productive and peaceful. The ultimate aim is to make yourself feel relaxed and destressed from the whole day of rush and anxiety.

Your Bedtime is the perfect moment to unwind your tensed nerves and relax your turbulent emotions in the bliss of good productive habits. You can choose however you want to make the best of your nighttime routine to have a sound sleep.

Give it a shot tonight. Start with just one idea, and add a second one tomorrow, and so on.

Which one are you going to try tonight?

XO Jenna