Simple Evening Routines to Help You Wind Down After a Busy Day

7 May 2025

Let’s be real – by the time evening rolls around, you’re probably tapped out. Work, kids, chores... the usual daily grind can leave anyone feeling like an overcharged phone that's about to burst into flames. But here’s the kicker: how you spend your evening can either send you into a peaceful slumber or leave you tossing and turning like a fish out of water.

Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with some simple (and quirky) evening routines to help you press pause, take a big ol’ breath, and actually unwind. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Why Evening Routines Matter

First things first – why even bother with an evening routine? Well, think of your brain as a computer. If you don’t shut it down properly, it keeps running in the background, sucking up energy. You wake up groggy, cranky, and ready to bite someone’s head off. Yikes.

A good evening routine is like pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete – it tells your brain, "Hey, buddy, it’s time to slow down." Plus, it helps you set the stage for a productive tomorrow. (Win-win, right?)

1. Ditch the Screens – Yes, That Means Your Phone

Ah, the old doomscrolling trap. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Lying in bed, scrolling through social media, only to realize an hour has passed, and you’re now fully invested in a stranger's wedding drama.

Blue light from screens messes with your melatonin levels – aka the hormone that makes you sleepy. So, set a “tech curfew.” About an hour before bed, put your phone on airplane mode or, better yet, leave it in another room like it’s an annoying ex. Instead, grab a book or listen to some calming music. Your brain will thank you.

2. Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting is a big deal. Imagine walking into a spa – would it feel the same with harsh, fluorescent lights? Nope. Your home deserves the same chill vibe.

Swap out those bright overhead lights for soft, warm lighting. Fairy lights, table lamps, or even candles can make your space feel cozier than your favorite hoodie. Bonus points if you use scents like lavender or chamomile to crank up the relaxation factor.

3. Create a “Brain Dump” Journal

Ever climbed into bed and BOOM – your brain starts replaying that awkward thing you said at work six years ago? Or maybe it’s a running list of tomorrow’s to-dos. Either way, it’s obnoxious.

Here’s the fix: keep a notebook by your bed and do a “brain dump” before lights out. Write down everything on your mind – groceries, project deadlines, random “what if” scenarios… let it all out. It’s like dragging the trash bin to the curb – clear mind, clean slate.

4. Take a Warm Shower or Bath

There’s something magical about warm water. Not only does it help relax your muscles (looking at you, tense shoulders), but it also signals to your body that it’s time to wind down. Think of it as hitting the "off" switch for your stress.

Add some Epsom salts to your bath or use a shower steamer for an instant spa vibe. If you're short on time, even a quick five-minute rinse can do wonders. Trust me, your future self will be grateful.

5. Stretch It Out (No Fancy Yoga Poses Required)

You don’t have to be a yogi to enjoy the benefits of a little pre-bed stretch. Even simple moves like touching your toes, rolling your neck, or doing a few cat-cow stretches can do the trick.

It’s like giving your body a gentle nudge, saying, “Hey, let’s relax now.” Bonus: stretching also helps prevent those weird morning aches – because no one likes waking up feeling like a pretzel.

6. Sip on Something Soothing

Coffee addicts, I hate to break it to you, but caffeine after 3 PM is a no-go. (Yeah, I know. Boo.) Instead, swap your nightly latte for a comforting cup of herbal tea. Chamomile, peppermint, or even warm milk can work wonders.

Think of it as a warm hug in a mug – cozy, calming, and the perfect way to end your day. Pro tip: avoid adding sugar, which can spike your energy instead of mellowing you out.

7. Set Up Your Space for Sleep

If your bedroom looks like a tornado ran through it, you’re doing it wrong. A clutter-free space = a clutter-free mind.

Take five minutes to tidy up. Fluff your pillows, pull up your blankets, and make your bed inviting. Consider investing in blackout curtains if light tends to sneak in or a white noise machine if your neighbors think 10 PM is concert time.

Oh, and don’t forget your mattress! If it’s older than your dog and feels like a brick, it might be time to upgrade.

8. Practice Gratitude

Okay, I know this sounds a little cheesy, but stick with me. Before you drift off, take a moment to think about three things you're grateful for. They don’t have to be big – maybe your kid finally ate a vegetable, or you found a parking spot on the first try.

It’s like ending your day on a high note, no matter how chaotic it was. Plus, studies show that gratitude boosts happiness, and who doesn’t want more of that?

9. Tidy Tomorrow's Chaos Tonight

Mornings can feel like running a marathon with no warm-up, right? Prepping the night before can save you from the morning madness.

Lay out your clothes, pack lunches, and make a quick to-do list for the next day. It’s like pressing the “easy button” for tomorrow. Bonus: it gives you extra time to hit snooze.

10. Breathe – Seriously, Just Breathe

When was the last time you actually paid attention to your breathing? If your answer is “uhhh… never?” you’re not alone.

Try this: Sit or lie down somewhere comfy. Close your eyes. Inhale deeply through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, then exhale through your mouth for eight counts. Repeat a few times.

It’s like giving your brain a mini-vacation. Plus, deep breathing lowers your heart rate and calms anxiety faster than you can say, “Where’s my wine?”

What If You Don’t Have Time?

Look, life gets crazy – I get it. You’re not going to nail a Pinterest-worthy routine every night, but that’s okay. Even sneaking in just one or two of these habits can make a big difference.

The trick is to keep it simple and consistent. Don’t overthink it. You deserve to wind down – you’ve earned it.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day (literally), your evening routine doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to work for YOU. Whether you’re sipping tea, journaling, or stretching in your PJs, the goal is to hit the brakes and let your mind and body relax.

So, go ahead – light that candle, turn off your phone, and give yourself permission to unwind. Sweet dreams!