In the last couple of years, I found out how important a good night of sleep is and then how much influence your evening routine has on your sleep quality. I was struggling with insomnia and barely slept. Then I stopped watching Netflix before bed and I started reading and suddenly I was feeling pretty good. I woke up feeling energetic again. In this blog post I am talking about why a relaxing evening is so important and then I give you a couple of ideas you can do during your evening routine
Why a Relaxing Evening Routine Helps
A consistent evening routine helps your body and mind transition from the busy energy of the day to a calmer state at night. When your nervous system knows what to expect, sleep comes more naturally, and racing thoughts quiet down. Over time, these nighttime habits can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and create a gentle, grounded end to your day.
Nighttime Habits for a Relaxing Evening Routine
Change Into Comfy Clothes
The moment you slip into soft, cozy clothes, your body recognizes that the day is over. Comfy clothes are an instant cue for relaxation and comfort. If you do this for a while, your brain will notice it and then knows it is time to relax and to go to bed.
Stretch and Release Tension
Gentle stretching helps release tight muscles and improve circulation. Focus on slow, mindful movements and deep breathing, no pressure, just release.
Enjoy a Light Snack or Warm Drink
If you’re slightly hungry, a small snack or a warm cup of tea can help you feel nourished and cozy without overstimulating your body before bed. Make sure that you drink tea without cafeïne. Cafeïne will keep you awake and that is exactly what you want to avoid.
Read to Quiet Your Mind
Reading helps shift attention away from work, social media, or lingering thoughts. Pick a book that’s calming or comforting, fiction, self-care, or even poetry works perfectly. For me, my thoughts stop annoying me as soon I start reading. And this way, I can easily read 100 books a year.
Meditate or Sit in Stillness
A few minutes of meditation or simply sitting in silence can calm your nervous system. Focus on your breath, the sensations in your body, or the quiet around you. And every time you notice a thought, don’t worry. It is normal when you start to get random thoughts during meditation. As soon as you notice the thought, you let it go and bring your attention back to your breathing.
Journal to Process the Day
Journaling allows you to release thoughts, emotions, and any lingering mental clutter. Don’t worry about perfect writing, just let your mind unload before sleep. There is no perfect way to journal. You can write about what is bothering, or you can even start writing what went well that day. The point of journaling is to let your thoughts go, so you will feel lighter.
Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard on Unsplash