Do you find yourself feeling flustered when you wake up?
Trying to do too much in the morning can lead to a stressful day. If you make it a regular habit, you could experience mental and physical consequences.
Evening routines can help you avoid rushing around before work. Unwind and transition into a state of rest and relaxation by following the same steps each night. You’ll prepare yourself for sound sleep and enhanced well-being.
If you’re not sure what an evening routine is, or how to set one up, keep reading to learn more.
What Is an Evening Routine?
What is an evening routine, exactly? It’s what you do from the time you finish your workday until you go to bed. It can include dinner, relaxation, evening hair care, and more.
Evening routines can be harder to stick to than morning routines. It’s common to feel exhausted after a long day at the office. You might be tempted to turn the television on and zone out as soon as you get home.
But using your evening hours wisely can help you feel more organized, pampered, and rested when your alarm clock sounds.
Here are some evening routine ideas to help you wind down and make the most of your nighttime freedom.
End Your Workday
Before you can begin your healthy evening routine, it’s important to end your workday. Create healthy boundaries so you’re not tempted to answer work-related calls or emails after a certain time.
After work, give yourself permission to focus on the other aspects of your life that need attention. Your family, body, and home deserve the same respect and care as your job. Finding balance is essential to your overall wellness.
Slow Down & Eat Well
Be mindful about your last meal of the day. It’s not unusual to rush through breakfast and lunch, but most of us have a bit more time for dinner. Use it to cook and enjoy a healthy plate of food.
Eating poorly or too much right before bed will interfere with your sleep quality. You could also end up with an upset stomach the next day.
Of course, everyone needs a break. Ordering takeout or dining in a restaurant once or twice a week can be a healthy, enjoyable part of your evening routine.
Think Before You Drink
In the evening, your drink choices are just as important as your food choices. For optimal rest, avoid caffeinated beverages after lunch. If you crave warm beverages later in the day, stick to herbal tea.
You should also drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated supports your brain, mood, and essential body functions. Water will also plump up your skin, helping you appear young and vibrant.
Limit your alcohol intake at night. Heading to work with a hangover will not earn you the raise you want. It’s fine to grab a beer with friends or sip a glass of wine while you cook, but don’t go overboard.
Switch to water after one alcoholic beverage, or reach for a mocktail. Kombucha comes in a variety of flavors and can be a delightful substitute for liquor-based drinks.
Prepare for Tomorrow
Spend a few minutes cleaning up the kitchen, loading the dishwasher, and putting away any stray items you see. This requires minimal effort, and waking up to an organized space will help you think clearly all day.
If you go to the gym, pack your bag the night before. Think about what you’ll wear to work tomorrow, and prep your snacks and lunch. Taking care of these tasks in the morning is twice as hard.
It can also be helpful to glance at your schedule during your evening routine. Make a mental note of any meetings or priority to-do list items that are coming up.
Relax & Unwind
When dinner is over and your chores are finished, it’s finally time to relax. Your before-bed routine could include watching a television show, checking your social media accounts, or reading a book.
Consider writing in a gratitude journal for a few minutes. Studies have shown that acknowledging what you’re thankful for in writing can boost your happiness and heart health.
Be aware of your screen time. Excessive screen gazing can hinder your ability to sleep well. The National Sleep Foundation recommends shutting down your technology at least 30 minutes before bed.
Practice Self-Care
Your evening routine should also include self-care practices. Take a warm shower at night or an essential oil-infused bath to let go of any remaining pressure from the day. Afterward, use your favorite scented lotion or body oil.
Twist on a hair towel wrap before you begin your evening skincare steps. Wash your face, then apply toner, serum, and lotion. Moisturize your lips to keep them soft.
A few minutes of yoga can help you transition into sleep. Search online for recommended resting poses, or simply place your legs up the wall while you lay on your back. This position, called the waterfall pose, relaxes the nervous system and relieves stress and tension.
Sleep Soundly
Put your pajamas on and climb into bed for the final step of your evening routine: sleep! Taking a few deep breaths might help you doze off. Count to five as you inhale, then again as you exhale.
If you struggle to fall asleep, consider buying a white noise machine. They produce gentle, calming sounds that can lull you to sleep while blocking out less pleasant background noises.
Evening Routines Lead to Healthier, Happier Days
Now that you know about the best evening routines to wind down, it’s time to try them for yourself. Adapt these suggestions to suit your schedule and your individual needs.
Before you know it, you’ll wake up feeling well-rested and ready to take on the world. It’s amazing what an evening routine can do to improve your productivity and reduce anxiety.
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