

7 Simple Steps to Create Your Relaxing Evening Routine
After a busy day, wouldn’t it be nice to actually feel relaxed when you hit the pillow? To not spend hours tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling, or worrying about tomorrow? Between work, family, social events, and all the things you have to juggle, it’s no wonder that winding down can be tough.
But here’s the thing: you can learn to unwind better, and it’s all about creating a relaxing evening routine. The great news? It doesn’t have to be a complicated, rigid set of rules. It’s about making small, intentional changes that help you ease into the night, lower your stress, and get better sleep.
In this post, I’m going to share 7 simple, easy-to-follow steps that can help you build a relaxing evening routine. Think of them as little rituals to help you close out the day and set the stage for a restful night. No gimmicks—just practical tips that will leave you feeling more relaxed and refreshed.
Why a Relaxing Evening Routine Actually Matters
Before I dive into the steps, let’s chat about why having an evening routine is so important. You might be thinking, “I’m already busy enough, do I really need to add one more thing to my plate?” And I get it—life’s hectic. But here’s the thing: a good evening routine can actually make your life easier.
It’s not about trying to be perfect—it’s about giving yourself a chance to hit pause, slow down, and transition from the hustle of the day to a more peaceful, restful state. And the benefits are pretty awesome:
- Better Sleep
If your mind is still racing when you try to fall asleep, your body will struggle to relax. A soothing evening routine sends a signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. The result? You fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. - Less Stress
Let’s be real: stress builds up during the day, and if you don’t make time to release it, it just carries over into the evening. A nightly routine helps you decompress, so you can let go of the tension and leave it behind when you go to bed. - Physical Restoration
Sleep is when your body does most of its repair work. When you make sleep a priority, you’re allowing your body to heal, recharge, and restore its energy levels. This is especially true when you practice relaxation techniques before bed. - Mental Clarity
We’ve all been there—lying in bed, unable to stop thinking about everything. A calming evening routine helps clear your mind, so you’re not carrying the mental clutter into your dreams. This means you wake up feeling more focused and clear-headed. - Emotional Balance
The way you end your day affects your emotional state the next morning. A peaceful evening routine helps you let go of any lingering frustrations, leaving you with a sense of calm and emotional balance for the next day.
7 Simple Steps to Create Your Relaxing Evening Routine
So, now that we know why an evening routine is worth it, let’s talk about how to create one. These 7 simple steps will help you wind down in a way that works for you. Don’t feel like you need to do everything at once—start small, and see what fits your lifestyle.
1. Set a Consistent Bedtime (Yes, Even on Weekends)
It might sound simple, but a consistent bedtime is one of the best things you can do for your sleep. When you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (yep, even on weekends), it helps regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythm. This makes falling asleep easier, and you’ll wake up feeling more rested.
Now, I get it—life happens, and some nights you might stay up later than usual. But if you can aim for roughly the same time every night, your body will get the message that it’s time to rest. For example, if you need to wake up at 6:00 AM, aim to get into bed by 10:00 or 10:30 PM. After a few weeks, you’ll notice your body starts to naturally feel sleepy at that time.
2. Unplug from Technology
I know, I know—it’s tempting to scroll through your phone or watch one more episode of that show before bed. But here’s the thing: the blue light from screens messes with your melatonin levels, the hormone that helps you fall asleep. That means staring at your phone or watching TV right before bed actually hurts your chances of falling asleep quickly.
So, here’s the deal: try to put away all your screens at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. Instead of your phone, grab a book, listen to some calming music, or just chat with your partner or family. This not only helps you relax, but it also gives your mind a break from the constant digital stimulation.
3. Engage in Relaxing Activities
Now that you’ve unplugged, what’s next? Time to do something that helps your body and mind relax. This could be anything that feels calming to you—there’s no right or wrong way to do this. Here are a few options:
- Read a Book: Pick something light or inspiring. Avoid anything too intense or stressful (like a thriller or work emails!). Even just 15-20 minutes of reading can help take your mind off the day and shift your focus.
- Journal: Writing is a great way to unload any lingering thoughts. You could jot down what happened that day, reflect on something that went well, or simply list things you’re grateful for. Gratitude journaling, in particular, has been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Gentle Yoga or Stretching: After a long day, your muscles might be tight. Doing a few gentle stretches or some restorative yoga poses can help relax your body. Focus on slow, deep breathing to release any tension in your body.
- Meditation or Deep Breathing: If your mind is racing, meditation or breathing exercises can be incredibly helpful. Try a simple technique like 4-7-8 breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. It helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms you down and prepares you for sleep.
4. Take a Warm Bath or Shower
There’s nothing like a warm bath to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. The heat helps relax your muscles, and the ritual itself is soothing for your mind. Plus, if you add some calming essential oils (like lavender or chamomile), you’ll feel even more relaxed.
If a bath isn’t in the cards for you, a warm shower works just as well. Focus on your breathing as you shower, and let the warm water help you release any stress that’s accumulated in your muscles.
5. Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary—a place that promotes calmness and relaxation. Here’s how to set the mood for sleep:
- Dim the Lights: Start dimming your lights about an hour before bed. Bright lights can signal to your brain that it’s still daytime, so using soft lighting helps you ease into nighttime mode.
- Set the Right Temperature: Experts recommend a sleep environment that’s cool and comfortable—somewhere between 60-67°F (15-20°C) is ideal. Adjust your thermostat to find a temperature that works for you.
- Declutter Your Space: A tidy room can help create a calming environment. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but clearing away any clutter or distractions will make your space feel more peaceful.
- Use Aromatherapy: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are known for their calming effects. Try using a diffuser, or spritz your pillow with a calming sleep spray.
6. Avoid Heavy Meals and Caffeine
What you eat (and drink) before bed matters. Eating a large meal or spicy foods right before bed can cause indigestion, making it harder to relax. Likewise, caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Instead of a heavy meal, try a light snack like a handful of almonds or a banana. These foods contain sleep-friendly nutrients that can help you unwind without causing discomfort.
7. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness
Before you hit the pillow, take a moment to reflect on your day. What went well? What are you grateful for? Focusing on positive thoughts has been shown to help with relaxation and stress relief.
Even just a few minutes of mindful reflection can help you close out the day with a sense of peace and calm. This sets a positive tone for tomorrow and can help you feel more grounded and emotionally balanced.
The Benefits of a Relaxing Evening Routine
By following these 7 steps, you’ll soon notice the difference. You’ll fall asleep faster, wake up feeling more refreshed, and notice a significant decrease in stress levels. Plus, you’ll be taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, which can have a big impact on your overall health.
Conclusion
Creating a relaxing evening routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about finding what works for you and making time to wind down properly. With a few simple steps—unplugging from technology, doing something calming, and creating the right environment—you can set yourself up for a better night’s sleep and a more peaceful tomorrow.
So, why not start tonight? You deserve to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Sweet dreams!