Evenings can be tricky, can’t they? You’ve made it through the day, your brain’s still buzzing, there might be washing up to do, messages to answer.
And then before you know it, it’s midnight and you’re still scrolling on your phone – and you keep doing it even though you know how bad you’ll feel the next day.
So how do you actually wind down properly? And we don’t mean just fall asleep from exhaustion (which is probably what you do right now more often than not); but how can you get to the end of the day and feel calm, rested, and ready for tomorrow?
The good news is that it doesn’t take much; just a few small changes can make a big difference. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Start By Switching Gears
The biggest problem with winding down is that we often don’t give ourselves a clear end to the day, especially if we work from home (but even if we don’t, it can be hard).
The fact is that work blurs into dinner which blurs into chores, and there’s no real break, and it’s even worse if you’re trying to add some hobbies to the mix as well.
So the first step is to mark the shift by doing something that properly signals it’s time to start winding down.
That could be dimming the lights, changing into comfy clothes, or making a cup of tea, and so on, and it’s going to depend on what works for you.
And although it might sound small, these little signals tell your body it’s time to relax, and once you’ve got that habit in place, everything else becomes easier.
Try a ‘Mini Ritual’
Once you mark the shift from day to evening, introducing a tiny evening ritual can work wonders.
Think of it like a signal flare to your brain – “Hey, the day’s done, now it’s your time.”
This doesn’t need to be elaborate. You might light a candle, do a 5-minute journal brain dump, or take a slow skincare moment just for yourself.
These little acts of presence can ground you and mentally close the tab on the chaos of the day.
Do Something That Feels Good
Something that’s important to remember is that your evening doesn’t need to be productive – you don’t have to achieve anything at all if that’s not what you need.
All your evening needs is to be something you enjoy and that makes you happen, so you could try stretching, listening to music, learning something new with a hot drink, or whatever else makes sense.
If it helps you let go of the day, it counts, and you’ll really feel the difference.
Some people also like to use natural wellness products in the evenings, and a good example is CBDistillery and their range of CBD products that some people find helpful for relaxing and easing into rest.
As always, if you’re curious, do your research, follow local laws, and speak to a professional if you’re unsure, but it really could be the thing that helps you properly wind down.
Embrace Low-Stimulation Activities
We often underestimate the power of “boring” activities – like folding laundry slowly while listening to rain sounds or organizing your bedside drawer.
These aren’t just chores; they’re quiet anchors that help your nervous system settle.
If you’re anxious or overstimulated by the day’s events, opt for something tactile and grounding.
Touch-based activities (like crafting, skincare, or even kneading dough) help bring your mind into the body – a proven way to feel calmer.
Step Away From Screens
Did you know that phones, laptops, and TVs keep your brain running long after you’ve shut them off?
So if you do like to use screens in the evening, it might be that they’re actually the cause of your bad sleep or the reason you can’t properly relax, which is why stepping away for a bit makes sense.
Of course, you don’t have to go screen-free for hours, but why not just try to give yourself 30 minutes without blue light before bed?
You could read a book, do a puzzle, have a chat, or just potter around and tidy up if that’s what you want to do.
If you need background noise, which can be one of the reasons people use their screens so much, it’s best to go for something calm like a podcast or gentle music. Because you’re aiming to slow everything down, not ramp it up right before you try to sleep.
Finally, before you drift off, try setting an intention for the next day. Not a to-do list, but just a word or feeling you want to carry – “peace,” “clarity,” “joy.”
Whispering that to yourself or jotting it down quietly can make sleep feel more like a reset and less like an abrupt shutdown.