I’ve been struggling to maintain a cozy evening routine for myself lately. I find myself feeling rushed, sleep-avoidant, or just completely overstimulated by the end of the day.
For a long time, I’ve really focused on my productive mornings and doing things the night before to support my morning goals, but I’ve started to realize that it’s really important for me to focus on having a cozy, peaceful evening as well. Not only does it prepare me for the next day, but it also helps me feel more intentional about closing out the day.
That’s why I’ve set out to create a new gentle evening routine for myself. It’s not just about being productive; it’s a routine that helps me slow down, reconnect with myself, and enjoy the evening hours.
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Why an Evening Routine Matters to Me
My goal in creating a new evening routine is to give me something to look forward to after a long day. I can sometimes be sleep-avoidant, hoping that staying awake longer will make me feel like I’ve made the most of the day, but I think creating a more intentional nighttime routine could help combat some of that. Creating these small, intentional rituals will hopefully signal to my brain that it’s time to rest.
That being said, I don’t want to completely overhaul everything I’m already doing; I don’t feel like that’s sustainable for me. Instead, I just want to be more present and intentional with the things that I’m already doing.
My (New & Improved!) Cozy Evening Routine
Step 1: Put My Phone Away
I think it’s really important to have some screen-free time before bed. It really helps me wind down from the day and improves the quality of sleep I actually get.
Step 2: Do My Nightly Skincare Routine
I am a little obsessed with skincare, and I follow a multi-step nighttime routine. Not only is it beneficial for my skin, but it also helps signal to my brain that it’s time to start winding down for the night.
Step 3: Tidy My Vanity Area
I like to tidy my vanity area where I get ready in the morning. I have a bad habit of leaving it a chaotic mess throughout the day, but I hate starting the day by searching for things because I didn’t put them back where they belong.
Step 4: Make a Warm Drink & Fill My Water Bottle
I always fill my water bottle before bed, and I try to drink some herbal tea (usually something with chamomile) as well. The warm tea gives me such a cozy vibe, especially when I use my favorite glass teapot or a cute mug.
Step 5: Light a Candle & Dim the Lights
Overhead lighting is always a “no” in my house, but I also like to dim the lamps and light some candles before bed. I also have a sunset lamp that I like to use when I want an extra-warm, cozy vibe.
Step 6: Create Something
I like to try to do something creative before bed. Usually, I reach for my Commonplace Book and add an entry. If you want to learn more about this type of journaling, check out some of my other posts or my Commonplace Book Kit!
If I’m not in the mood to journal, I might do a quick page in my watercolor workbook or color with my favorite markers. I like anything that doesn’t take a ton of focus and is relaxing.
Step 7: Prepare for Tomorrow
Before I actually head to bed, I will do any last-minute tasks for the upcoming day: check my calendar, meal prep, lay out my clothes, etc. I like to do anything that makes my morning a little easier.
Step 8: Read or Journal Before Bed
Ideally, I will read AND journal before bed, but sometimes I’m just too tired.
If I decide to journal, I will do a quick reflection on the day in my daily journal. I may reflect on things that I’m grateful for, start thinking about my plan for the next day, or just document something funny that happened that day. If you’re interested in different journal prompts that I use, check out this post.
If I decide to read instead, I will try to read for at least 30 minutes, which is a reading goal that I’ve set for myself. I like reading a physical book instead of scrolling on my phone because it allows me to deeply focus on something, which inevitably helps calm my mind and encourages me to sleep.
My Favorite Cozy Evening Essentials
Here are a few of my favorite things for curating a cozy evening:
- Glass teapot
- Cozy blanket (I’ve had one like this forever!)
- Sunset lamp
- Face mask
- Book pillow
Tips for Creating Your Own Evening Routine
It’s important for you to personalize your routine to fit your wants and needs. My routine may not work for you, and that’s okay!
Here are some tips for getting started with your own routine:
- Start with one or two new rituals.
- Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy.
- Let your routine change with the seasons.
- Focus on consistency over complexity.
Final Thoughts
By implementing some new elements in my evening routine, I’m hoping to be a little more intentional with my time and enjoy my evenings a bit more.
So whether your evening includes a good book, a warm cup of tea, or some meaningful journaling, I hope you can find your own small ways to treat the ordinary moments in your life with a little more intention and make the ending of each day just a little bit softer.
