The Benefits of a Relaxing Evening Routine
I’m a big believer in the power of an evening routine. Without one, I tend to lie in bed restless, mind racing, for far too long before finally drifting off. But when I stick to a simple nighttime practice—one that helps me disconnect, quiet my mind, and relax my body—I fall asleep quickly and wake up feeling much more refreshed.
There’s plenty of science behind why these calming rituals work. A consistent evening routine can help lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and support your circadian rhythm, the internal body clock that lets your body know it’s time to wind down.
For women, this can be especially important. Monthly cycles and hormonal shifts throughout life can disrupt sleep patterns. Having a go-to routine that feels soothing and repeatable can make a real difference in how you sleep and feel the next day.
Below, I’ve shared my own evening routine, plus a few science-backed ideas you can use to create your own. Even small changes can lead to better sleep and brighter mornings.
My Evening Routine
As often as I can—usually 4 to 5 nights a week—I start my wind-down about an hour before bed. I begin with a mug of hot lemon water to hydrate and help me relax. Then I head into our garage gym, which has become my quiet, peaceful retreat. I’ve added a soft, ambient light that makes the space feel especially calming.
I roll out my mat and spend 30 to 45 minutes unwinding in whatever way feels right that day. Sometimes it’s a short yoga session using one of my favorite apps (Boho Beautiful, Peloton, or Alo Moves). Other times I journal, do breathwork (I like the Breathwrk app), or meditate. I rotate between guided and unguided meditations, using apps like Insight Timer, Waking Up, or Boho Beautiful.
By the time I slip under the covers, I’m already half-asleep.
Ways to Unwind
Here are some science-backed strategies to help you relax and support better sleep:
Exercise daily to help regulate your sleep hormones.
Keep your room cool and dark—experts recommend between 60–67°F.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, since both can interfere with sleep quality.
Dim the lights in the evening to signal to your body that it’s time to slow down.
Get morning sunlight exposure to support your circadian rhythm.
Power down tech at least 30 minutes before bed to reduce blue light and avoid stimulation.
Create a consistent bedtime ritual—whether it’s a warm bath, reading, journaling, listening to calming music, or writing a short gratitude list.
Pick one or two of these to start. Over time, these small steps add up, helping you sleep better and feel more grounded—night and day. And, if you’re looking to start a morning routine (highly recommended!), click here to get started.
