How to Create a Relaxing Evening Routine
Have you ever found yourself at the end of a long, busy day, feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Maybe your mind is racing, bouncing from one unfinished task to another, leaving you feeling guilty for not ticking everything off your to-do list. You’re not alone in this hustle and bustle of life. But what if I told you there’s a way to unwind, to gently transition from your hectic day to a calm and peaceful evening? A relaxing evening routine can be your sanctuary—a time carved out just for you, where you can recharge and find a bit of peace. Let’s explore some simple and budget-friendly strategies that can help you create this serene space.
Savor a Cup of Tea
Why Tea?
Tea has been a comforting companion for centuries, offering a moment to pause and breathe. It’s not just about the soothing warmth; it’s about the ritual. Choosing a tea, boiling the water, waiting for it to steep—each step invites you to slow down and be present. Did you know that certain types of herbal tea, like chamomile or lavender, are known for their calming properties? They can help ease your mind and help you have better sleep quality.
How to Make It a Routine
Set aside a specific time each evening for your tea ritual. Perhaps after dinner, when the dishes are done and the house is quieting down. Choose a special mug, one that feels good in your hands, and let it be your signal to unwind. Don’t rush through it; let yourself savor each sip. Let the warmth and the aroma of the tea relax you. I received this warmer as a gift and it’s great! You may find yourself looking forward to this part of your day.
my evening tea routine
I have tea in the morning, afternoon, and evening. But I consider my evening tea time a time for serious relaxation. In the morning, I might be drinking my tea while I’m getting ready for the daycare kids to arrive. In the afternoon, I might be having tea and working on paperwork while the children are napping. But in the evening, I just have tea and relax. My favorite tea for the evening is Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice. I usually read or watch a show with Grampy, and I’m always accompanied by Tater Kitty, my loyal teatime companion. It’s a wonderful way to slow down from the busyness of life and find a bit of tranquility.
Create a Simple Routine
The Importance of Routine
There’s a certain magic in having a consistent evening routine. It’s like telling your body and mind, “It’s time to relax now.” Routines provide structure and predictability, which can be incredibly comforting, especially in our ever-changing world. You likely have a routine in the morning, whether it’s getting ready for work, getting the kids ready and out the door to school, or getting started on your homemaking tasks. And you probably have one for the evening: homework with children, household tasks if you work outside the home, making dinner and cleaning up. So it makes sense to have a relaxing evening routine that focuses on winding down for the day.
Tips for Building Your Routine
Start small. You don’t need an hour-long ritual. Begin with just 15-20 minutes. Choose a calming activity that genuinely brings you joy and relaxation—reading a good book, practicing gentle yoga, a simple jigsaw puzzle or even journaling your thoughts. Have a cutoff time for social media and electronic devices. A consistent bedtime routine is key for having restful sleep.
My Evening Routine
My evenings seem to go by all too quickly. Once the daycare children leave, I start dinner. While dinner cooks, I tidy up and vacuum the play area. Right after dinner I finish any work or household chores while Grampy cleans up the kitchen. Then I start my relaxing evening routine. I start a mug of tea steeping, take a quick shower, and then settle in with my tea. I’m not a big journaler these days, but I do jot some things in my planner. I find working on my blog very relaxing, but I try not to be on the computer too late. I read, listen to some quiet music, and just soak in the peacefulness of the evening until bedtime. It helps me be ready for another busy day.
Embrace Imperfection and Let Go of Guilt
Why We Feel Guilty
Isn’t it interesting how often we feel guilty for taking time for ourselves? Society often tells us to be constantly productive, and we can feel as though we always need to be doing more. But it’s crucial to remember that rest is productive too. Taking time for yourself can improve relationships, work, and overall happiness. Being constantly busy can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and general dissatisfaction. The endless pursuit of perfection is exhausting, and it can wear on your mind and your body.
How to Let Go
Remind yourself that it’s okay if everything isn’t done by day’s end. Make a list of your accomplishments, no matter how small, to help shift your focus from what’s left to do the next day to what you’ve achieved. Give yourself a pat on the back for your efforts. Letting go can also involve delegating some things on your to-do list, or even deciding if some things are things you actually really have to be doing. Learning how to relax and just “be” can take practice, especially if you are a person who has always been on the go, trying to do all the things.
How I Embrace Imperfection
I am a lover of lists. I love making lists, crossing things off my lists, adding things to my lists. Until I get too many things on my list. I used to panic. But now I make a list of everything I “think” I need to do. Then I realize there are some unimportant things, or things I can wait a while on. Then I ask myself which things must absolutely get done that day. And I do those. If I have time, I do others. At the end of the day, I do a brain dump so I don’t try to go to sleep worrying about things I need to do the next day. I go to sleep knowing I had done what needed to be done that day, and that is enough.
Involve Your Children
Make It a Family Affair
If you have children, you might wonder how on earth you can find time for yourself. Why not involve them? Create a family relaxation time where everyone participates in a calming activity. This not only helps you unwind but teaches children the importance of self-care. Children these days are often “on the go,” with activities, school work, time with friends. A cozy and relaxing evening routine with children can be a sweet ending to a hectic day. It can also promote a feeling of togetherness and strengthen family bonds.
Activities to Try
Consider activities like family storytelling, where each person shares a part of a story, or quiet time, where everyone reads or draws or colors. Reading books with little ones before bedtime is a wonderful way to help them wind down and get ready for sleep. There are so many wonderful books to read with children of all ages.
Our evening routine with children
I started reading with our children from birth, and my grandchildren as well. Our routine for relaxation in the evening involved a quick tidy of the play area after dinner, followed by baths, toothbrushing and jammies. The children and I then snuggled into the corner of our big sectional sofa and read several books together. I continued this routine with my grandchildren when they lived with us. It is a special time. One thing that I love is that we saved the favorite books I read with my daughters and now they are reading those books to their own children.
Your sleep environment
A relaxing evening routine is all well and good, but you need to be sure you stay relaxed when it’s actually your bedtime. Be sure you have comfortable bedding, your room is the right temperature, and there are no bright lights or any noises bothering you (blackout curtains and white noise machines are wonderful). Keep a consistent sleep schedule whenever possible: wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time each day. This keeps your body’s circadian rhythm set, and can help you avoid sleep problems. I love to mist my bedding with a lavender-scented linen spray. I also love the scent of this lotion. Little things can make a big difference. Find what works for you to have good and restful sleep.
As you consider these strategies, ask yourself: What does a relaxing evening look like for you? What benefits do you think you will gain from having a calming evening routine? What small steps can you take to create a nourishing routine? Remember, it’s not about how much time you spend, but how you spend it. Whether it’s savoring a cup of tea, letting go of guilt, or involving your family, find what speaks to you and embrace it. Routine, consistency, and anticipation for your evening ritual can transform not just your nights, but your days, too!
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