A young woman with a serene expression sleeps peacefully, wrapped in a knit blanket. This image evokes the tranquility of a well-established evening routine.
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How to Create a Simple Yet Powerful Evening Routine

ByLaToya Rachelle Lifestyle, Personal Development

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At the end of a busy day, there’s nothing better than a good evening routine to help you wind down and set yourself up for a productive morning the next day. 😌 

Creating a simple yet powerful nighttime routine is also a great way to improve your sleep quality and boost your energy levels for the following day.

A relaxing evening routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming either. 

In fact, the simpler the routine, the easier it will be to stick with it. 

If you’re ready to create a bedtime routine that will be easy for you to follow at the end of the day,  here are some steps to get you started:

Step 1: Start With a Calming Activity

Before jumping into bed, try to spend some time doing something that relaxes you. This could be reading a book , taking a bubble bath, meditating, or simply listening to some calming music. The goal is to find a calming activity that helps you destress and unwind from the day’s events. 

I personally love to take a nice warm bath, grab a good fiction book, and do a little bit of gentle stretching before bed as it helps me release any tension in my body and prepares me for a good night’s sleep. Sometimes I’ll even listen to some evening affirmations or drink a little herbal tea if I feel I need a little extra relaxation.

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to set aside a lot of time for this first step. Even just 15 minutes of winding down can make a huge difference.

You might also like: Free Adult Stress Relief Coloring Pages Printables

A cozy bedroom setup highlighting an essential part of an evening routine, featuring a softly textured blanket on a bed with a floral patterned duvet. A bedside table is adorned with lavender, books, and a vintage photo, creating a tranquil reading nook.

Step 2: Limit Your Screen Time 

I know how tempting it is to check social media or binge-watch your favorite shows right before bed, but trust me—your body needs a break from all the stimulation!

The blue light from electronic devices, like your phone or tablet, can seriously mess with your body’s circadian rhythm and its natural production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall asleep. So, if you want to improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling more refreshed, try cutting down on your screen time right before bed. I recommend giving this a try for at least two weeks to build the habit and to see how it impacts your sleep. 

One of the best ways to do this is by setting a “tech-free” time before bed. For example, try putting away your phone or turning off the TV at least 30 minutes before bed. This gives your brain a chance to wind down, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel the next morning after a restful night’s sleep. 

p.s. Limiting your screen time doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite shows or online activities. Just try shifting them earlier in the evening, so by the time you’re ready for bed, your mind is more relaxed, and your body is prepared for better sleep.

A woman lying in bed looks intently at her smartphone, symbolizing a common habit to avoid when establishing a beneficial evening routine. The red cross over the image underscores the negative impact of screen time before sleep.

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Step 3: Create a Relaxing Environment

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, a place for relaxation and sleep at the end of the day. That means keeping it clean, comfortable, and free from distractions. 

Here are some simple ways to set the mood for relaxation:

  • Dim the lights to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
  • Take a hot bath or warm shower (The warm water helps to lower your core body temperature, which signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Plus, a good bath feels AH-MAZING after a long day and can help relax your muscles and calm your nervous system).
  • Remove any clutter or electronics that may tempt you to stay up late or check your phone during the night.
  • Consider investing in blackout curtains if you have trouble sleeping with light in the room.
  • Use essential oils like lavender or chamomile to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Play some white noise or relaxing sounds to help drown out any distractions.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature (I use a fan to keep my room cool and comfortable).
  • Light a candle, put on a face mask, or grab a soft blanket for added comfort.

Step 4: Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Staying up late can be tempting, especially when you’ve had a long day and want a little extra “me time.” But if you want to wake up feeling refreshed and energized, a consistent bedtime can make all the difference.

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day (yes, even on weekends). This will help regulate your body’s internal clock and make it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up naturally. It may take some adjustment, but your body will thank you for it in the long run.

Listen, I know it’s not always easy to set a bedtime and stick to it. Life happens—(social events, a busy schedule, or simply getting caught up in a good book). However, try aiming for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night as often as you can. Not only will it improve your sleep quality, but it will also give you the energy you need for more productive days.

Here are a few tips to help you stick with it:

  • Set an alarm (but not the wake-up kind!). Try setting a reminder about 30 minutes before your bedtime to give you a heads-up that it’s time to start winding down.
  • Make sure your evening routine is something you enjoy so you actually look forward to it.
  • Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, or caffeine too close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep.
  • And finally, remember that it’s okay if you don’t get it perfect every single night. 😴

A content woman with closed eyes lying comfortably in bed, her head resting on a white pillow, exemplifying the peaceful conclusion of an effective evening routine.

Step 5: Avoid Late-Night Work

I’ll be the first to admit—I’m sometimes guilty of writing or blogging late into the night. But when I do, my sleep schedule gets disrupted and I’m often left feeling drained the next day.  (Why, girl, why? 😩)

When we work right up until bedtime, our brains stay in “go mode,” which can mess with our ability to relax and get the restful sleep we need.

If you can, try to wrap up your work earlier in the day or evening. Shifting those tasks to earlier hours not only helps you disconnect from work mode but also gives you more time to enjoy your night/evening routine without feeling rushed.

Here are a few ways to help you avoid burning the midnight oil:

  • Use time blocking to prioritize your tasks throughout the day, so you’re not left with last-minute work in the evening.
  • Set a clear cutoff time for work tasks and activities (e.g. checking emails or working on your blog post. ✋🏾⬅️)
  • If you still have lingering thoughts about work, keep a notepad nearby to quickly jot down any ideas or to-dos for the next morning so you’re not worrying about them as you try to sleep (after all, you want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day—not drained from a night of overthinking).

A woman in peaceful slumber, resting on a textured pillow, illustrates the benefits of a calming evening routine. Her serene expression and relaxed posture in a softly lit bedroom convey a sense of restful sleep.

Step 6: Prepare for the Next Day

Mornings are always smoother when a little prep is done the night before. By setting aside just a few minutes to get organized, you can reduce morning stress and glide into your morning routine feeling calm and collected. So before you climb into bed, spend a few minutes getting things ready for the next day. 

Here are some simple ways to prepare:

  • Lay out your clothes or workout gear for the next day.
  • Pack your lunch and snacks.
  • Pack your bag/purse: Put in everything you’ll need – keys, wallet, phone charger, and work stuff. 
  • Charge your devices: Plug in your phone, laptop, or tablet. That way you’ll have full batteries in the morning.
  • Fill a water bottle and place it by your bed to grab first thing in the morning (hydration for the win!).
  • Prepare a quick, healthy breakfast like overnight oats, so it’s ready to go when you are.
  • Set up your coffee maker to automatically brew in the morning (is there anything better than waking up to that smell? 😋☕️)
  • Write down your top priorities or the most important things to tackle the next day. If you’re anything like me, this will help to clear your mind and takes the pressure off your “never-ending to-do list.”

By having these tasks done ahead of time, you can wake up feeling more organized and less rushed—which will ultimately help you start your day off on the right foot. Plus, when you know everything is prepared and ready, you’ll ultimately free up more time and mental space in the morning.

Step 7: Set a Gentle Alarm for a Better Wake-Up

And lastly, don’t forget to set your alarm for the next day. Instead of using a harsh, blaring sound, try switching to a gentle alarm or a wake-up light that mimics the natural sunrise. 

These types of alarms gradually increase in brightness or sound, which can help ease you into waking up more peacefully (I own this one). It’s a much nicer way to start your day than being startled awake by a loud buzzing noise!

You could also consider setting your alarm for about 10-15 minutes earlier than you actually need to get up. This way, you can take your time to stretch, relax, and slowly ease into your morning routine without feeling rushed. 

Related: Start Your Day Off Right: How to Create a Morning Routine That Sets You Up for Success and Brings You Joy

Key Takeaways

  • Reducing screen time and blue light exposure can improve sleep quality.
  • Creating a cozy environment helps signal your body that it’s time to relax.
  • A consistent bedtime can enhance your circadian rhythm and energy levels.
  • Preparing for the next day can help reduce morning stress.
  • Avoiding late-night work allows your brain to fully unwind before bed.
  • Limiting caffeine and heavy meals in the evening supports better sleep.
  • Simple rituals like a warm bath, essential oils, or light stretching can create a restful night routine.

A flat lay of comfortable bedtime essentials including a purple sleep mask, soft slippers with a bow, a textured camisole top, and crinkled pajama shorts. Green leaves subtly decorate the arrangement, promoting a restful evening routine atmosphere.

Conclusion

Creating a great night routine doesn’t have to take much time or effort, but it can have a positive impact on your sleep quality and overall well-being. By trying out just a new habit or two—whether it’s sticking to a consistent bedtime, incorporating light stretches, or avoiding late-night work—you can start to build a nightly routine that will help you get enough sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

With just a few simple changes, you’ll be well on your way to a more peaceful night and more energized mornings!

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LaToya Rachelle, author and creator of LaToyaRachelle.com, is dedicated to empowering women on their journey to self-discovery and personal growth. Through her writings, she shares insights on self-care, happiness, manifestation, success habits, and more, and provides invaluable tools to help you unleash your fullest potential. Join LaToya as she inspires and guides you to become the best version of yourself.