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Turn your evenings into pure relaxation with these calming nighttime routine ideas. It’s the perfect checklist for a bedtime ritual that’s catered to ringing you into a peaceful slumber night after night!
15 calming bedtime and nighttime routine ideas
Imagine fully clocking out and winding down from the daily hustle of a long day – that’s the beauty of a well put together nighttime routine.
Curating a bedtime ritual tailored just for you filled with pure relaxation is just what the night doctor ordered. And this checklist is perfect for finding the sweet spot of calm before you snooze off into dreamland.
Add these 15 nighttime routine ideas to the top of your selfcare to-do list for better sleep and to wake up in the morning feeling totally refreshed!
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1. Disconnect from technology
As addictive as our screens are, they’re sleep-snatchers come nightfall. That pesky blue light wreaks havoc on your brain, tricking your body’s internal clock into thinking it’s still day light. Disconnect from your screens atleast an hour or two before bed to get your mind and body in sync and you’ll be sleeping like a baby all night.
2. Read a book
Diving into a book as the world quiets down hits differently, doesn’t it? Getting lost in the pages of a good read will allow your mind to calm and kick stress to the curb (even if only for a sweet moment!) It’s the perfect indulging nighttime ritual for a little comfort and escapism before hitting the pillow. Make sure to set yourself a time limit so you’re not trading precious snooze time for an extra chapter!
3. Have a warm drink
I’ve got this one to a T! Matcha latte, green tea, hibiscus tea – you name it, I drink it! Embracing a warm cuppa before bed is soothing, indulgent, and absolutely the perfect evening wind down your body deserves. Just try to skip the sugar (or atleast trade it for honey) to ensure your sleep is more sweet dreams than toss and turns! And I shouldn’t have to tell you this – but STAY. AWAY. FROM. THE. COFFEE. It’s not that kinda party okay?
4. Meditate for a few minutes
You’ve probably heard the benefits of meditation a million times over, but it really is the best way to silence the day’s chaos. It’s like a mini nightly retreat for your soul. Free your mind of clutter and steal a few minutes to unlock peace and deep relaxation before bed. And here are some great free meditation guides from Tara Brach to try out if your new to the scene.
5. Do some breathing exercises
If you find yourself in a huff before bed, with the clock ticking louder with each passing minute, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Just close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths – inhale for four counts, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. Simple, right? Make this a staple in your bedtime routine and I promise it’ll be a game changer!
6. Write in your journal
Serving as a brain dump when things start getting a little too much for your mind to bear (hello evening racing thoughts!) Queue your journal – your therapeutic release outlet! End the day with a note of gratitude, unload your emotions, brain dump or simply free flow your thoughts. However you choose to journal, get into the habit of doing so every evening to declutter your mind before hitting the hay.
Here’s a great guide to journaling and some journaling prompts to get you started.
7. Do your nighttime skincare routine
Let’s be honest, anighttime skincare routine is like whispering sweet nothings to your skin. I’m talking a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating toner, a dollop of moisturizer, and maybe, when you’re feeling fancy, a serene face mask. This ritual isn’t just about keeping your skin happy and glowing, it’s the perfect refreshing last salute to your nightly routine.
8. Have a warm bath or mindful shower
And speaking of refreshing, nothing says “tranquillity unlocked” quite like a warm bath or a mindful shower to wash away the days stress. Picture it: muscles unwinding under the caress of warm water, a hint of lavender and eucalyptus in the air, candles dancing in the background. Sign me right up! It’s a luxurious uninterrupted moment of bliss every nightly ritual thrives under, preparing your body and mind for a night of restful sleep.
9. Dim the lights
Harsh bright lights in the evening? Nope, not here thank you. Dial the lights down a notch to invite a subtle ambience into your room. Not only will it calm your space, but it’ll kick your melatonin production into gear, honoring your circadian rhythm. So, why not swap those glaring ceiling bulbs for muted table lamps, or dare I say, a string of fairy lights? Now that’s what I call a serenade for your sleep hormones!
10. Use a diffuser
And since we’re talking lights, this essential oil diffuser is the perfect addition to your nightly routine! It’s got the lights, the scents, the gentle whispering of bubbling water. It ticks all the boxes! I’ve been using it religiously as part of my evening ritual (whilst tucked into bed with my never-ending chain of books) and can honestly say, IT. IS. A. GAMECHANGER!
I switch it on to a 2 hour timer once I jump into bed to really allow the oils to work their soothing spell and it lulls me into the most tantalizing sleep! So if you’re after a real aromatherapy treat for your evening ritual consider adding this diffuser to your checklist stat!
11. Do an evening stretch
A quick stretch before bed is exactly the ticker the body needs to unwind and get into a state of complete relaxation. Don’t go too wild with this one, keep it gentle and short – just a little something to ease the tension built up from the day. Think about focusing on overworked areas in particular – the shoulders, the back, the neck – and you’ll be well enroute to relaxationville in no time.
12. Plan for tomorrow
Let’s not kid ourselves, laying in bed with thoughts racing faster than the final lap of Formula One is not the right way to ring in the evening. But jotting down a to-do list and some sweet intentions for the following day? It’s like giving your brain the well deserved break it needs. The key is to keep it brief; think penning down reminders, and tomorrows priorities and goals. A couple of bullet points before bed could make all the difference to putting your mind to rest and easing any lingering thoughts.
13. Set aside a few minutes for a quick tidy up
Okay, but who wants to wake up to a room as chaotic as a clearance sale? Not exactly the best way to start the day right? That’s why a quick evening tidy up session is essential. And please, this isn’t the time for a full blown clean up, okay? Think folding clothes, straightening cushions, doing the dishes, a quick sweep – keep it simple and sweet. That way you’ll be more likely to be consistent with it on a nightly basis.
14. Listen to soothing sounds or music
Personally, I’m not one to listen to anything before bed, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of it’s spot in your nighttime routine. Soothing sounds and music can work wonders for your evening wind down. Gentle sounds of nature, soft melodies, white noise – there’s a sound out there for everyone. And speaking of, I’ve heard some raving stuff about the Headspace app, but yet to try it myself (drop a comment if I’m missing out, please!)
15. Get some sleep
And then, there it is, the cherry on top – GET SOME SLEEP. I know it’s a no brainer, but essentially that’s what this whole post has been building up to! Each night, like clockwork, dive into your evening routine – relax your body, calm your mind – and get your 8 hours of Zzzz’s!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Embrace these nighttime routine ideas as a path to calmer evenings, more comfort and better sleep. Choose the tips that work best for you and add them to your evening checklist for a night of sweet dreams – nothing more, nothing less!
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