A Simple Evening Wind-Down Routine

Some habits are small enough that you can start them tonight. This is one of them: end your day with a short, calm routine.

I’m John Panzeca, and I’m an Independent MarketPlace Global ISR. This page is about the habit itself. It’s just a simple routine that many people like.

Why an evening wind-down routine?

There is no trick to it. A routine needs no gear and no sign-up. The end of the day gives you a natural moment to build a habit around: you finish what you’re doing, and you slow down on purpose.

It can be fifteen or twenty minutes. That’s the whole idea. A few small steps, done in the same order each evening.

How to make it a habit

  • Pick a start time. Choose a time to begin winding down and keep it about the same each day.

  • Dim the lights. Turn off the bright overhead lights and use a lamp instead.

  • Put the phone away. Set it on a charger outside the bedroom if you can.

  • Do a short tidy-up. Ten minutes of putting things back in place. Wake up to a clear kitchen or living room.

  • Lay out tomorrow’s things. Clothes, keys, bag, whatever you’ll need in the morning.

  • Write tomorrow’s to-do list. Get it out of your head and onto paper.

  • Have a warm drink. Herbal tea or warm water, with no caffeine.

  • Read a few pages. A paper book is a nice change from a screen.

  • Take a few slow breaths or stretch gently. Keep it easy and unhurried.

  • Don’t worry about missing a night. Just pick it back up the next evening.

Start small

You don’t need every step. Pick two or three that feel easy and do those first. Add more later if you want to.

A simple starter: set a time, put the phone on the charger, and read a few pages.

Simple variations

  • Do it together with a spouse, a family member or a roommate.

  • Put on quiet music.

  • Light a candle or keep one lamp on while you read.

  • Keep a small notebook by your chair for the to-do list.

  • If your evenings are busy, shorten it to just three steps.

A related habit

If you like small routines, you may also like A Glass of Water First Thing in the Morning and A Short Walk After Meals.

Questions?

See the FAQ or contact me. I’m happy to help.

To your health,
John Panzeca
Independent MarketPlace Global ISR