The Art of The Evening Routine
Looking to build a better bedtime routine for thyself? Read on.
Happy Tuesday, Everyone.
I was annoyed this morning—my toddler was in timeout four times before 8 am and the baby wouldn’t stop whining. If there’s one thing that annoys me to no end, it’s the shrill sound of a child’s whine—but I felt better after getting dressed in my rich mom outfit, as I always do and always encourage you to do.
I didn’t mean to come off as such a downer. I’m just really sick of this rain. It’s enough already.
For the sake of providing a helpful newsie to you, I’m going to shove my frustrations aside and force myself into a positive mindset like a good self-improvement girl. Inhale for three counts, exhale for four. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Okay I’m good!!
For today’s news…
Everyone talks about the importance of the morning routine—5 am wakeup call. 20-minute meditation. Rigorous workout. Get the morning sunlight into your eyes. Put your feet in the dirt and humble thyself. Drink your giant glass of lemon water for two hours before even thinking about touching your espresso machine—and begin your day in a cloud of bliss.
While this sounds lovely, this healthy (a little over-the-top?) routine just isn’t in the cards for those of us who have kids to shuffle off to school and get to our places of work on time—plus those of us who simply aren’t morning people—and who don’t want to be.
I am all for a hyper-specific morning routine to get your mind right for the day (which I indulge in via ice-rolling my face, drinking lots of water, having a *mindful cup of coffee* and getting a good sweat on), but I do think we overlook a huge piece of the wellbeing puzzle when it comes to getting our wellness on—our evening routine.
As the wellness experts remind us—a good morning can’t happen without a good night—and they are correct. Let’s dive in.
According to research, an evening routine is of *utmost importance* as it helps you wind down physically, emotionally and mentally after a long day. Having a regimented nightly routine promotes better sleep and overall wellbeing so you can wake up chipper and not bitter.
Break me off a piece of that, please.
Of course we know this. But are we doing it? Having a set evening routine is an excellent way to prime your brain for bedtime in a way that feels good for you and your lifestyle, whatever that may be. And huge bonus? It gives us something to look forward to in the dead of the afternoon when we’re feeling foggy, bored, overstimulated and over it.
With that said, what does an ideal evening routine look like? I’ll give you my personal rundown below, but it includes turning off screens (my all-time favorite), turning down the lights, reading a good book, and adjusting your bedroom environment for optimal relaxation vibes.
Here’s my personal rendition
Once dinner has been prepared, devoured and cleared, my wind down ensues. Jazz music is on, a glass of wine is poured and I take mental inventory of the day. I light a candle for good measure. What went right? What went wrong? In what area can I self-improve in tomorrow? Who did I forget to text back and what day do I need to secure a sitter in order to keep a shred of social life intact?
If I’m really over-achieving, I will write these down in my Handy Dandy?! Notebook! Which really helps to calm it down down. Pair this with a few deep breaths and I’m just a few hours shy of blissful shut-eye.
I wash my face, put my pajamas on, bathe whomever needs bathing and curl up on the couch with a novel that’s probably chewed on the corner from my dog or baby, with a very chic bookmark of my business card or a blue, sparkly ponytail holder. Currently I’m reading Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo, and it’s pretty good so far.
On the rare occasion that all three of my kids are asleep before 9 pm, I take full advantage of lowering my cortisol and make the kitchen and living room sparkling clean, spray some room spray on the furniture and sink into the couch to watch an of-the-moment guilty pleasure, which right now is “Schitt’s Creek.”
A hot tip in keeping a calm home vibe? I really never turn the lights on in our house unless it’s absolutely necessary as artificial light causes stress to the nervous system. And it’s honestly just harsh looking. It reminds me of department stores and corporate cubicles and no one needs that in their house.
Alright! There you have it. May you have a restful night’s sleep in a nice, clean-smelling, quiet home in your newly low-cortisol body so you can rise and shine tomorrow a shining beacon of thyself.
Thank you for reading.
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Ciao.
Keep being you.
Xo, Ash
