After a long, hectic day, the last thing many of us want is a chaotic evening. Unfortunately, that’s often what we get, due to our own habits that unknowingly add to the stress. Learning to cultivate a calm evening routine can transform our mental health, well-being and even our productivity the next day.
This post outlines ten things I stopped doing that have significantly contributed to making my evenings calmer, and might do the same for you.
1. Stopped Scrolling Social Media
The first thing I stopped doing was endlessly scrolling through social media in the evening. Social media is designed to be addictive and can easily consume hours of our time without us realizing it. Not only does it take away from our real-world interactions and relaxation time, but the content we consume can often leave us feeling anxious or inadequate.
Instead, I decided to set a ‘digital curfew’ an hour or so before my bedtime. This has allowed me to disconnect from the virtual world and reconnect with myself. I now spend that time reading a book, meditating, or journaling – activities that soothe my mind and prepare it for a good night’s sleep.
2. Stopped Eating Late
I also stopped eating late in the evening. While it may seem like a harmless habit, our bodies are not as efficient at digesting food late at night. This can lead to sleep issues and a feeling of heaviness the next morning. Now, I try to finish dinner at least two hours before bedtime.
This gives my body enough time to digest the food and prevents any discomfort that could disturb my sleep. I also make it a point to eat light, easily digestible dinners to ensure that my body is not working overtime when it should be resting.
3. Stopped Watching TV Till Bedtime
Another habit I discarded was watching TV right until I fell asleep. The blue light emitted by TVs, smartphones, and computers can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Instead, I’ve begun to engage in low-light activities like reading or listening to soothing music.
If I really want to watch something, I make sure to use a blue light filter on my device. This helps maintain my sleep cycle and ensures that I wake up feeling refreshed the next morning.
4. Stopped Overcommitting
Overcommitting was a major stressor in my life. Saying yes to everything led to me having a packed schedule with no time to relax. This often resulted in a chaotic evening trying to finish all my commitments.
Now, I’ve learned to say no. I carefully consider each commitment and only say yes to what I truly have time for. This has helped reduce my stress levels and has freed up my evenings for relaxation and self-care.
5. Stopped Ignoring My Mental Health
Earlier, I used to ignore my mental health and prioritize work or other commitments. However, this often left me feeling anxious and stressed, which impacted my ability to relax in the evenings.
Now, I make it a point to prioritize my mental health. I spend a few minutes each evening meditating or practicing mindfulness. This helps me let go of the day’s stress and prepares me for a calm and restful evening.
6. Stopped Skipping Exercise
I used to skip exercising regularly, thinking I didn’t have time for it. But this resulted in accumulated stress and restlessness, making it hard for me to relax in the evenings. I’ve now incorporated a regular exercise routine into my day. Even a short, 20-minute walk in the evening can make a big difference. It helps me burn off any residual stress and prepares my body for rest.
7. Stopped Neglecting Personal Relationships
Work and other commitments often made me neglect my personal relationships. However, failing to maintain these connections made me feel isolated and increased my stress levels. Now, I make time each evening to connect with my loved ones, whether it’s a quick phone call or a leisurely dinner together. This helps me feel connected and supported, which significantly contributes to a calmer evening.
8. Stopped Avoiding Relaxation
I used to think that relaxing was a waste of time. But avoiding relaxation only led to increased stress and burnout. Now, I make sure to schedule some ‘me time’ each evening. Whether it’s taking a warm bath, reading a book, or simply sitting in silence, these moments of relaxation have greatly contributed to my overall well-being and the tranquility of my evenings.
9. Stopped Procrastinating
Procrastination used to make my evenings stressful as I rushed to finish tasks I had put off during the day. Now, I make a daily to-do list and stick to it. Completing tasks as and when they come up prevents the stress of last-minute rush and makes my evenings much more peaceful.
10. Stopped Drinking Caffeine Late in the Day
I used to drink coffee late in the day to keep myself going. However, caffeine can interfere with sleep patterns and make it harder to unwind in the evening. Now, I limit my caffeine intake to the morning hours. Instead, I opt for herbal teas in the evening. They help me relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Each of these changes has significantly contributed to making my evenings calmer and more enjoyable. While it might seem daunting to overhaul your evening routine all at once, making even one or two of these changes can have a big impact on your overall well-being.
