Things I stopped doing that significantly transformed my evenings
In our busy lives, evenings can often feel chaotic and stressful, rather than peaceful and restorative. We may be guilty of perpetuating habits that contribute to this chaos, without realizing the impact they have on our relaxation and overall wellbeing.
Making small changes to our evening routines can help to create a sense of calm and tranquility that carries over into a more peaceful sleep and a more productive following day. Here are 14 things I stopped doing that significantly transformed my evenings into peaceful experiences.
1. Checking Work Emails
The habit of checking work emails after business hours was one of the first things I stopped doing. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “just one quick check”, but this often leads to unnecessary stress and work creeping into relaxation time.
In the digital age, it can be difficult to set boundaries between work and personal life, but it’s vital for maintaining mental health. By setting a strict cut-off time for work-related activities, I was able to start my evenings with a clear mind and a focus on relaxation.
2. Consuming Caffeine After Noon
Caffeine has a half-life of about five to six hours, which means that if you consume a cup of coffee at 2 p.m., about half of that caffeine is still in your system by 7-8 p.m. This can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and the quality of your sleep.
By stopping my caffeine consumption after noon, I noticed significant improvements in my sleep quality. This change also helped me to feel more relaxed and peaceful in the evenings, as I was not dealing with the jittery feelings that caffeine can often cause.
3. Eating Large Meals Late in the Evening
Eating large meals late in the evening can lead to discomfort and disrupt your sleep. It can also cause issues such as indigestion and heartburn, which can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
Instead of having a large dinner, I started eating a lighter meal in the evening and having my main meal at lunchtime. This simple change made a big difference in how I felt in the evenings, and it also improved my sleep.
4. Engaging in Heated Debates
Engaging in heated debates or discussions in the evening can cause stress and make it harder to wind down before bed. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and allow these discussions to continue late into the night.
I made a conscious decision to avoid any potentially stressful or confrontational conversations in the evening. This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult topics entirely, but rather choosing a more appropriate time to discuss them.
5. Using Electronic Devices Before Bed
The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Using these devices before bed can make it harder to fall asleep and can lead to poor sleep quality.
I started turning off my electronic devices at least an hour before bed and found that this made a big difference in how quickly I fell asleep and how well I slept. If you need to use your device, consider using a blue light filter or wearing blue light blocking glasses.
6. Ignoring My Body’s Signals
Our bodies are incredibly intelligent and often send us signals when it’s time to rest and relax. Ignoring these signals can lead to overexertion and burnout.
I learned to listen to my body and started going to bed when I felt tired, rather than pushing myself to stay up. This not only helped me get more rest, but it also made my evenings feel more peaceful and relaxed.
7. Overloading My To-Do List
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have a long list of tasks to accomplish in the evening. Overloading your to-do list can lead to stress and make it difficult to relax.
I started prioritizing my tasks and only scheduling a reasonable amount of activities for the evening. This allowed me to focus on each task without feeling rushed and ultimately led to a more peaceful evening routine.
8. Neglecting Self-Care
Self-care is an important aspect of overall wellbeing, and neglecting it can lead to stress and burnout. It’s important to take time for yourself each day to relax and recharge.
I started incorporating self-care activities into my evening routine, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing yoga. These activities helped me wind down and made my evenings feel more peaceful and restful.
9. Skipping Exercise
Regular exercise has numerous benefits, including reducing stress and improving sleep quality. Skipping exercise can lead to feelings of restlessness and make it harder to relax in the evening.
I started incorporating regular exercise into my routine, and found that it not only helped me feel more relaxed in the evenings, but also improved my sleep. Even a short walk after dinner can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
10. Keeping a Cluttered Environment
A cluttered environment can lead to feelings of stress and make it harder to relax. Keeping your living space tidy can help promote a sense of peace and tranquility.
I made a conscious effort to keep my living space clean and organized, and found that this had a significant impact on my ability to relax in the evening. Even small changes, like putting away clutter or washing dishes after dinner, can make a big difference.
11. Neglecting Hydration
Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s easy to forget to drink enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to feelings of tiredness and can interfere with sleep.
I started making a conscious effort to drink more water throughout the day, and found that this not only helped me feel more alert, but also made my evenings feel more peaceful and relaxed.
12. Overdoing Nighttime Snacking
While a small snack before bed can help stave off hunger until morning, overdoing nighttime snacking can interfere with sleep and lead to weight gain.
I started making healthier snack choices and limiting my portion sizes, which helped me feel more comfortable and relaxed in the evenings. If you feel hungry before bed, opt for a small, nutrient-dense snack rather than reaching for junk food.
13. Overthinking
Overthinking, especially about events of the day or tasks for the next day, can cause stress and make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
I started practicing mindfulness and meditation in the evenings, which helped me quiet my mind and focus on the present moment. This not only made my evenings feel more peaceful, but also improved my sleep.
14. Ignoring the Importance of a Good Evening Routine
A good evening routine can set the tone for a peaceful night’s sleep. Ignoring the importance of a consistent routine can lead to poor sleep and feelings of restlessness.
I started implementing a consistent evening routine, including activities like reading, meditation, and self-care. This helped me wind down and prepare for sleep, resulting in more peaceful and restful evenings.
