Find the Good in the Evening

Today I want to share how I Find the Good in the Evening. I realised a long time ago the importance of having a routine for the evening. A series of things that help me prepare for the next day and wind down ready for bed.

My routine has changed over the years – especially when I used to work away from home a lot and then when I had a baby. I have a list of things I do most nights – they have become such a solid part of my routine that I don’t need a physical list to remind me. But I think it’s handy to document these things. It’s always good to return back to (and amend if need be) the routine after a change in circumstances.

Find the Good in the Evening

1 Tidy my space

I blatantly don’t do this every day but I do try. Washing up and tidying the kitchen gives me a headstart for the next day.

2 Yoga

I practice yoga daily – I don’t have a set time that I do it each day but if I haven’t got it done during the day it becomes part of my evening routine. My favourites for winding down are Adriene’s Yoga for Bedtime (20 mins) and the shorter Bedtime Yoga (7 mins).

3 Put the screens away

Since the start of the year I’ve been charging my phone overnight away from the bedroom. I’m glad I implemented this.

4 Skincare

If I’m wearing make-up I take it off and I make sure I pamper my skin with some moisturiser and sometimes a face-mask for sleeping.

5 Light a candle

There’s something about the softer light that helps me relax. I currently use a plug in salt lamp but I also use candles too.

6 Review today’s and write tomorrow’s To Do List

I check my calendar and think about what I need to get done the following day.

7 Add an entry to my sentence a day journal

(I use an older version of this one). It asks a question each day and there are spaces to answer the same question for 3 different years. The questions range from fluffy to more thought provoking.

8 Write down my Daily Gratitude

I currently write 5 things each day that I am grateful for. Click here to read more about my Gratitude practice and some tips for starting your own.

9 Reading

Reading relaxes me. I read paper books (not using an ebook reader/screen) and usually have at least 1 on my bedside table to dip into when I reach the end of the day. The only drawback to this is when I’m reading a really good book and can’t put it down…and end up going to sleep way past midnight!

Other Ideas for your Evening Routine

• Drink some chamomile tea or something soothing (I did this a lot when my boy was a baby to help wind down at the end of the day)
• Have a bubble bath
• Pick out your clothes for the next day (I do this if I’m travelling or have an early start)
• Watch a favourite television programme
• Go for a walk
• Meditate
• If you’ve not had the time to work on your goals that day – do one small thing that moves you forward with them

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What things do you do each day to Find the Good in the Evening? Do you have a regular routine to wind down? I’d love to hear your ideas.

This post is part of a series I’m gradually creating. Click here to see how I Find the Good in the Morning.