How to Create a Relaxing Evening Wind-Down Routine

Hey friends!

Let’s talk about something most of us crave but we rarely give ourselves: a peaceful evening.

You know the kind where you feel calm, not rushed or stressed. Where you feel cozy and warm, not frazzled or spent. When you allow your body to soften, your mind slows down, and you feel gently carried into rest and relaxation - instead of just collapsing into bed, overstimulated and overtired.

Truth is, how we end the day matters. It sets the tone for the quality of our sleep, how we feel the next morning, and how we care for ourselves in those in-between moments.

So, let’s talk about some simple, soul-soothing evening routines. Choose one (or more) that helps you feel calm, refreshed, and ready to rest.

Start by Setting the Mood - Once the busy part of your day is over (dinner’s done, and to do’s are done), give yourself permission to shift gears. This is your time to start relaxing.

Here are a few simple ideas to help create a calming atmosphere:

• Dim the lights or turn on soft lamps

• Light a favorite candle or incense

• Put on calming music or a peaceful playlist

• Diffuse essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood

  Here is a great set of essential oils from an amazing company

Creating a sensory cue helps tell your brain: It’s safe to slow down now.

Creating a Gentle Self-Care Ritual - This doesn’t need to be anything fancy. It just needs to feel nourishing to you.

Soul-soothing ideas:

• Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts or a bath bomb

• Try a simple skincare routine with presence and intention

• Massage your hands or feet with a soothing lotion or oil

• Try some light stretches to alleviate tension

Self-care isn’t about perfection — it’s about being present.

Unplug (Even If It’s Just a Little) - Our minds are constantly overstimulated all day long with emails, notifications, scrolling, noise. Give your brain a break.

Try this:

• Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” after a certain hour

• Keep a book, journal, or magazine by your bed instead of your phone

• Spend just 10–15 screen-free minutes to breathe, stretch, or sip tea

  We found the perfect tea for nighttime relaxation

This quiet time can be surprisingly powerful.

Reflect, Release, or Rest - Evenings are a great time to mentally and emotionally exhale.

Try one of these:

• Write in a journal (even just one line: “Today, I’m grateful for…”)

• Brain-dump your thoughts or to-dos so your mind isn’t spinning

• Read something light or inspiring

• Try guided meditation or breathwork practice

• Simply sit in silence and let your day settle

Honor Your Sleep Space - Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary - not a storage room or a second office.

Here are some tips:

• Keep your bed clear, cozy, and inviting

• Use soft sheets or soft blankets that feel good on your skin

• Add a little ritual: a spritz of pillow mist, a cup of herbal tea, a bedside lamp

  Check out this sleep spray we found

Make your bedtime something you look forward to — not just collapse into.

A Gentle Reminder

Your evening doesn’t have to be productive to be valuable.
Rest does not have to be earned, it’s necessary.

Slowing down heals.
Creating space for peace is an act of self-love.
You absolutely deserve to feel relaxed and rested.

So tonight, choose one or two small things from this list. Light a candle. Stretch. Put your phone away. Make a cup of tea. Give yourself permission to unwind and relax, because you’re worth it.

With love,
Radiance Retreat