My Evening Routine to Keep Calm and Carry On

If the past few years have taught me anything, it’s the need for healthy boundaries. 

I find taking time for myself at night and creating a boundary between the work day and my time to rest allows me to unwind and de-stress so I can enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.  Creating an evening routine that works for you will actually give you something to look forward to at the end of a crazy day. 

I find that if I use a few minutes at night to plan for an easier tomorrow, I’m much less frazzled in the morning.  I give myself a certain time that no matter what, I’m done with answering emails and phone calls.  Think of it as a “work curfew”. This is when I put my phone in another room and concentrate on me and what I need for a productive tomorrow. 

I find that I’m much less stressed in the morning when I walk into a clean, clutter-free kitchen.  So, once I’m finished with work I make sure the dishes are done and my counters are clean.  I typically meal prep twice a week so that my mornings are seamless.  This way, all I need to do is make sure I have breakfast prepped (usually overnight oats or smoothie ingredients) and in the fridge.  Then I take a lemon out of the fridge, a mug out of the cabinet, and leave them on the counter next to my lemon squeezer and tea kettle. I always start my morning with warm lemon water and this way, everything is ready to go.  If you drink coffee or tea in the morning, have that ready to go as well.  As long as you are prepared for whatever you do in the morning you’ll feel better knowing it’s ready and waiting for you! 

Once that is done, I usually watch a show on Netflix or read a book to unwind and get work out of my head.  I like to do this while snuggling on the couch with my dog and a cup of chamomile or lavender tea to relax me.  This is my happy place.

When it comes time to head to bed, I first add essential oils to my diffuser.  I like to feel like my bedroom/bathroom area is like a luxurious spa, so I always put lavender and eucalyptus in the diffuser.  The lavender relaxes me and the eucalyptus helps me breathe better while I’m sleeping. 

If I have worked out that evening, I will always take an Epsom salt bath.  The magnesium in the Epsom salt helps relieve stress and tension and relaxes sore muscles.  It is also thought that the minerals draw out toxins from the body.  As I’m drawing the bath, I choose some essential oils to add to the Epsom salt before adding it to the water. 

Lately, my favorite has been doTERRA’s Serenity, a relaxing blend of oils including Lavender, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Roman Chamomile, and Vanilla Bean.  I usually add about two cups of Epsom salts and some baking soda to the bath water.  I love to turn the lights off, light a candle and listen to a guided meditation from one of my favorite apps. If you are just starting to meditate, I have found that Calm and Insight Timer are wonderful for beginners.