For years, my evenings were a black hole of video games and junk food.
I’d come home from a long day feeling drained and depleted. The couch would call my name. Before I knew it, I’d be hours deep into a virtual world with a bag of chips in my lap, feeling more empty than when I started. The next morning, I’d wake up groggy, guilty, and completely unprepared for the day ahead. It was a vicious cycle of feeling stuck.
I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel like your evenings are wasted potential. You want to do more. You want to feel better. But exhaustion takes over, and old habits die hard. For me, those habits led to a life I didn’t recognize—overweight, unfulfilled, and spiritually distant.
But I learned something crucial on my journey to losing over 110 pounds and finding a life of purpose. The way you end your day has a massive impact on how you start the next one. A productive evening routine isn’t about cramming in more work. It's about intentionally closing out the day in a way that restores your body, mind, and spirit. It’s about setting yourself up for success tomorrow.
If you’re ready to reclaim your evenings, here are 10 simple ways to build a routine that actually works.
1. Define a Clear "Shutdown" Time
Your brain needs a signal that the workday is officially over. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself checking emails at 9 p.m. or stressing about a project right before bed. Choose a specific time to be your hard stop for the day. For me, it’s 6 p.m. When that time hits, I close my laptop, put my work phone on silent, and mentally clock out. This creates a boundary. It tells my mind and body it’s time to shift from work mode to rest mode.
2. Do a 15-Minute Tidy-Up
I’m not talking about deep cleaning the entire house. Just spend 15 minutes putting things back where they belong. Load the dishwasher. Wipe down the kitchen counters. Put away the clutter that accumulated during the day. Waking up to a clean, organized space is one of the best gifts you can give your future self. It removes a major source of morning stress and helps you start the day with a clear head. A calm space helps create a calm mind.
3. Disconnect From Your Devices
This one is tough, but it’s a game-changer. The endless scroll on social media and the constant stream of news are designed to keep you hooked and agitated. An hour before you plan to sleep, put your phone away. Put it in another room if you have to. The blue light from screens messes with your sleep hormones, and the mental stimulation makes it hard to wind down. Break the cycle. Your sleep will thank you.
4. Prepare for Tomorrow Morning
A little preparation in the evening saves a ton of stress in the morning. This doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Lay out your clothes for the next day.
- Pack your gym bag.
- Look at your calendar so you know what’s ahead.
- Write down your top 3 most important tasks for tomorrow.
When I was focused on losing weight, I used this time to pack a healthy lunch or portion out healthy snacks. It removed the guesswork and made it easy to make good choices when I was busy or tired. Five minutes of prep tonight can save you 20 minutes of frantic rushing tomorrow.
5. Engage in a Real Hobby
What did you love to do before screens took over your life? Maybe it was reading, drawing, playing an instrument, or working on a puzzle. Spend at least 20-30 minutes on an activity that is purely for enjoyment. This isn't about being productive. It's about using your hands and your mind in a creative, relaxing way. It’s a powerful way to de-stress and reconnect with yourself.
6. Have a Real Conversation
In a world of texting and social media comments, true connection is rare. Make it a point to have a real, face-to-face conversation with someone you love. Sit down with your spouse and talk about your days. Call your parents or a good friend just to check in. Ask questions. Listen. Building strong relationships is one of the cornerstones of a good life, and it often starts with simply being present with the people who matter most.
7. Stretch Your Body Gently
After a long day of sitting at a desk or being on your feet, your body is tight and tired. You don’t need an intense workout. Just spend five to ten minutes doing some simple, gentle stretches. Touch your toes. Stretch your neck and shoulders. Loosen up your hips. This small act of physical care releases tension and helps prepare your body for a restful night of sleep.
8. Practice Gratitude and Prayer
This has been the single most transformative habit in my life. When I was struggling with my health and felt lost, my faith became my anchor. Each evening, I take a few moments for quiet prayer. I talk to God about my day, my worries, and my hopes. I also write down three specific things I’m grateful for. This practice shifts my focus from what’s wrong in my life to what’s right. It grounds me in thankfulness and reminds me of my purpose. It replaces anxiety with peace.
9. Read a Physical Book
Reading on a screen keeps your brain wired. Reading a physical book helps it power down. It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction, history, a biography, or the Bible. The act of turning physical pages and focusing on a single story or idea is incredibly calming. It’s an escape from the noise of the world and one of the best ways to prepare your mind for sleep.
10. Stick to a Consistent Bedtime
Your body loves routine. Going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate your internal clock. This leads to deeper, more restorative sleep. You’ll find it’s easier to fall asleep at night and easier to wake up in the morning without feeling like a zombie. A consistent bedtime is the foundation of a productive evening and an energetic morning.
Building a new routine doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about taking small, consistent steps. Don’t try to do all ten of these things at once. That’s a recipe for burnout.
So, here’s my challenge to you: What’s one small thing from this list you can try tonight?
