Your day is finally over but your mind is still racing.
Instead of a peaceful retreat, your evening feels like a chaotic sprint to the finish line. I get it. I’ve been there. My evenings used to be a complete mess. I’d finish work and dive straight into hours of video games with a bag of chips as my only companion. It was a cycle of escapism and unhealthy habits that left me feeling drained, not rested. I was overweight, unfocused, and spiritually empty.
But I learned that reclaiming my evenings was the first step to changing my life. It wasn’t about a massive overhaul. It was about making small, intentional choices that added up over time. If you feel like your evenings are slipping away from you, I want to share what I’ve learned. Here are 15 simple ways to make your evenings more relaxing and meaningful.
Unplug From the Noise
The world is loud. Your evening is your chance to turn down the volume. This is about creating a quiet space for your mind to unwind.
- 1. Set a "Digital Sunset." Pick a time, maybe 8 or 9 p.m., and put your phone away for the night. The endless scrolling, notifications, and comparisons are the opposite of relaxing. When I first did this, I felt antsy. I realized how addicted I was to the constant stimulation. But after a few days, a sense of peace took its place.
- 2. Turn Off the News. Staying informed is one thing but flooding your mind with stressful world events right before bed is a recipe for anxiety. Protect your peace. You can catch up in the morning.
- 3. Listen to Calming Music. Create a playlist of instrumental music, classical pieces, or gentle worship songs. Let the music wash over you without demanding your active attention. It’s amazing how it can change the atmosphere of a room.
Soothe Your Body and Mind
After a long day, your body holds a lot of tension. These simple acts of self-care can help release it, signaling to your body that it’s time to rest.
- 4. Take a Warm Bath or Shower. This is a classic for a reason. The warm water relaxes your muscles and can help lower your body temperature afterward, which promotes sleep. Add some Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles.
- 5. Enjoy a Comforting Drink. A warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint can be incredibly soothing. This simple ritual replaced my old habit of mindless snacking or reaching for an unhealthy drink. It’s a small act of kindness to yourself.
- 6. Try a Scented Candle or Diffuser. Scents like lavender or sandalwood can have a powerful calming effect. Lighting a candle can also be a beautiful signal that the busy part of the day is over and the quiet part has begun.
Engage in Gentle Activities
Relaxation isn’t just about doing nothing. It’s about switching from stressful activities to restorative ones. Find something you enjoy that doesn’t feel like work.
- 7. Read a Real Book. Get lost in a story or learn something new from a non-fiction book. Reading on a physical page gives your eyes a break from blue light and engages your mind in a focused, gentle way.
- 8. Do a "Brain Dump" Journal. Before you wind down, take five minutes to write down everything on your mind. Worries, to-do lists, random ideas—get them all out of your head and onto paper. This clears your mental clutter so you can truly rest.
- 9. Pick Up a Low-Pressure Hobby. This isn’t about becoming an expert. It’s about enjoying the process. Work on a puzzle, sketch in a notebook, or try a simple craft. The goal is flow, not perfection.
- 10. Do Some Gentle Stretches. You don’t need a complicated routine. Just gently stretch your neck, shoulders, and back. Release the physical tension you’ve been carrying all day. Focus on how your body feels as you move.
Connect and Prepare for Tomorrow
A truly relaxing evening sets you up for a great day tomorrow. It involves connecting with what truly matters and creating a sense of order.
- 11. Have a Real Conversation. Talk to your spouse, a family member, or call a friend. A real, heartfelt conversation builds connection and reminds you that you’re not alone. It’s far more fulfilling than scrolling through social media.
- 12. Spend Time in Prayer. For me, this has become the most important part of my evening. It’s a quiet conversation with God where I can hand over my worries, express my gratitude, and find peace. When I was trying to overcome my old habits, my faith was the anchor that held me steady. Prayer is what centers me and gives my evenings purpose.
- 13. Read a Passage of Scripture. Spending a few minutes reading the Bible before bed fills my mind with truth and hope instead of the day's anxieties. It’s a powerful way to end the day on a foundation of faith.
- 14. Tidy Up for 10 Minutes. This isn’t about deep cleaning. Just spend ten minutes putting things back where they belong. A clear space helps create a clear mind. Waking up to a tidy room is a gift you give your future self.
- 15. Plan the Next Day. I write down my top three priorities for tomorrow. This takes just a few minutes, but it offloads the mental burden of planning. I can go to sleep knowing I have a clear, simple plan, which allows my mind to fully switch off.
You don’t have to do all 15 of these things at once. That would be overwhelming. The goal is to build a better evening, not a perfect one.
So I’ll ask you this: What is one small thing you can do tonight to make your evening just a little more relaxing?
Pick one. Just one. Try it tonight. You deserve an evening that recharges you, not drains you.
