How to Create a Night Routine That Actually Helps You Unwind

The way you end your day matters just as much as how you start it. But “night routine” doesn’t have to mean a 12-step ritual involving serums, supplements, and candlelit journaling. A real night routine is about sending a simple message to your body: you can relax now.

Step 1: Set a Gentle Cutoff

Give yourself a clear “digital sunset.” It doesn’t have to be dramatic — just pick a time to close your laptop and stop scrolling. Blue light and mental clutter make it harder to switch off, but even 20 minutes of no-screen time before bed can make a difference in how calm you feel.

Step 2: Do Something Predictable

Your brain loves patterns. Doing the same simple thing every night — lighting a candle, washing your face, reading a few pages — signals that it’s time to slow down. It’s less about what you do and more about doing it consistently.

Step 3: Keep It Low-Stimulation

Dim the lights, lower the volume, and let quiet take over. Try swapping your phone for soft music or a physical book. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating a small pocket of peace that separates the day from rest.