I'm Always Stressed So I Tried A 'Slow-Down' Evening Routine For Better Sleep

In 2020, I focused on having a morning routine so I can have a productive day ahead. But lately, I noticed that waking up early and recharged is becoming difficult again. I reevaluated my day from the moment I wake up until I fall asleep—that's when I had a lightbulb moment. My nighttime routine was wacko! It had no structure and no definite bedtime.

I discovered that I function better when I follow a system. Although I've got my daily routine down pat, my evening habits could use some improvement. I was always staying up late because of the following: talking about fun topics on Clubhouse, watching random gross YouTube videos, and getting hooked on true crime documentaries on Netflix. I also wasn't constantly doing my skincare regimen, the highlight of my night besides sleep itself. I also found myself having a restless mind when in bed: All the bright ideas for work would pop up or embarrassing memories would haunt me.

It was time for a do-over and pay attention to what I do at night. Signaling my mind and body that it's time to slow down will help me fall asleep faster. After three weeks of trying out different habits, I mastered the most calming evening routine. Check out what I did:

Relaxing Evening Routine For Eternally Stressed People

1. Turn off all your apps' notifications

   I swear this simple task screams big ZEN energy.

2. Switch on your phone's night mode.

   Lower the brightness of the phone screen and choose night mode. This function adds a warm yellow tone to the screen which won't signal your brain that you need to stay up to read.

3. Take a warm shower.

   A warm shower will help "wash away" the day's stress. I like using body wash with a relaxing fragrance like lavender.

   

   For Keeps

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4. Change into your most comfy pantulog.

   If in the morning you put on cute WFH outfits, at night, you slip on your most lanta t-shirt or luxurious silk sleepwear.

5. Do your skincare routine.

   One aspect of taking care of yourself is skincare. You don't need a complicated routine. Simply choose the products that target your skin concerns.

   

   
   
   

   Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, P470.80, Lazada

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6. Fix your bed.

   This might seem simple but sleeping on a well-made bed will make you fall asleep faster. Use freshly laundered sheets and vacuum the mattress and bedding regularly. If you're feeling boujee, switch to a silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases help prevent hair breakage, and they feel sooo good on the skin, too!

   

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   Lily and Adora 19 Slik Momme Pillowcase, P1,750, Lily and Adora

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7. Fill your room with a lovely scent.

   I recommend choosing lavender because helps calm down the senses. Get it in a candle, room spray, or essential oil form. Whatever works for you.

   

   Iinstagram/_serendipitystudio

   Serendipity Studio Good Night, Sleep Tight Soy Candle, P450, Serendipity Studio

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8. Practice sleep affirmations.

   Calming affirmations that you do before bedtime will help signal the brain that it's time to rest. Plus, you'll be filling your mind with thoughts that will help feel relaxed. I listen to this every night:

   [youtube:{"videoId":"null","youtubeId":"IcbJy-VXwoM", "caption":"“I AM” Affirmations For Success,Wealth & Happiness | This Will Go Straight to Your Subconscious Mind"}]

Follow Ira on Instagram.

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Source: Cosmo PH