20 tasks to add to your evening routine to help you wind down

Taking a bath is a great way to relax. Warm water will relax your nervous system, and as your body starts to calm down, so will your mind. Plus, you’ll feel totally clean before slipping into your pajamas and climbing into bed. 

There are few better ways to calm your mind than by meditating. Take some time before bed — even just a few minutes — to put everything out of your mind. It’ll give you a clear head before you try going to sleep. 

Stretching is typically associated with the morning. And while it is good to do when you wake up, stretching is also a great way to wind down. Just make sure you’re doing stretches that lend themselves to sleep. Child’s pose and neck stretches are great places to start. 

If you can’t calm your mind, at least try to focus it on something else. Reading is a great way to do that, and it’s especially great before bed. You can read anything you want, but you’ll find better sleep if you read something physical and avoid content that causes you stress. 

Listening to music is another good way to wind down before bed. There’s lots of science to support that music of various tempos can calm us and/or energize us, so choose slower music with soothing melodies when getting ready for bed. 

There are loads of podcasts available that are meant to help you wind down at night. Some are bedtime stories. Others are guided meditations. Find one that’ll help you get a better night of sleep. 

If relaxation to you is a warm beverage, opt for tea before bed. A good cup of tea can calm your body and soothe you at night. Just make sure that the tea you’re drinking isn’t caffeinated, as that can have the opposite effect. 

Walks can also help you wind down, especially in the summer. If it’s available to you, take a walk before going to bed at night — even if it’s just around your home — as some light movement can help prepare your body to sleep. 

Harsh lighting really is the enemy of so many things. Signal to your body that it’s time to start preparing to go to sleep by dimming the lights. You’ll slowly feel yourself calm down into a more meditative state. 

Visualization, believe it or not, can help you wind down, too. For example, envision yourself in a calm, serene place with no stress and things that make you happy. There are lots of different visualization techniques to try that promote good sleep. 

Getting cozy is a great way to get ready for bed. Cuddle up with a blanket to get your body temperature at its ideal for sleep, then slowly transition into your bed. 

Cuddling a loved one is another great way to wind down. Contact with someone you love puts your body at ease, and when you’re body’s at ease, it’s much easier to fall asleep. You can also try this with a pet. 

Journaling has been proven to help people wind down before bed, too. Be intentional about what you journal — avoid topics that’ll get you worked up — but know that it’s a strong technique for many people who’ve previously struggled getting to sleep. 

If journaling isn’t your jam, try doodling. Even if you’re not particularly artistic, mindless doodling can help your mind wander so you’re not so worked up. It helps relieve stress, which in turn helps you sleep. 

While a simple skincare routine is often better for your skin than one with lots of steps, adding one step can help you relax before bedtime. A non-comedogenic face mask or a gua sha can help you wind down at night without wreaking havoc on your skin. 

Exercise is a great way to get energy, but it can also help you calm down at night. Light to moderate exercise a couple of hours before bed can wind down your body and promote better sleep. Just avoid anything too intense. 

Writing a to-do list at night can also help you wind down as it gives you a plan for the next day and helps you feel organized. If thinking about what you have to do the next day causes anxiety, consider writing a list of what you accomplished that day so you feel proud and at ease. 

Get in touch with your body by scanning it internally to see how each part feels. You may not be aware that you’re holding tension in certain parts of your body, but scanning it will help you find your physical stress and release it before bed. 

Reciting a sleep mantra might sound silly, but it’s actually an effective way to prepare to go to sleep. Tell yourself that you’re calm, you’re safe, you’re tired, and you’re ready for a good night of sleep. 

Aromatherapy can be super helpful before bed. You can use essential oils for this, or you can light a candle. Candles also help set a cozy mood, which is why they’re preferable to some over essential oils. Just be sure to blow out the candle before bed.