Make It Happen Monday

Your weekly dose from the

The Healthy Living School®

My Evening Routine: One Habit That Changed My Life

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Today's Tip

The Evening Routine That Helps Me Wind Down and Sleep Deeply

Welcome back to Make It Happen Monday, your weekly dose of insight and action from the Healthy Living School!

I’ve been so touched by your comments and emails about my morning routine—it means so much to hear how it’s inspired you! Many of you have asked about my evening routine, so today, I’m excited to share what I do to wind down and set myself up for a restful night.

I see mornings and evenings as the bookends of the day—opportunities to build healthy, grounding rituals. My evening routine is all about helping my body and mind transition into rest and recovery.

Ending the Workday and Moving My Body

I generally finish my workday around 5 PM, and I like to move a bit to leave the world of work behind me—shaking off the mental and physical tension of the day. Typically, I take a brisk walk, which not only helps clear my mind but also exposes my eyes to that beautiful late afternoon light, reinforcing a strong circadian rhythm. Twice a week, I opt for an afternoon Pilates session instead.

Cooking and Unwinding

Once I return from my movement session, I begin cooking dinner around 5:30 or 6 PM. Depending on my mood, I might listen to a podcast that interests me or simply enjoy the process of preparing food in silence. My husband usually gets home around this time, and we might chat about our day—or sometimes, just enjoy the comfortable quiet together.

Because I understand the importance of reducing artificial light exposure in the evening, I take steps to create a calming environment. I dim the lights in the rooms I’m in, avoiding harsh overhead LED lighting. I also minimize my screen time, especially on the computer, to signal to my body that it’s time to wind down.

Dinner and a Short Evening Walk

I typically eat dinner by 7 PM—sometimes earlier, and occasionally later when life calls for flexibility. After eating, if the weather allows, my husband and I take a short 5-10 minute walk. This simple habit is fantastic for metabolic health, helping to lower post-meal blood glucose levels by nearly 50%.

Relaxing with a Show and Preparing for Bed

After dinner, I either read or take care of small household chores before winding down with a single episode of a series with my husband around 8 PM. Watching just one episode (rather than binge-watching!) allows us to enjoy entertainment without overstimulating our brains before bedtime. Once we finish, we clean up the kitchen together, which signals the official transition into our nighttime routine.

Nighttime Rituals for Restful Sleep

Before heading to bed, I always take a quick, very hot shower. Not only does it feel amazing, but research shows that a hot shower helps the body transition into deep, restful sleep more quickly. I then brush my teeth, use a Waterpik or floss (because dental hygiene is incredibly important for overall and brain health!), and take a balanced magnesium supplement—my go-to brand is this one.

If I feel particularly wound up from the day, I take five minutes to practice breathing exercises or meditation, which helps calm my nervous system. Then, I get into bed, apply my mouth tape to encourage nasal breathing, and read until I start feeling sleepy (anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes).

Books, Prayer, and Deep Surrender

I’m always reading at least two books at a time—one spiritual and one related to my areas of expertise and interest. Right now, I’m diving into these two thought-provoking reads. Finally, I end my day with prayer, making a radical surrender of every worry and concern. I ask God to take my burdens and hold me tight, allowing me to fully release and rest in peace.

This evening routine has truly transformed my sleep quality and overall well-being, and I hope it can inspire you to create your own version of a grounding nighttime ritual. If this resonated with you, please share it with others who might benefit.

Thank you for being part of this important movement. See you next week for another Make It Happen Monday!

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