5 Calm (and Practical) Evening Routine Tips for Slow Living

Your evening routine is more than just the end of your day—it’s a reset for your body, mind, and soul. That why I’ve put together my top evening routine tips for slow living!
When we slow down our nervous system, we allow our bodies to relax, which leads to deeper rest and a calmer, more productive start to the following day. I’ll be honest, for the longest time, I thought a productive day started with the perfect morning routine. After countless nights of tossing and turning, waking up exhausted, I realized that it all starts with how we end the day.
Once I began shifting my evening routine to match the heart of slow living—turning off screens, dimming the lights, and taking a few moments to reflect on the day—it completely changed how I slept and how I felt the next morning.
Short On Time?
My favorite evening routine tips for slow living:
➡️ Turn Off Devices (or at least use blue light glasses)
➡️ And Read This Book: Goodnight Mind
➡️ Download my 7-Day Slow Living Challenge
Practical Evening Routine Tips for Slow Living
I get it—disconnecting can be hard, especially when you’re used to winding down with a good scroll or catching up on messages.
But here’s what works: set a cutoff time for all electronics, at least one hour before bed. Switch your phone to grayscale mode or enable night shift to reduce blue light exposure, and consider apps that limit your screen time in the evening.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of physically putting your phone in another room. Out of sight, out of mind—it really does help.
Instead of reaching for your device, reach for a book or spend a few moments reflecting on the day in a gratitude journal.
1. Protect Your Eyes From Late-Night Technology
In a world that’s constantly pulling us in every direction, it’s easy to let the day slip away, rushing through the evening to get to the next thing. But slow living teaches us to pause, breathe, and intentionally savor the moment.
Slowing down my evenings wasn’t just about getting better sleep (though that was a huge win!). It also made a big difference in my physical health—I had more energy, less stress, and I wasn’t dragging myself through the day anymore.
If you’re looking for something to help with blue light exposure, I highly recommend investing in a pair of blue light-blocking glasses or a screen filter to protect your eyes and improve your sleep quality.
My mind was clearer, and I felt present in my daily life, something I had been missing for a long time. It’s amazing what a few small changes can do when we allow ourselves to slow down and embrace rest.
In today’s world, social media, endless notifications, and news updates keep us constantly connected. But here’s the truth: those screens are overstimulating your nervous system and wreaking havoc on your body’s ability to wind down for the night.
When we’re glued to our phones or tablets late into the evening, the blue light from those screens blocks melatonin production—the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. And trust me, I learned this the hard way after many sleepless nights.
When we stay plugged in, our bodies are tricked into thinking it’s still daytime, which throws our circadian rhythm completely off balance.

2. Create a Sensory, Calm Living Space
There’s something almost magical about the way our environment influences how we feel—especially at the end of a long, busy day.
A calm, intentional living space can do wonders to signal your body that it’s time to relax. It’s more than just tidying up; it’s about creating a sensory experience that soothes your nervous system and invites peace into your evening.
I’ve found that by incorporating simple, natural elements like essential oils, candlelight, and calming sounds, my evenings feel more like a gentle transition into rest rather than a hard stop at the end of the day.
To help transform your space, try incorporating essential oils like lavender, candlelight, or even red light bulbs into your routine. These small additions can make a big difference in how calm and relaxed you feel as you prepare for sleep.
Start by dimming the lights as you get closer to bedtime. If you’re feeling fancy, try using candlelight or red light bulbs, which won’t overstimulate your brain like regular bright lights do.
Add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil to a diffuser, and let the soft glow of the candle or diffuser create a warm, soothing atmosphere. Personally, I love playing soft nature sounds or instrumental music in the background—it brings a sense of calm that helps me let go of the day.
These little sensory cues create an intentional pause in your routine and help your body and mind wind down naturally.
Your environment plays a big role in how your body prepares for rest. By creating a space that feels cozy and calming, you signal to your brain that it’s time to unwind.
Dimming the lights, filling the air with a calming scent like lavender, and turning on nature sounds are simple ways to slow down your nervous system and promote deeper, more restful sleep.

3. Practice Mindful Gratitude and Reflection
Gratitude is a game-changer. When life feels chaotic or overwhelming, it’s so easy to focus on the negative or what didn’t go right.
But here’s the thing—there’s power in slowing down, taking a breath, and intentionally reflecting on the good in your day, no matter how small. Gratitude helps shift your focus from the hustle and the stress to the little blessings we sometimes overlook.
This is at the heart of slow living—it’s about pausing long enough to notice and appreciate the beauty in the ordinary.
If you’re looking for something to help you start this practice, I highly recommend investing in a beautiful gratitude journal. It’s a small investment, but trust me, it’ll make a big difference in your evening routine and mindset!
Incorporating gratitude into your evening routine not only helps you end the day on a positive note, but it also eases stress, supports mental health, and creates a sense of peace before sleep.
By consciously reflecting on what went right instead of what went wrong, you’re training your mind to focus on joy rather than anxiety. Over time, this practice can transform how you approach your daily life—fostering more contentment, less stress, and a healthier mindset overall.
I keep a gratitude journal by my bedside and make it a habit to write down three things I’m thankful for each night.
It doesn’t have to be big—some nights, I jot down a moment of laughter with my kids or simply that I got to enjoy a quiet cup of tea. The key is to focus on what brought you joy, peace, or even a small sense of accomplishment.
Trust me, this simple practice is a powerful tool for calming your mind and ending the day with intention.
And don’t be afraid to be specific!
Instead of just writing, “I’m thankful for my family,” dig a little deeper: “I’m grateful for the conversation I had with my son today about his day at school.”
These details matter—they bring the gratitude to life and help you see the beauty in the little things.

4. Engage in Calming Physical Activity
It’s easy to forget how deeply connected our bodies are to our minds, but engaging in gentle physical activity at the end of the day can make a huge difference in how we sleep and how we feel.
Whether it’s a slow evening walk outside or simple stretches in your living room, this kind of movement helps signal to your body that it’s time to shift gears, let go of the day’s busyness, and relax.
For me, it’s one of the best ways to clear my head and prepare for rest.
Engaging in light physical activity before bed, like a leisurely walk or some mindful breathing exercises, does more than just loosen up your muscles—it calms your nervous system, regulates body temperature, and prepares you for sleep.
It’s a simple, slow-living practice that helps transition your body and mind from the fast-paced demands of the day into the peace of night. Plus, spending even a few minutes outside in the fresh air (especially on those chilly evenings) can do wonders for clearing your head and soothing your soul.
Looking to make this part of your routine more comfortable? Check out these yoga mats for your stretching routine or a pair of comfortable walking shoes (my favorite are Xeros) for those evening strolls.
I recommend taking a slow, mindful walk outside, even if it’s just around your neighborhood or yard. If the weather isn’t cooperating, gentle stretches or a few rounds of deep breathing exercises can also help calm your body and mind.
Focus on your breath, feel the tension release from your muscles, and notice how your body responds to the quiet moments. These are some of the simplest yet most effective slow-living activities to help you wind down after a busy day.
You’ll be surprised at how a few mindful moments of movement can change the way you feel at the end of the day!
5. Set Yourself Up for a Slow Morning
Here’s the truth: a peaceful, slow morning doesn’t start when your alarm goes off—it starts the night before.
If you’ve ever woken up feeling behind before you even get out of bed, it’s probably because the chaos of the previous day carried over into your morning. That’s why I’m a firm believer that the small things we do the evening before can have a huge impact on how we feel the next day.
Setting yourself up for a calm, intentional morning allows you to start your day on the right foot, without feeling rushed or frazzled.
When you take a few moments to prepare for tomorrow, you’re giving yourself the gift of time in the morning. Whether it’s setting out your clothes, tidying up your living space, or writing a quick to-do list, these simple evening tasks help you wake up with more mental clarity and less stress.
And when you create space for a slow, intentional morning—whether that’s enjoying a cup of herbal tea or spending a few extra minutes breathing in the fresh air—you set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Need help organizing your evenings for a smoother morning? Check out these planners to help keep your priorities straight or meal prep containers to simplify breakfast. These little tools can go a long way in creating the slow, intentional mornings you deserve.
One of my favorite ways to set myself up for success is by prepping the night before. I lay out my clothes, jot down a few key priorities in my planner, and even prep breakfast when I can (overnight oats, anyone?).
It’s amazing how these small steps free up extra time in the morning for the things that matter—like a few quiet moments with a cup of coffee or taking a deep breath while watching the sunrise. It’s all about creating space for what you really want your mornings to feel like.
Another game-changer? Tidying up your living space. Waking up to a clean kitchen or clutter-free living room makes such a big difference in how peaceful your morning feels. It’s a simple act of kindness to your future self!

Final Thoughts: Evening Routine Tips for Slow Living
Slow living isn’t just something we check off at the end of the day—it’s about creating intentional space throughout our daily routine to nurture our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
It’s in the little things—like a short walk in the fresh air, curling up with a good book, or taking a few moments to reflect in gratitude. These small practices are where the real transformation happens, allowing us to feel more present, more peaceful, and more aligned with our core values.
As you begin to integrate these evening routine tips into your life, you’ll start to notice how they positively impact not only your sleep but also your overall quality of life.
You’ll wake up feeling more refreshed, more grounded, and ready to face the day with intention. Remember, slow living is about progress, not perfection. Each small step toward a slower, more mindful approach adds up to a life that feels more balanced and fulfilled.
Take your time, give yourself grace, and enjoy the process of slowing down.
xoxo
BONUS: Have trouble getting your mind to rest? This book is a game-changer!
CLICK HERE >> Order Goodnight Mind
