5 Nighttime Rituals That Help Me Actually Unplug (Even on Chaotic Days)

There was a time when my evenings felt like a second shift. After the dinner dishes, bedtime routines, and that last load of laundry I always forgot about until 9PM, I used to collapse into bed wired and restless. I wasn’t winding down—I was crashing.

If that’s where you’re at right now, let me just say: I get it. And also—it doesn’t have to stay that way.

These five simple nighttime rituals help me transition from chaos to calm. They’re not complicated, they don’t require an entire hour, and they’ve made the end of my day something I actually look forward to.

The Power of a Wind-Down Ritual

Science backs it up: your nighttime routine can make or break your sleep, your next morning, and your overall nervous system. But more than that? It’s an act of self-respect. A small promise you keep to yourself that says, “I deserve to feel good.”

And no—this isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about giving yourself the chance to breathe before the day ends.

1. Skincare, But Keep It Minimal

I’m not a 10-step K-beauty girl. I love skincare that works but doesn’t overwhelm. Here’s what I use:

Each product feels clean, simple, and effective. This five-minute routine tells my body, “It’s time to slow down now.”

Simple nighttime skincare routine for women using five essential products

2. Red Light Glasses + My Sleepy Girl Mocktail

Two things that changed the game for my evenings:

Red light glasses to support my circadian rhythm (and skin, yes please)
My nightly drink: Mary Ruth’s nighttime minerals + Spindrift soda

It’s the combo I crave every night—and it helps signal to my body that it’s time to wind down.

Nighttime mocktail with minerals and red light glasses for a calming routine

3. Phone in Another Room by 6PM

This one took discipline—but it paid off fast.

By putting my phone away after dinner (usually in another room), I’m not tempted by Instagram scrolls or last-minute emails. I get to be where I am—with my family, with myself, without distractions.

Want to try it? Plug your charger in your bedroom, leave your phone on silent, and swap your alarm clock if needed. Your sleep (and soul) will thank you.

Woman setting boundaries by leaving her phone in another room after dinner

4. Sunset Gratitude Ride

Every evening, I hop on my bike and ride around the lake near our home. Golden hour light, quiet roads, a moment to breathe.

It’s not about exercise—it’s about feeling my life. Letting gratitude settle in. Slowing down before bed.

Woman riding a bike around a lake at sunset for evening mindfulness

5. Red Light Mask + Book to Close the Loop

My final wind-down combo is my favorite:

Red light mask for skin and sleep support
Kindle with a good book to take my brain out of to-do mode

I rotate between light romance, cozy fantasy, and personal growth reads—whatever helps me let go of the day.

Reading on a Kindle while wearing a red light therapy mask before bed

What This Routine Changed for Me

Since committing to this rhythm, I’ve noticed:

Better, deeper sleep
Less anxiety before bed
More present evenings with my family
A grounded, peaceful end to even the most chaotic days

And I didn’t have to overhaul my entire life to feel this way. Just a few consistent changes that support how I want to feel.

Want to Create Your Own Routine?

Start small. Pick one thing that feels good to you. Don’t try to copy mine—make it yours. This isn’t about doing what looks good on Pinterest. It’s about what helps you feel better.

Try:

A skincare ritual that feels like self-care
A nighttime drink that supports your sleep
A boundary around screens
A walk, a journal session, a stretch on the floor
A moment to unplug your brain from the day

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a full hour or a Pinterest-perfect vibe to wind down well. You just need intention. A few small moments that remind you: you matter.

Let this be your permission slip to feel good again.

What’s one thing YOU do to wind down at night? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas.

And if you want more wellness tools that actually fit your life (not just your “ideal” schedule), check out the Body Confidence Academy. It’s a complete system to help you feel like yourself again—from the inside out.

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