My Mindfulness Evening Routine
With the evenings getting darker so fast, it is becoming progressively more important to look after your body, mind and soul. Having previously struggled with my mood in Winter, I've made it my goal to look after myself better this year and dedicate time to myself - and myself only. At the moment, I've not been making too many evening plans in order to make sure I can have this time. For once, I've started to find a routine that I'm really enjoying. So, I thought that I'd share it with you!
When I start my mindfulness evening routine, I like to make sure that I switch my phone on to airplane mode. I'll also leave it to charge so that it will be ready in the morning (and this way, I won't be tempted to leave it on overnight). As a blogger, I do find it hard to switch off from social media but having spent all of my working day looking at a screen, it's not good to spend my entire evening doing the same. If I'm prepared, I'll have got some tweets scheduled in. I'm not very good at that though!
When I'm home, if we're not expecting guests I'll usually hop straight into the shower and get my pyjamas on. I don't usually have time to shower in the mornings, and I find that an evening shower helps me to wind down. If you're feeling extra luxurious you could always go for a bath with a bath bomb/melt. I've not yet managed to figure out how people read in the bath, boo, but I usually try and settle down with a book in the evening at some point. I've read four books so far in the last six weeks, which is more than I've read in the past year. I absolutely love them and I'm really enjoying finding my favourite category. I've read a few fiction books, crime books and I'm also loving psychology/self-help books. My current read is 'The Discomfort Zone' by Farrah Storr (She has also done a Ted Talk all about it, to give you an introduction). I'm still pretty much at the start of the book, but I love it! It's a great reminder that we need to be uncomfortable sometimes in order to grow, and it's completely normal to be nervous about the unknown.
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I usually find that I get pretty sleepy after a while of reading my book, but if I'm not then I'll try and settle down with some meditation. For this, I get my phone back out as I use the Headspace app - did you know that if you have a Spotify premium account you can also get Headspace for free? Bargain! They have a load of different mindfulness routines for different purposes, including relationships, sleep and stress, just to name a few.
As much as I am enjoying my routine at the moment, I appreciate that it isn't perfect. My next goal is to focus on implementing some exercise in there somewhere, even if it's just some light yoga in an evening. I'd like to join the gym eventually, but it's important to make small changes that will last a lifetime and I don't want to jump in at the deep end.
How do you like to spend your evenings? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments box below!
This sounds like such a good evening routine, something I honestly need to adopt too, my evenings are so rushed at the minute! Also I didn’t know that you can get Headspace for free with a Spotify premium account, I may have to try it out xx
ReplyDeleteI defiantly need to be more mindful, creating an evening routine sounds perfect, also an amazing way to wind down!
ReplyDeleteMy recent post: https://lifeofellabella.blogspot.com/2018/12/real-talk-when-anxiety-became-trend.html
Love! My blog is all about mindfulness and intentional living- especially for thise who struggle with mental health. So this was great for me! I'd love to know those books you've read! And don't worry- you're not the only one who can't read in the bath. I, personally, find it so luxurious!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your evening routine. One of my goals for the new year is to implement a relaxed evening routine and focus on myself at that time once the little one has gone to sleep! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI love your evening routine. It is important to practice mindfulness. It is great that you block out social media during this time so you can reflect on yourself and not get distracted. Ooooh evening showers are the best! You're not in a rush and have plenty of time to spare. Haha, I am the same way after reading a book!
ReplyDeleteNancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I spend my evenings having a bath and then watching the soaps on tv!
ReplyDeleteThis is just beautiful! WOW... you have such a lovely blog. I am so happy I found this :)
ReplyDeleteI wish my evening was similar to this, I really need to unwind and do something other than staring at the screen! As soon as I'm home I'm straight on my phone, I might use this time instead to read. I'm sure I would read a lot of books in a week if I did this! My evenings are normally pretty dull I really need to get into a creative routine.
ReplyDeleteGemma | www.anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com
This is such a great evening routine, I really need to give it a try. Self care is so important that making time in the evenings for yourself doing these things would make a world of difference x
ReplyDeleteI’ve recently fell out of my evening routine and I’ve been suffering because of it. Having a routine in the evening is a great way to unwind. I need to start reading in the bath, as I always use my phone which probably isn’t the best idea haha xx
ReplyDeleteHannah | luxuryblush
Taking a step back and relaxing is so important after a busy day at work. Like you I like to read before bed, it really does help get you off to sleep doesn't it? I've found that I have read way more books since I got my Kindle last Christmas, and I can read it without the light /lamp on.
ReplyDeleteI can't recommend the book series "The DCI Jamie Carver Series" by Robert F Barker. Its a crime book, and I was gripped!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
This is a lovely post! I’m not great at having an evening routine that works, I tend to be trying to cram too much in to properly unwind, but it’s something that I must start getting better at. I loved this – makes me inspired to sort out my routine now, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a lovely evening routine and I’m absolutely in awe of the fact you manage to leave your phone on fight mode. I’m glued to mine most nights, it’s so bad! x
ReplyDeleteSophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thanks Chloe! Mine are too, I try to make sure I have at least one a week where I can chill though. Hope you're okay! xx
ReplyDeleteThis is really helpful thank you! I struggle getting into a good self-care evening routine and recently just got a puppy so the evenings aren't too stress-free at the moment!! Thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellie! x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I'm so glad you like it! Haha, love a good bath! xx
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it Soffy! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Nancy! Haha exactly, hence I much prefer the evening showers! :D xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect night! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Bryoni! xx
ReplyDeleteAww Gemma, I agree it'd be great to spend some time reading! It's okay to use your phone but if you think it's too much, then it'd be great to set up a new routine for yourself! xx
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just! That's such a good idea, I haven't invested in a kindle yet but I imagine it'll be much better for lighting. I'll have to look into it! xx
ReplyDeleteAww I'm so glad it was! Oh I need to see pics of the pup! xx
ReplyDeleteI need to get back in to a routine! Used to have it nailed and woke up feeling fresh as a daisy, haven't been so consistent lately though haha. This has definitely given me the inspiration to focus on a routine again, great post :)
ReplyDeleteThis sound like such a lovely evening routine! I personally enjoy ending busy days with a bubble bath with a Lush bath bomb as well as a glass of pink champagne!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good evening routine! Night time baths are one of my favourite ways to relax after a long day. I used to be pretty good at turning off my phone and laptop at night but recently, I've been keeping myself up by scrolling through social media and watching YouTube. I definitely need to work on this!
ReplyDeleteAww I'm so glad it was useful Tilly :) Good luck with it! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Blair. You can never say no to pink champagne! xx
ReplyDeleteReading a book really helps me relax after a long day and it's something I enjoy at any time of the day. I tend to read when I get home from work when I've gotten into comfy clothes and I don't have to stress about work. Sometimes, I find taking a shower in the evening helped too especially if it's a night when I need to wash my hair because I feel I can focus in looking after myself and giving myself a bit of a spa pamper. It really helped me relax too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie, I'm so glad you like it. I agree, it's so tempting to sit and blog all night haha, I have to tell myself not to though! xx
ReplyDeleteI'm the one who likes to read in the bath. I pretty much mastered it. :D
ReplyDeleteI agree that self care is important. I always enjoy those moments I have with myself.
Reading is always great, I love doing it when travelling to as I can really focus in on the book. Definitely agree with the hair washing nights! xx
ReplyDeleteYou must teach me your bath-book-reading ways!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alys! I agree, we all need some alone time! Xx
ReplyDeleteOmg Hannah you're brave using your phone haha! Xx
ReplyDeleteGlad it was useful Lindsey! Don't try and change it all at once if it won't work for you, but making small changes will really help :-) xx
ReplyDeleteAww thanks Sophie! It can be a hard habit to break but helps me feel so much better when I get into the routine of it :) x
ReplyDeleteI love meditating at night too. I use the Calm app c:
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a relaxing evening routine, I need to start unwinding more before I do to bed as I’m usually always on my phone. That’s so great you got through that many books, I need to start reading more often! X
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a relaxing evening routine! At this rate I get home, get straight into my pyjamas and fall asleep on the sofa!
ReplyDeleteTori | JustTheBeginning-x.com
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Reading has been part of my evening routine for as long as I can remember, even as a little girl I needed a book to send me off to sleep! I still haven't mastered the art of reading in the bath yet either though haha, I'd be too scared to wet the pages! Lovely post x
ReplyDeleteEvie x | https://eviejayne.co.uk
I've used the Calm app before and it's really good - good choice! Have you got the book? :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Aaliyah! I love reading, it's such a good replacement as it still means I have something in my hand :D
ReplyDeleteAhh that sounds wonderful, Tori! :D
ReplyDeleteAww Evie that's so cute! Thank you :D <3
ReplyDeleteI never knew that you could get Headspace for free with a Spotify premium account, I'm going to have to look into that! I find reading to be a great way to wind down and it's something I definitely need to do more often. Loved this post! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashleigh! xx
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a lovely evening routine, I love having a bath and a hot chocolate with a movie, makes me all warm and cosy especially in winter! Imogen x
ReplyDeleteTaking time out for yourself is so important! I tried Headspace a few years ago, but I wasn't really into it. Glad it works for you!
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maya! :)
ReplyDeletehey lovely, I just wanted to say that I'm very glad I found this blog post right now. off for a luxurious lush-infused shower to wind down. I'd also love to see your favourite books at the moment / from 2018 please !
ReplyDeletenati x | https://www.a-la-slowed.com/
Gaaah enjoy! That sounds amazing and I'm glad you're taking time out. Post up and coming! xx
ReplyDelete