We’re all too familiar with those evenings when you manage to be in bed by 9:30pm but your mind is racing. Your body is exhausted but you are preoccupied with concerns or things left on your to-do list. The good news is you’re not alone and we’re here to help!  We’ve found that decompressing and letting go of the day before turning out the lights is essential to a restful night of sleep. Simple evening rituals go a long way to help clear the mind and relax, and it’s super beneficial to make those soothing practices a habit. 

We spoke to a few successful career women about how they unwind before ending the day and took notes to share with you. What we realized is that there isn’t a right or wrong answer — it really depends on what you love and need! Take a look at the below tips and let us know what your go-to wind down routine is in the comments!

 

 

Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, The Home Edit

Clea: Sipping a glass of champagne in my bathroom (the only place in my house people won’t bother me.)

Joanna: Drinking a cup of tea or eating candy under a comfy blanket

Gabby Cohen, SVP PR and Brand Strategy at SoulCycle 

“Every Sunday night I get a foot massage at the nail salon below my building for 30 minutes while I clear out my inbox before my Monday morning influx of emails. It is my favorite relaxation technique!”

Camille Styles, Founder of CamilleStyles.com

“After I put the kids to bed, I love running a super hot bath and laying there with my eyes closed. It’s a 10-minute fix that helps any stresses of the day melt away.”

Hunter Bell, Founder & Designer of Hunter Bell NYC 

“Once all of my kids (I have three little ones) are down for the night, my husband and I have dinner together to catch up on each other’s day. This evening ritual ensures that I take time for myself and my husband in between the responsibilities of work and motherhood and helps me to feel refreshed after a long day.”

And from the House of Harper team…

Caroline Harper Knapp –

Sleep is so important and never underestimated in our house when it comes to the boys (hello, 7:30 bedtime), but we often don’t take our own needs serious enough.  Earlier this summer I was stressed and exhausted and they were fueling each other.  The more stressed I got, the later I would stay up trying to crank through my to-dos, but the cycle was never ending.  I finally realized that to have a productive day, I needed better sleep.  After reading this article and adopting a few tricks of my own, I am happy to report I am getting more sleep at night.  My favorite tip is to make a to-do list for the next day.  Putting my thoughts on paper before bed helps me relax so my head isn’t spinning with a million thoughts before closing my eyes.  Once I have it on paper, I can put it away until the morning, and I don’t have to worry about forgetting anything.  I also completely relate to Hunter and Kathryn’s tips, as well!  Turn off the electronic devices and read!  I typically can only get through a few chapters (or pages) before my eyes get heavy.  (I am currently reading Growth Hacker Marketing after Lauren recommended it!)

Kathryn Worsham

After being on my computer all day there is nothing more relaxing than stepping away from electronic screens and settling into a good book. I am the opposite of a night owl – I try to be in bed by 9pm if I can help it – and love to light a candle and curl up in my PJ’s with Sleepytime Tea and one of the many unread books on my shelf. If I am on my computer or phone until I go to sleep I find myself mentally adding items to my to-do list and overthinking my calendar for the week. This easy nighttime ritual feels like a little luxury and helps me distance myself from work until the morning.

What are your favorite tips to help you unwind in the evenings?  Share them with us in the comments below!