We live in a fast-paced society where most of us are simply trying our best to manage our complex lives. Between balancing work, family, hobbies, running our homes, dating, and social lives, it can feel like there’s hardly any space to do anything else. It’s easy to neglect ourselves without even realising it.
To ensure I’m looking after myself—especially during stressful times when I desperately need a boost—I try to incorporate self-care rituals into my everyday life. I’ve found that doing them at night, once the day is over, is the easiest. It’s the time we naturally want to let go of the day’s stress and relax, plus it helps us feel rested and ready for tomorrow.
Self-care isn’t just about feeling good in the moment; it has real benefits. According to Verywell Health, it can improve mental health, reduce stress, lower the risk of burnout, and even help us have healthier relationships.
The best part? Developing a night routine list for self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. I know I get put off by anything that feels like hard work—life already demands enough from us. Adding small, simple rituals you can easily fit into your evenings can be a game-changer. It’s often the little things that make the biggest difference, and it doesn’t have to be something you do every single day. Do what feels manageable and easiest for you.
1. Quick tidy up
After a long day of work and getting the essentials done, like cooking, the first thing on my night routine list for self-care is to have a quick tidy-up. I put away anything I’ve used throughout the day so I can properly relax for the evening. You don’t need to get the hoover out or start mopping the floors—just a simple 10-15 minute declutter will do.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I find it hard to relax when my living space feels messy. As the saying goes, a tidy home is a tidy mind, and I truly believe it.
Once things are tidied away, I can properly enjoy the rest of my evening, whether that’s streaming my favourite shows or catching up on life admin—because of course, I also need to dedicate some of my evening to doing what I actually want to do!
2. Exercise
Exercising is a form of self-care because it keeps you fit and healthy. Of course, it releases endorphins, which make you happier and relieve stress. So, if you have any time during the evening to fit in some exercise, then it will be highly beneficial for you.
If you don’t fancy exercising, you can always practice stretching. Stretching has many health benefits such as improved blood circulation and keeping muscles flexible, strong and healthy. Stretching can also be a great stress releaver, so if your are experiencing stressful times, get stretching!!
3. Focus on your skin care ritual
This is my favourite part of the night routine list for self-care. A good skincare ritual is vital for healthy, glowing skin, and when our skin feels good, we feel more confident and genuinely better in ourselves. Plus, it’s such a relaxing way to wind down at the end of the day.
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to develop a nighttime skincare routine that works for you. According to Boots at night our skin cells work differently, focusing on recovering and repairing the damage done during the day. So it makes sense to adopt a skincare routine that supports this natural process while helping you end your day with a moment of calm.
4. Enjoy a warm drink
This is where I really begin to wind down. I’m already feeling fresh from having a shower and doing my skincare routine, so I like to continue that relaxed feeling with a warm cup of tea. I usually go for English Breakfast or peppermint—just because they’re my favourites—but of course, you can have whatever you enjoy.
To help me be more mindful, I like to turn off the TV and any background noise, and I put my phone away so I’m not tempted to start doom-scrolling. This way, I can truly check in with myself and gather my thoughts before bed. I also try to use this time to stay present, focusing on what’s around me and simply enjoying my tea, letting my mind settle instead of drifting into other thoughts.
5. Journaling
I couldn’t leave journaling off my self-care list. It’s such a powerful tool for healing, reflecting on your day, and releasing any feelings you’ve been carrying.
I usually spend around 12–20 minutes journaling in the evening, and it always helps me clear my mind before bed. If journaling isn’t your thing, you can use this time to simply write down what you’re grateful for instead. Practising gratitude has so many benefits, including helping you feel happier and more joyful.
6. Reading/meditating/listening to calm music
About an hour before bed, I try to avoid my phone so I can fully wind down for a good night’s sleep. Instead of doom-scrolling or chatting away on WhatsApp, I focus on either reading, meditating, or listening to calm music. It really depends on my mood that day which one I choose, and you can pick whatever feels right for you too, as long as it promotes self-care and is something you genuinely enjoy.
