9 ways to wind down before bed when you’ve been home all day

Self-isolation, physical distancing, and working from home. Many of us are adjusting to a daily routine that revolves around these three things (and reminding ourselves what day of the week it is).

If we asked you how you’re finding the whole thing so far, chances are we would get mixed responses. You’re waking up, exercising, eating, working, and connecting with friends all in the same space. For some, it’s all happening in just one room.

So when the evening rolls around and you’ve been at home all day, how can you wind down before bed? We’ve rounded up nine different things you can try.

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Candle-lit yoga

Yoga studios are closed but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your zen on. Switch off at the end of the day by doing yoga in your kitchen, living room, or any space that works. Lay down a mat if you have one, light a candle or two, and do your own practice or see if a local yoga studio is streaming classes live on Instagram (many are!).

Drink a cup of tea

First off, we’re talking about caffeine-free tea — anything else might perk you up when you want the opposite effect. Chamomile tea has no caffeine, it’s packed with antioxidants, and it has a refreshing floral taste. This particular tea is said to have properties that may help with sleep and digestion, making it the perfect before-bed beverage.

Put away work-related items

If you’re trying to wind down, it doesn’t help to be reminded of work and the projects you have yet to complete. To help combat this and free up mental space for relaxation, try moving work-related items out of the space where you plan to chill. If it helps to store them in your wardrobe or a cabinet until the next day, that could be a way for you to separate work and your free time.

Read a book

We spend a huge chunk of our days in front of screens. Whether you switch between a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, your eyes are constantly absorbing blue light. Reading a physical book at night gives your eyes a break, and research has found that six minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. It can also help you feel relaxed and ease into a good night’s sleep.

Call your loved ones

Staying connected and checking in with your friends and family are more important than ever right now. Friendships enrich our lives; they have an impact on our happiness and well-being. Speaking with your favorite people before bed is a great way to boost your mood, and you can even agree on a positive topic to discuss before the call if you don’t want to talk about the news.

Try a new recipe

Staying safe at home gives you the time to try out new recipes, and it’s a nice way to relax after a long day. You can make mushroom roulade from scratch if you’re feeling boujee, put a simple cookie recipe to the test, or try something that requires no baking whatsoever. At the end of it all, you can go to bed knowing you have lunch and/or treats ready for the next day.

Watch a feel-good movie

Sitting down to watch a horror movie when you haven’t left your place all day might not be the best way to unwind — especially now. However, choosing an easy-to-watch film like a comedy or a rom-com can help you loosen up. You can’t go wrong with classics like DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story and Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Change into pajamas

Although it’s tempting to stay in your pajamas all day when you’re at home, it doesn’t set the tone for your workday or productivity. Wearing something comfortable (or perhaps stylish) for your working hours and changing into pajamas when you’re ready to unwind sends a message to your subconscious that you’re getting into the pre-bed zone.

Try a meditation app

If yoga isn’t your jam, why not give meditation a go? There are a plethora of apps that can help you try meditation for the first time and focus on mindfulness before bed. It’s also important to remember that meditation is something you can work on over some time, and it could be beneficial to try different apps to see which one works best for you.

Now, time to unwind.