Now that fall is in full swing it’s time to refresh your evening routine. Love it or hate it, there is something comforting about the shorter days, cooler nights, and the chance to curl up with a warm drink. Beyond just enjoying the aesthetics of the season, fall is a perfect time to build evening habits that help you wind down and wake up feeling refreshed, ready to tackle the day.

In this modern world where we keep ourselves busy from sun up to sun down, evening routines really matter. Think of routines as laying out a red carpet for your next day. A well-structured routine signals to your brain that it’s time to unwind and get ready for sleep. Fall offers the perfect backdrop for this transition – think cozy blankets, soft lighting, and cinnamon or pumpkin spice scents. Let’s dive into crafting the ultimate evening routine that will set you up for morning success…

Let’s start by prepping for tomorrow. Take 10-15 minutes to lay out your clothing, pack your bag, and plan your breakfast. Nothing will make your morning smoother than doing a little prep the night before. This small step can save you time and stress in the morning and allow you to start your day on the right foot. Need an easy breakfast idea? Try overnight oats or prep a smoothie. Both are quick, healthy options that you can grab and go!

Now let’s set the mood for relaxation. Fall evenings are the perfect excuse to prepare your space as a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Start with dimmed lighting and scented candles. Autumn scents like apple cider, maple, or cinnamon will fill your space with cozy fall vibes. If you are already tired of pumpkin spice scent, try a diffuser with calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus. Fire up the wood stove or fireplace for additional warmth. You don’t have one? Check out the fireplace apps on your TV – instant cozy without having to stack a cord of wood!

Now that your space is perfect, get cozy with your favorite fall show or music. Rewatch your favorite show or movie or listen to a mellow autumn playlist filled with acoustic guitar, soft jazz, or even nature sounds like rain or crackling fires. If you choose TV, be mindful to shut down screen time at least sixty to thirty minutes before bed to let your eyes and mind rest.

With your space warmed, heat up your insides with a comforting drink. Sipping something warm is a great way to signal your body and mind that it’s time to wind down. Skip the caffeine and opt for something herbal. Chamomile, peppermint, or even a classic hot apple cider will do the trick. If you’re feeling indulgent, try a mug of hot milk seasoned with nutmeg and honey, no caffeine and all the late-night comfort you could ask for. This drink is a warm hug in a mug!

While watching TV or listening to soothing sounds, consider working in a gentle, calming stretch or yoga session. Stretching can help ease any tension from the day and prepare your body for sleep. Not only does stretching help you physically relax but it can also improve your flexibility and circulation. Even just ten minutes of stretching or light yoga can make a difference in how quickly you fall asleep and how rested you feel in the morning.

An important addition to your fall routine is to create a mental wind-down. This fall consider setting a “tech-curfew” for yourself about an hour before bed. Switch off phones, laptops or tablets, and yes, the TV too! In case you don’t know by now the blue light from screens is a sleep disrupter so give yourself time to unplug. Now that you’ve powered down grab a good book – perhaps with a fall theme that’s spooky, mysterious, or fantastical. Work on a soothing hobby like knitting or creating art. Pull a journal out and write about your day. Write three things you are grateful for and put yourself in a positive mindset before you drift off to sleep.

And finally, before sleep set your intentions for the next day. You can do this by journaling, meditation, or just a quiet moment of reflection, thinking about what you want to accomplish or how you want to feel the next day will help set a positive tone. If you’re into meditation, a short mindfulness session focused on gratitude or relaxation will help you fall asleep faster and wake up calm and focused.

We hope you enjoyed these tips for creating your own fall evening routine. Whether you choose warming drinks, gentle, stretching, or journaling, these small habits will add up to better sleep and more energy to tackle the next day. And, think about keeping the positive energy flowing all year by evolving nightly routines to welcome new seasons with seasonal-themed drinks, music, meditations, and hobbies. Creating these moments of peace and self-care in the evening is key to great mornings all year. Have a great week and we’ll see you in the next blog!

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Deb Fries works with the Julianna Rae team to offer the best shopping experience for quality silk and cotton sleepwear while also writing for the blog at Juliannarae.com.