15 Simple Habits for a More Peaceful Evening

Recently, we shared a blog with 15 Habits to Help You Rise and Shine — and we heard that you love these lifestyle tips and habits. Once your morning routine is set, how about taking a look at your evening routine?

Are you someone who keeps going and going until late into the night? Do you wish you had more intention or ritual in your nights? We rounded up 15 simple habits to help you approach bedtime with the right energy to help you get the rest you deserve. 

As with the morning routines, you don’t need to do them all. Choose what works for you and leave the rest. If you put any of these into practice, share about it on social media and tag us! We love hearing from the Fantastic Fungi community. 

1. Clear the clutter for a clear mind. Keep your bedroom free from stress whenever possible. Put away your laptop, paperwork and anything that doesn’t support a restful, relaxing vibe. If possible, charge your phone in another room.
2. Embrace light and dark each day. At certain times of the year, this can be tricky, but your circadian rhythm will be happier if you can see sunlight and darkness each day. This helps keep your inner clock running on time.
3. Dim the lights. Low lights are important for your sleep-wake cycle, so swap bright overhead lights for cozy lamps or maybe a few candles after dinner.
4. Give your screens a bedtime. Your phone, laptop and tablet emit blue light that keeps you alert and awake. Your brain doesn’t like getting these mixed messages so close to bedtime. Set an alarm to shut down all digital tasks a couple of hours before turning in.
5. Keep it cool in your room. The best temperature for comfortable sleep is lower than you might think, according to the Sleep Foundation. While it’s not the best temperature for conserving energy, the best temperature for sleep is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 
6. Keep things dark and quiet to sleep better. Noise and light pollution impact even rural dwellers. For better sleep, use blackout curtains, an eye mask and earplugs if needed.
7. Make yourself comfortable. It’s much easier to fall asleep and stay asleep when you feel cozy and comfy. Wear your favorite pajamas – or go au naturel. Use pillows to support your body. Slip into cozy socks or add an extra blanket.
8. Move your body regularly. Exercise offers a boost for mind and body, and it can also help you sleep. The best workout is the one you enjoy doing regularly.  Together, they’re a dynamic duo: Exercise helps tire your body and sleep boosts your energy to exercise!
9. Time your caffeine. Instead of an afternoon latte, consider reaching for a caffeine-free alternative like Fantastic Mushroom Tea. Caffeine’s effects can linger for hours, so time your energy boosts according to your bedtime.  
10. Make micro-adjustments to your bedtime. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep daily. If you’re not getting anywhere close to that now, make tiny shifts. Try going to bed 15 minutes earlier every week until you’re getting enough rest.
11. Resist reverse bedtime procrastination. How many times have you stayed up late even when you’re tired? That’s reverse bedtime procrastination. Instead of squeezing in “me time” at night – cutting into your rest – focus on finding pockets of time during the day to refill your cup. You can’t fill from an empty cup, as they say.
12. Set a grown-up bedtime. Many adults get up at the same time each morning but fall asleep whenever they get tired or finish the day. Plan your wake-up time, then count backward at least seven hours. Set an alarm to remind yourself it’s time to go to bed.
13. Write it down and let it go. Instead of lying in bed ruminating on the day, make journaling part of your PM routine. Research shows that writing in a journal and practicing gratitude can boost mood and brain function.
14. End your day with gratitude. This powerful practice works any time of day or night, but we especially love giving thanks before hitting the hay. Think of it like a spiritual or emotional palate cleanser, to hopefully set you up for peaceful, restful sleep. One study found that keeping a gratitude journal helped people sleep 30 minutes longer!
15. Add Sleep Capsules from Fantastic Fungi to your bedtime ritual. Our certified-organic (and melatonin-free) Fantastic Fungi Sleep Capsules contain a blend of organic Reishi fruiting body extract, Passionflower extract and Hops extract. They are formulated to support a healthy stress response and deep sleep.* (Learn more about the ingredients we chose.) Formulated to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, they are made with the same care and commitment to quality as our other products.* When you try the new capsules, share your experience on social media and tag us! We love hearing from the community.