Hygge Bedtime Rituals – Evening Routine Ideas You’ll Love!
Cozy Hygge Bedtime Rituals to Try Tonight will help you rethink your evening rhythm and instead create one that will give you an optimal night’s sleep at the end of a long day.
Hygge Bedtime Rituals – Evening Routines
If you’re looking for more ideas on transforming your life, take a look at Cozy Hygge Morning Routines to Try Today and Hygge Ideas on Ultimate Self Care.
“The key to forming good habits is to make them part of your ‘rituals.’ I have a morning ritual, afternoon ritual, and Sunday ritual. It’s one way to bundle good habits into regular time that you set aside to prepare yourself for the life you want. Rituals help you form habits.”
Lewis Howes
After a hectic day, most of us fall into bed without decompressing, only to start another busy day the following morning.
What if we changed that routine and made bedtime a sacred period when we nourished ourselves instead? Once we examine our lives and create an intentional way of living, we can transform how our days unfold.
Successful people set up their next day with nightly rituals. You don’t have to try all these ideas at once; just pick one new habit and do it until it becomes routine. These ideas will help you achieve a deep sleep which will improve your energy levels throughout the day.
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Since you found this article on hygge bedtime rituals, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 186,000 like-minded souls.
It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cabin.
1. Pick a Bedtime
Stay consistent with when you go to bed, and follow this routine even on the weekends. Eventually, your body will start winding down after the habit is consistently in place.
This one change to your schedule can help prevent the time it takes you to fall asleep. It will mean no more endless tossing and turning each night.
Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule will also help with your stress levels, according to a study made at The Ohio State University.
Scientists discovered in 2017, in a study of college students, that having a consistent sleep schedule leads to an overall sense of happiness and well-being. It also increases healthiness and calmness in daily activities. You can find information about that study here.
Creating a standard sleep window also helps improve your metabolism according to this study.
They conducted a study on people who have rotating shifts and the impact of the schedule on their metabolisms. I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to do anything that will help my metabolism.
2. Power Down
Turn off the television, internet, and phone at least one hour before bedtime. You want to signal to your body that it’s time to relax.
By shutting off the stimulation early that keeps you awake, you’ll have more time to decompress. I have experienced many sleepless nights because I made the mistake of checking social media or my emails right before bed.
I learned that everything can wait until morning to be dealt with. If something really needed my attention, I know I will get a message from one of my friends or colleagues.
3. Candlelight Bath
There is nothing that equals a warm bath in my mind for winding down. I got into this habit years ago, and whenever I’m having trouble sleeping, I get up and take a bath.
Adding candlelight makes this nightly routine even cozier. Two cups of Epsom salts mixed with ten drops of lavender essential oil added to your bath will help you sleep better tonight.
Just complete the bath at least one hour before bedtime to ensure optimal sleep.
One of the Cozy Living Group members goes all out for her bath time. She tries different products and scents and shows us pictures of her tub before she begins her nightly routine.
Buying bath products can be pricey over time. Start making your own to save some money and know what ingredients are every batch homemade bath items. Here’s a book on Amazon that teaches you to make your bath items.
4. Layer Your Bed
You spend 1/3 of your life in bed, so make sure it’s comfortable and you have the proper sheets and blankets.
Pillows are important. I have four pillows on my bed, two long and two short. Having two pillows on each side of your bed is one of the easiest ways to cozy up your bed. I also have two bolsters for reading before bedtime.
Layers of blankets and lots of pillows create a comfy cocoon that will ensure a beautiful night’s sleep. I love lightweight, soft-to-the-touch sheets.
In the winter, flannel sheets are the perfect choice for keeping you cozy and warm. There are so many cute designs out there to choose from.
My cousin changes all the bedding in her home to snowflake flannel sheets when the first snowfall starts. It’s a family tradition that everyone loves.
Cable-knit blankets are all the rage right now for a reason. You’ll go to bed feeling like you’re wrapped in a giant sweater!
Topping your bed with faux fur is also a way to make your bed look and feel luxurious.
5. Goodnight Moon
Make it an evening ritual to go outside, wrapped in a blanket, and say goodnight to the moon. We need to remember how the most beautiful things in the world are free.
Did you know that the Native Americans of North America named the full moons to keep track of the seasons, according to the Farmers Almanac?
6. Tea Please
There’s something so wonderful about drinking a warm cup of tea. Here’s a bedtime tea formula to ensure a good night’s rest.
It’s amazing something so simple is bursting with flavor and warms you to the tip of your toes. Make sure you keep a variety of teas on hand and buy special seasonal teas when available.
Here are some of the best teas to ensure a restful night ahead:
Chamomile Tea
This beautiful flower looks great, calms the nervous system, and helps relax nerves. It’s also a natural sedative, so falling asleep will be much easier if you drink a cup before bed.
Chamomile tea is also chock full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that boost the immune system.
The flowers were originally native to India, western Asia, and Western Europe. It is now grown abundantly in the United States.
Recipe for Chamomile tea:
1) Boil 8 ounces of water and place in a mug.
2) Add one tablespoon of chamomile buds to a tea ball or strainer
3) Steep for 10 minutes.
4) Remove the tea ball or strainer and enjoy.
For organic ready-made tea bags, try Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea.
Hawthorne Tea
The Hawthorn bush is in the rose family and helps lower blood pressure and tension. It also improves sleep patterns.
Recipe for Hawthorn berry tea:
1) Boil 8 ounces of water and place in a mug.
2) Add one teaspoon dried Hawthorn berries to a tea ball or strainer
3) Steep for 10 minutes.
4) Remove the tea ball or strainer and enjoy.
Organic Hawthorn berry tea bags can be found here on Amazon.
Lavender Tea
You knew the scent of lavender was great for sleeping, but do you know that lavender tea is a great stress reliever, too? Lavender tea has been used for thousands of years to help with sleep and tension.
Lavender was originally native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Because of its benefits, this flowering bush is now grown worldwide.
Honey lavender tea is the perfect remedy for a not-so-great day.
Recipe for lavender tea:
1) Boil 8 ounces of water and place in a mug.
2) Add one tablespoon culinary lavender buds to a tea ball or strainer
3) Steep for 10 minutes.
4) Remove the tea ball or strainer and enjoy.
If you prefer ready-made teabags, you can find Honey Lavender tea here on Amazon.
Other teas you should try to prevent tossing and turning are lemon balm, Valerian root, Passionflower, and Magnolia bark tea.
7. Fairy Lights
Fairy lights add magic wherever they are placed. We all know how beautiful a Christmas tree looks in your home, so why not have that beauty all year round by adding fairy lights in your bedroom?
Turn off harsh lights and sit in the sparkling wonder of your room before drifting off to sleep.
Did you know they sell sheer curtains with twinkle lights weaved throughout them? You can hang a curtain behind your headboard for a beautiful way to end the night. Here are the fairy curtains on Amazon.
Take deep breaths and marinate in the peacefulness.
8. Be Grateful
Every night, write in a journal what you are grateful for today.
A shift happens when we focus on what’s right with our lives instead of rewinding the day and thinking of what went wrong.
For more ideas on gratefulness, read this post 21 Gratitude Quotes to Unlock Your Blessings.
9. Keep it Cool
You’ll want to keep your bedroom room temperature at a level that’s not too cold or warm.
The optimal temperature to keep your bedroom for a perfect night’s sleep is between 60-67 degrees.
Did you know your body temperature decreases while you sleep? If you keep your bedroom temperature too warm, your body will try to regulate itself, which will help you have optimal sleep.
10. Get Lost
Let a special book take you to another time and place. Make it a nightly ritual to read before bedtime, and give yourself that quiet time to take your mind off yourself and let your imagination soar.
I even love to read cookbooks with stories attached to the recipes before bed. Anything food-related makes me happy, so cookbooks are the perfect vehicle to ensure a peaceful night’s rest.
One of my favorite memoir series was written by one of my favorite cookbook authors. She had so many stories to tell that she divided her life into three books – complete with watercolor illustrations. You can find my favorite memoir book series here on Amazon.
According to a study from Sleep Junkie, people who read before bed end up sleeping 14 minutes more per night compared to those who don’t read.
11. Scented Dreams
Lavender, jasmine, lemon, vanilla, and Bergamot are just a few of the scents that promote rest. You’ll find yourself in a deep, relaxing sleep by using aromatherapy every evening.
You can put dried herbs in a bowl or use a diffuser to make your bedroom dreamy.
Mix one or two drops of rosemary essential oil with a dollop of unscented lotion to soothe stress. Massage your hands with this mixture.
According to Woman’s World magazine, using cortisol-busting rosemary and a hand massage sends a relaxation signal through your nerve endings within 60 seconds!
Spritzing your sheets with lavender linen spray will help ensure a deeper sleep, according to a University of Minnesota researchers report.
You can make your own lavender linen spray with this recipe.
Inhaling a whiff of vanilla has been proven to help you fall asleep 20 minutes sooner and sleep more soundly.
12. Snuggle Up
Snuggling with your loved one is the perfect way to end the evening. Physical touch is essential to any romantic relationship, so capping your evening off with your loved one is the ideal formula for a peaceful night’s rest.
If you don’t have a significant other, take the time to snuggle with your dog or cat.
13. Warm Your Eye Mask
If you heat your face mask in the dryer before bed, the warmth prompts the body to release sleep-inducing melatonin.
A study conducted in China found that wearing an eye mask to bed led to a better quality of sleep with fewer disruptions.
During warm summer months, you can keep your eye mask in the freezer for a cooling experience that will help you rest quickly.
14. Drink Tart Cherry Juice
Drinking tart cherry juice before bedtime is a perfect way to provide healthy nutrients to your body, help you get better quality rest, and lengthen the duration of your sleep.
Naturally rich in the hormone melatonin, tart cherries are a natural way to ensure sweet dreams.
15. Create an Evening Playlist
Music has a way of soothing our souls. How about creating an evening music playlist of tunes that create that warm and fuzzy feeling we all love?
I love listening to instrumental music before winding down after a hectic day. My favorite piano music is from George Winston. You can listen to his album December here on YouTube.
16. Cozy Pajamas
Finding the right pajamas is worth the investment and time you put into finding the perfect sets. The only problem is when you find a brand you love, you may never want to take them off.
One of my favorite pajama sets was pale blue with white fluffy clouds. The pajamas were flannel, which made them even more special.
I think once a month should be dedicated to pajama days. Staying home in your favorite pajamas and making your favorite comfort foods would be a to-do list worth completing.
17. Open Your Windows for a Few Minutes
I read an article in Woman’s World magazine that discussed the benefits of opening your windows for a few minutes every day.
One of the reasons it’s a good idea to make this habit is to lower the carbon dioxide levels in your home.
The article says fresh air will help you fall asleep 23% faster. Who knew something so simple would help us get the one thing most of us need more of – sleep?
18. Write it Down
How often have we gone to bed and found ourselves unable to sleep? All of our thoughts from the day are swirling in our heads.
Charlotte Bronte wrote, “A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.”
Writing down everything you need to do for the next day before climbing into bed will help you fall asleep faster. Keep a notebook on your bedside table and purge your thoughts before settling down so you don’t have to think about those things until the next day.
Simple tip: place a binder clip on the front cover of your notebook and let that clip attach your pen to the notebook so you never have to look for one.
19. Setting the Stage
Preparing things for the next day will help you have a better morning tomorrow. It will also relax your mind tonight because your morning routine will flow much better.
Pick out the outfit you’ll be wearing the next day and hang it in a place that is easy to reach.
Check the weather for the next day before selecting your clothing and accessories. You don’t want any surprises.
Preparing your meals in advance for the day is also a good habit to instill. Have your lunch and snack packs ready, and know what you’ll have for breakfast.
Knowing that you won’t have to rush around in the morning will help you rest easily.
20. Enveloped in Peace
Maintaining a dark, quiet bedroom environment is essential for deep, restorative sleep. Darkness signals the body to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, promoting more consistent and deeper sleep.
Eliminate any light sources that can interrupt your sleep. If you live somewhere with artificial light, you can purchase blackout shades or curtains for complete darkness.
21. Your Own Blanket
How many times do you wake up in the middle of the night because you’re cold, and the reason is your partner is hogging the blanket?
Instead of having a tug-of-war for covers, have your own blanket that you can have all to yourself.
22. Hot Foot Bath
If you don’t have time for a full bath, do the next best thing to help create a restful night – a hot foot bath. The hot foot bath will help you sleep because it draws blood away from the head.
According to The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, adding a little mustard powder to the water will increase the effect.
23. Focus on Happiness
What makes your heart happy? The evening hours are the perfect time to do something you enjoy.
Whether your source of joy is working on a hobby, looking through pictures of happy memories, or adding ideas to your vision board, let your last thoughts at night nourish your day.
We all know that plants need fertilizer to grow, yet somehow, we think we can go days without doing something good for ourselves without consequences.
Even 20 minutes a night devoted to doing something you love will give you the energy to handle day-to-day stress better.
24. Houseplants
Having houseplants in your bedroom can help you fall asleep at night. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air, which enables you to sleep better.
Scientific studies have also shown that houseplants reduce stress, according to scientific studies. They add ambiance to your bedroom, and a more beautiful bedroom increases peace and happiness.
25. One Question
At the end of every day, Benjamin Franklin would ask himself, “What good have I done today?” I love this idea.
If you ask yourself that question each night, you’re more likely to prioritize your day with at least one positive action that will have a ripple effect on other people’s lives. How amazing is that?
Focusing on your positive effect on the world before going to bed will surely enter your subconscious mind and boost your confidence.
26. Crackling Fire
There’s something so soothing about a crackling fire. According to scientists at the University of Alabama, spending just 20 minutes at the end of the day in front of a fire can lower your blood pressure by six points.
This significant drop in blood pressure is due to the mesmerizing experience of watching the flames dance and listening to the crackling sounds. Repetitive movements calm the central nervous system and help ensure a restful sleep.
If you don’t have a fireplace, there are plenty of YouTube videos of virtual fireplaces with or without background music.
Since I don’t have a fireplace in my office, I have the YouTube fireplace video playing on my computer while I write. I love the one that also has relaxing piano music.
27. Smell the Roses
Smelling roses before you go to bed at night leads to three times happier dreams, according to First for Women magazine.
We knew that roses were good for our souls, but helping us have sweeter dreams makes them irresistible.
28. Prayer
There’s no more powerful way to end your day than in prayer. It’s the nighttime routine that pays off in dividends.
29. Tidy Up
One of the cozy living members found a way to keep her home clean. She pledged to put her house to bed every evening by tidying up. She found it also helped her sleep better, knowing she wouldn’t wake up to a mess.
Related Article: How to Add Hygge to Your Cleaning Routine
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Related Hygge Bedtime Posts:
- 31 Hygge Quotes to Change Your Life
- Hygge Family Dinner Traditions to Start Tonight
- How to Make a Backyard Hygge Garden
- Hygge at Work: Turn Your Office Into a Cozy Place
- How to Create a Hygge Bathroom
- Creating a Hygge Bedroom You’ll Never Want to Leave
- How to Hygge When You’re Sick
- Best Hygge Books to Inspire a Cozy Life
