Self-Care Rituals for More Intentional Evenings
Why Self-Care Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity
Life moves fast, but your evenings don’t have to. In a world that constantly demands your attention, taking time to slow down isn’t just a treat—it’s something you deserve.
For me, winding down at the end of the day is all about small, intentional moments. I come home, light a candle, and—if I wasn’t pregnant—a glass of wine would follow. Some music, a cozy sweater, greeting my dogs, and just being in my space for a minute. I try to keep my evenings free from screens when I can, because I’ve learned that self-care isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you let go of.
I believe self-care can be both big and small. Sure, sometimes it’s booking a facial or a getaway, but more often than not, it’s something as simple as a deep breath, a sip of water, or striking a match and lighting a candle. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it shouldn’t feel like another thing to do—it should just be a way to give back to yourself.
If you’re looking to create a more intentional evening routine, here are some simple self-care rituals that can help you unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
1. Light a Candle to Signal the Shift from Day to Night
This is one of my favorite effortless self-care rituals. It takes zero effort, but the impact is immediate. The second I light a candle, the whole vibe of my space changes. It’s a cue to take a breath, to pause, to let the weight of the day melt away.
A specific scent for winding down can help reinforce the habit of slowing down. When you consistently light a certain candle at night, your brain starts to associate that scent with relaxation. It’s like a gentle nudge saying, Hey, it’s time to rest now.
Best Candles for This Ritual: Try something grounding and subtle—nothing overpowering. A soft, woody scent or a touch of lavender can be the perfect way to ease into the evening. I personally love Ghost Town or Happy Camper for this.
2. Dim the Lights & Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Ambient lighting makes all the difference in how a space feels. Overhead lights? Too harsh. Instead, try soft lamps, twinkle lights, and of course, the glow of a candle. I also find that a tidy space makes it easier to relax—cleared-off surfaces, a cozy blanket, and a quiet moment to just be.
Pro Tip: If you already have a nighttime routine (brushing your teeth, reading before bed), try lighting a candle at the start of it. That small shift in lighting can make everything feel cozier and more intentional.
3. Pair Your Candle with a Warm Drink
There’s something about holding a warm mug that instantly feels like self-care. Whether it’s a tea, a golden latte, or even a glass of wine (mulled anyone?!), the experience of pairing a drink with scent creates a multi-sensory ritual.
Some of my favorite pairings:
Coffee or espresso → Best with warm, rich scents like French Press (perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up without the caffeine).
Herbal tea → Ideal with Mountain Thyme, which has bright citrus and matcha notes that complement tea beautifully.
Red wine → Pairs perfectly with something woodsy or musky—cozy, grounding scents that feel like curling up in a soft sweater.
Try this ritual: Next time you make your favorite evening drink, light a candle and take a slow, deep breath before you sip. Simple, but instantly calming.
4. Write It Out: Journaling, Gratitude, or a Simple Brain Dump
Journaling isn’t for everyone, but I’ve found that even just brain-dumping at the end of the day can be a huge stress reliever. I keep a notebook by my bedside and write down whatever is swirling in my brain—things I need to do, worries, or even a few things I’m grateful for.
Pairing this with candlelight makes it feel more like a ritual than a to-do list. Sometimes I even tell myself, Once the candle is lit, and all those thoughts and to-do's are down on paper... they can wait until tomorrow.
Not a journaling person? Try writing just one thing you’re grateful for each night, even if it’s as simple as “my warm bed” or “this candle smells amazing.” 😉
5. Stretch, Breathe, or Move Your Body (Even Just for a Minute)
At the end of the day, I love to do some light stretching—nothing intense, just a few deep breaths to shake off the day. Movement isn’t always about fitness; sometimes, it’s just about getting out of your head and back into your body.
Try This: Roll out a yoga mat, light a candle, and do a few gentle stretches before bed. Even a few deep breaths can make a difference.
6. Unplug & End the Night with Intention
One of the best ways to protect your evening self-care routine? Put your phone down. Even just 30 minutes before bed (though I shoot for at least an hour). The endless scrolling, the notifications—it keeps your brain wired. Instead, try a book, a podcast, a soothing playlist (I've been enjoying this one) or even just sitting in the quiet for a moment before bed.
If I could recommend one thing to everyone, it would be to incorporate candlelight into your evening wind-down routine. Let it be part of your space as you relax—the warm glow, the soft scent, the subtle crackle of the wood wick, and a quiet moment to transition into rest.
Best Candle for This Ritual: Your favorite relaxing scent.
The Magic of Small, Intentional Rituals
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. It’s not about doing all the things—it’s about finding what feels good to you and making space for it.
Light the candle. Take the deep breath. Let yourself enjoy the moment.