Welcome to this three-part mini-series, part of My Year of Dwelling Well, called How to Find Joy at Home (a simple guide).
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” – Annie Dillard
DDo you make the small moments in your life count?
Do you design routines with intention and notice simple chances to elevate the ordinary parts of your day?
How we choose to spend our days and the atmosphere we create at home for ourselves and our family is, in many ways, how we live.
Over the past few days we’ve shared a three-day mini-series on finding joy at home. We explored how to create a happy morning routine, setting daily intentions for a joyful mindset, and today we focus on designing a relaxing wind-down ritual. These small, meaningful practices are some of the ways I find joy in my home.
I’ve heard from many of you who feel more inspired and hopeful already, and I’m grateful for every message. Your stories encourage me. So many kind people are choosing to live and create a home with more care. Life isn’t always perfect, but there are always ways to better care for ourselves and the people around us.
Creating a home—and the life within it—is an art.
Do you have a wind-down routine you look forward to at the end of the day?
Here are ten simple steps to include in your nightly wind-down ritual.
Evenings are often full—preparing dinner, washing dishes, putting kids to bed, or finishing other tasks. Some seasons feel chaotic, but a thoughtful wind-down ritual is an important support to your well-being. A consistent routine signals your mind and body that it’s time to slow down and rest. I like to begin mine just before or after dinner; in winter I often start earlier. A string of small, familiar actions helps create a more peaceful night and adds joy to the end of the day.
As you begin your nightly ritual, you’ll notice the noise and rush of the day softening. Repeating simple actions each evening trains your brain to recognize that it’s time to rest.
- Put your phone away to remove distractions.
- Pull the blinds to create privacy and calm.
- Dim the overhead lights so the room feels softer.
- Turn on a few small lamps to create warm pools of light.
- Use battery-operated candles for a cozy, safe glow.
- Start a diffuser with a calming blend of essential oils.
- Play gentle wind-down music to set a peaceful mood.
- Write briefly in a journal—note a few things you’re grateful for or record a small moment you want to remember.
- Turn down your covers and spritz your sheets with a linen spray or light scent you love.
- Choose a slow, relaxing activity: take a short bath, sip a cup of tea, or read even a few pages of a book—give yourself at least one small act of self-care.
Establish a gentle evening rhythm that feels familiar, restful, and comforting.
I hope this mini-series encourages you to design days that bring more joy into your life and home.
What does your nightly ritual look like? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
I often incorporate pure plant essential oils into daily routines to support a happier, healthier home. In my experience, essential oils can uplift mood in the morning and help create a soothing environment throughout the day and evening.
Essential oils can support sleep, emotional balance, skincare routines, digestion, focus, gentle cleaning, and immune support. They offer a way to enjoy pleasant aromas without synthetic fragrances.
Create a free account to explore natural oil options and non-toxic household products and consider joining a wellness group to learn more about using them thoughtfully in your home.
Share what helps you unwind each night and which small rituals bring you comfort—returning to these practices is a simple path to more joy at home.