The Evening Wind-Down Ritual: Come Together Relaxing Routine
When life gets in the way, it is easy for couples to fall out of touch with one another. With kids, work, chores and other obligations vying for your time, finding a way to relax together can be tough. Yet creating an Evening Wind-Down Ritual can be a powerful way to re-connect and nurture intimacy at the end of each day. A calming routine that relaxes you both and also strengthens your connection.
Why an Evening Wind-Down?
Dedicating 15 minutes or more in the evening is an ideal opportunity to look back over your day, share experiences, and settle down to a tranquil night. Participating in a ritual together enables couples to open a space; to relax and communicate and enjoy each other without having agendas.
Here are some reasons to add an evening wind-down ritual to your daily routine:
Stress Buster: Couple time together at the end of a long day reduces stress and anxiety. Acting calm can dampen down cortisol and promote good feelings.
Improves Communication: Time allows couples to communicate with each other about the events of the day, ideas, and feelings. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to relationships.
Deepens Emotional Bond: When you spend good time together, it will feel comfortable and pleasant and thus, emotional closeness will follow with it. This is a chance to reconnect and express appreciation for one another.
Encourages a Good Sleep Routine: Participating in relaxation activities before bedtime can actually help you to signal to your body that it is time to wind down, potentially leading to better sleep.
Here are a few ideas for your wind-down routine in the evening: A night-time wind-down routine need not be complicated or involved. Here are a few suggestions to give you ideas and inspiration:
Reading Together: Pick a book you’re both interested in, then read to each other in turns. This could be fiction, poetry, or even a self-help book. Reading with a partner not only initiates good conversation, but it helps to share thoughts and interpretations on the reading material.
Meditation or Mindfulness Light a candle and make a few minutes for a brief session of meditation or mindfulness. You might use guided meditation apps, or simply sit together in silence, paying attention to your breath. This routine will help empty our minds and promote a peaceful environment.
Listen to Music or Bing a Favorite Show: Pick a tour favorite music or show that you both like and make a ritual of spending together once a week. Get some snacks, park it on the sofa, and listen or watch together. This can be a fun way to let loose and escape together into your own world.
Journaling: Take a few minutes to write in a collaborative journal. You can meditate on your day, everything you are grateful for, your thoughts and feelings. Discussing your entries with each other can help you grow and bond further.
Gentle Stretching or Yoga Practice: Some light stretching or yoga before bed. This may help you to unwind at the end of the day and release some of the tension. You can dance to a video or choreograph your own routine together. Making It Your Own Consistency and customization are the key to a productive evening wind-down routine. Select activities that work for both of you and make changes where necessary. Whether it’s a quiet night in or some cozy reading, you want to create an environment that is soothing to connect in and unwind.
Conclusion
Life can be busy and chaotic but adding an evening wind-down ritual to your own rhythms can be a powerful, though simple, way to enhance engagement in your relationship.
Spending quality time relaxing and bonding at the end of the day helps to build intimacy, improve communication and make memories that help keep the flame of love burning. So, turn down the lights, get set up with your favorite blankie and start your evening wind-down routine tonight!
