Wind Down with Calm: Reset Your Evening Energy

Last week, we explored how resetting your routine can help you feel more supported and in sync with your energy needs. This week, we’re turning the spotlight to evening energy - when things often fall apart for both kids and adults.  Evenings don’t just prepare you for rest - they set the tone for the next morning. A calming evening routine helps your nervous system shift from “doing” to “restoring,” so your body and mind can fully recharge.  This newsletter offers gentle ways to reclaim your evenings with clarity, calm, and rhythm.

Why Your Nervous System Needs an Evening Ritual

Evening energy can be chaotic - dinner prep, homework, emotions from the day, second winds (or total crashes).  

I get it.  My daughter’s school doesn’t end until 3:45pm, then there are after school activities and homework to squeeze in before it gets too late.  You would think that it would be enough time, but my family likes to take things at a slower pace - fast just makes us feel out of sorts.  Some days it feels like there isn't enough time for anything, let alone an evening ritual.

The thing is, evenings don't just prepare you for rest—they set the tone for the next morning. A calming evening routine helps your nervous system shift from "doing" to "restoring," so your body and mind can fully recharge.  An intentional evening ritual doesn't have to be long or elaborate. It just needs to be consistent.

An evening ritual:

• Tells your system it’s safe to slow down

• Reduces cortisol and supports melatonin production

• Helps you sleep more deeply and wake more grounded

• Creates emotional closure on the day

Start simple. It might be just 10 minutes.  But when it becomes consistent, your body starts to exhale before you even begin.  

I remember when I first started my energy medicine training and began doing the "hook-up" as part of my daily routine. After a few weeks, I noticed that even thinking about the practice would make my system relax and trigger a deep breath. That's the power of routine and repetition when it comes to subtle energy shifts.

💡 Reality Check Some nights will still be chaotic. Kids will melt down, schedules will run late, and your evening ritual that night might be three deep breaths in the bathroom. That counts. The goal isn't perfection—it's giving yourself permission to pause and reset, even when life feels messy.

Confession:  I know that watching screens right before bed isn’t the best idea, but I’ve gotten in the habit of watching a 5-10 minute video from one of my favorite YouTube channels out of Japan that is caring for 2 otters.  Their cute little faces make me smile every single night, which puts me in a good mood for sleep.  

Energy-Centered Bedtime Tips for Moms & Kids

Let’s make evenings smoother for everyone. Here are a few energetic strategies:

• Soften the Environment: Lower the lights, reduce noise, and create a soothing sensory field. This signals your energy body to start settling.  

• Gentle Tapping or Brushing: Use soft tapping or brush strokes down the arms and legs to calm the nervous system (this works for kids too).

• Energy “Download”: Place one hand on your forehead, one on your belly, and take 3 deep breaths. Say: “I release the day. I’m safe to rest.”

• Same Time, Every Night: Consistent sleep and wake times strengthen your energetic container — especially important in times of transition or stress.

Getting Partner Support for Evening Routines Evening meltdowns (kids or adults) affect everyone. Getting family buy-in for calmer evenings is usually easier because everyone benefits.

Conversation starters:

• "Bedtime has been really stressful lately. Can we try something different for a week and see how it goes?"

• "I read that dimming lights earlier helps everyone sleep better. Want to try it?"

• "What if we had 15 minutes of quiet time before bed—everyone does their own thing (no screens), but quietly?"

Division of Labor: If you're managing most evening routines solo, consider:

• Asking your partner to handle one specific part (bath time, story time, or cleanup)

• Trading off nights for bedtime duty

• Having them create their own calming ritual while you handle kids

For Single Parents:

• Create simple routines kids can follow independently

• Build in small moments of calm for yourself within the family routine

Mini Practice: Triple Warmer Smoothie

Purpose: Calm the fight-flight-freeze response and promote deep relaxation.

When to do it: Before bed or whenever you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or emotionally charged.

How to do it:

1. Rub your hands together to activate energy.

2. Place fingers at your temples and take a deep breath in.

3. Slowly stroke your fingers over your ears, down the sides of your neck, and rest your hands over your heart.

4. Breathe here for 3–5 full breaths.

5. Optional: Pair with gentle humming or soft music to deepen the effect.

This is a beautiful way to regulate your system before sleep — for you or your child.  

Journal Prompt

What would help my body and spirit feel more supported at the end of the day?

Affirmation of the Week

I release the day and allow my body to rest and restore in safety.

This Month’s Download

This comprehensive toolkit contains all four weekly practices plus bonus grounding techniques specifically designed for kids. The practices are simple, evidence-based, and adaptable to your unique needs.

Remember: Progress over perfection. Connection over compliance. Your calm energy is the foundation for your family's well-being.

Back to School Toolkit - supports all year long, not just this month!

Next Week

We'll explore how to clear energetic clutter and make space for what truly matters. As we approach the autumn equinox, it's the perfect time to let go of what's draining your energy and reclaim focus on your priorities.