My Evening Reading Routine: A Sleep-Friendly Adventure
Ah, the evening reading routine. It’s like the perfect blend of a warm hug, a mental spa day, and a one-way ticket to dreamland. If you’re here, you’re probably hoping to either adopt this sacred habit or just snoop around my nightly quirks. Either way, welcome to my literary lair!
Spoiler alert: My routine is both ridiculously simple and oddly specific.
Let’s dive in.
Setting the Scene: Preparing for the Evening
Before I crack open a book, I have to transform my space into a cocoon of tranquility. Now, if you’re imagining me floating around with incense and chanting meditative mantras, you’re… absolutely correct. Just kidding. My prep routine is more “organized chaos” than anything Zen-like. Here’s how it goes:
Dim the Lights 🌞: Bright lights are the enemy of bedtime vibes. I flip on my trusty lamp that has three settings: “barely visible,” “midnight diner,” and “perfect glow for reading about dragons.” Obviously, I pick the latter.
Banish the Screens 🔐: My phone goes into “Do Not Disturb” mode, mostly because Instagram’s endless scroll has the power to steal entire evenings. (Also, blue light? No thanks.)
Grab Tea or Snacks 🍵🍪: My beverage of choice is usually herbal tea, the kind with names like “Sleepy Bear” or “Chamomile Dreams.” If I’m feeling wild, I’ll throw in a cookie. Okay, fine. Three cookies.
Cozy Up 🧡🪿: Picture this: fuzzy socks, a blanket so soft it could double as a cloud, and pajamas that scream “I gave up, but make it fashion.”
Choosing the Right Book
Now, onto the star of the show: the book. Picking the perfect bedtime read is an art, my friend. Here’s the trick—you want something engaging but not so thrilling that it keeps you awake. Stephen King? Hard pass. A cozy mystery about a baking detective? Yes, please.
Lately, I’ve been devouring books like they’re candy (calorie-free and just as addictive). Here’s my bedtime book checklist:
No Heart-Stopping Thrillers 🚨: Nothing kills a peaceful bedtime vibe like a plot twist that makes you scream, “WHAT?!” at 11 PM.
Light or Uplifting Reads 📚: Think romance novels, self-help books, or anything that doesn’t involve impending doom.
Revisiting Old Favorites 💛: Sometimes I’ll re-read Harry Potter because nothing beats a little Hogwarts nostalgia before bed.
Pro Tip: Don’t pick something you’re too invested in. Trust me, you’ll be up till 3 AM saying, “Just one more chapter!” and then hate yourself in the morning. (Been there. Still recovering.)
The Routine in Action
By this point, my little bedtime ritual is humming along like a well-oiled machine. Here’s what it actually looks like in action:
Settle In ☁️: I arrange my pillows like I’m constructing a fortress. Then, I grab my book and assume the position—half-sitting, half-lying down. (Is it comfortable? No. But it’s tradition.)
Dive Into the Book 🌬️: For the next 30 to 45 minutes, I’m in a completely different world. Maybe I’m solving a Victorian-era murder mystery or taking life advice from Brené Brown. Either way, I’m blissfully detached from reality.
The Reading Soundtrack 🎧: It’s dead quiet except for the occasional sound of my tea slurping or my dog’s snoring. Honestly, it’s ASMR gold.
The Sleepy Signals 😴: Somewhere around page 15, my eyelids start to stage a protest. The words on the page blur together, and I know it’s time to call it a night. I gently close the book, mentally thank the author, and drift off to sleep faster than you can say “plot twist.”
How It Benefits Me
You might be wondering: Is this routine really worth all the effort? Spoiler alert: YES. Here’s why:
Better Sleep 🌙: Reading before bed is like a lullaby for my overactive brain. It helps me unplug, unwind, and slip into a peaceful slumber—no sheep-counting required.
Less Screen Time 🔮: Since adopting this habit, my nightly doom-scrolling sessions have drastically decreased. It’s been amazing for my mental health (and my thumb, which is no longer sore from scrolling).
Mental Escape 🎨: Life can be chaotic, but a good book is the ultimate escape hatch. It’s like a mini-vacation every single night.
Mini Achievements 🏆: Finishing books feels oddly satisfying. It’s like ticking off a tiny box in the grand to-do list of life. Achievement unlocked!
A Dose of Joy 🌈: Let’s be real, reading brings me pure, unfiltered joy. And isn’t that what we all need a little more of?
So, you want to join the bedtime reading club? Welcome! We don’t have membership cards, but we do have lots of unsolicited book recommendations. Here’s how to start:
Pick a Time ⏰: Set aside 20-30 minutes each evening. Make it non-negotiable.
Create a Cozy Spot 🏡: A comfy chair, good lighting, and a warm drink go a long way. Trust me, the vibe matters.
Start Small 📖: Don’t overwhelm yourself with War and Peace. Begin with something light and fun.
Experiment 🌸: Not into novels? Try essays, poetry, or even graphic novels. There’s no wrong way to do this.
Stick With It ✅: It takes a few weeks to turn a new habit into a ritual. Give yourself time and grace—this isn’t a sprint.
Conclusion
And there you have it—my quirky, cozy, cookie-fueled bedtime reading routine in all its glory. It’s not just a habit; it’s a lifestyle.
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own routine, consider this your official invitation to the party. The rules are simple: find what works for you, make it fun, and most importantly, enjoy the heck out of it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a cup of tea calling my name and a paperback with my fingerprints all over it. Sweet dreams, and happy reading!
