4 habits to adopt in the evening to be happier
What if your happiness for the next day is at stake tonight? These 4 simple and effective habits can turn your evenings into lighter, more energetic mornings.
1. Prepare your mind for a peaceful walk
There’s nothing better than taking a leisurely walk at the end of the day to calm your mind. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a walk with your dog, this habit boosts digestion, stimulates blood circulation and reduces mental stress.
As interviewed by psychologist Lee Chambers huffpostTaking a walk in the evening helps to “organize your thoughts”, preparing your mind for restful and peaceful sleep. For greater safety, choose well-lit routes and put your phone away.
2. Disconnect from the screen
Your electronic devices can impair the quality of your sleep. The blue light from screens delays the production of melatonin, which is essential for good sleep. Yale psychologist Laurie Santos recommends putting away your devices 30 minutes before bed.
To avoid the temptation, leave your phone in another room and replace it with a classic alarm clock. This simple trick improves your sleep and calms a mind that is often overstimulated by social networks or emails.
3. Bathe your body with warm water
A warm bath or shower in the evening can do wonders for your mood and health. Immersing your body in water is relaxing, improves blood circulation and lowers body temperature, which is an important signal to the brain that triggers sleep.
If you prefer showers, they also provide similar benefits by enhancing relaxation and reducing accumulated stress.
4. Practice gratitude before bed
A peaceful mind is created by positive thoughts. Take a few minutes to list three to five things that brighten your day, no matter how small: a smile, a nice meal or a compliment.
This gratitude practice, recommended by Professor Robert Emmons, helps refocus your emotions on what really matters and sets you up for a restful night’s sleep.