Lately, my evenings haven’t looked the way I want them to. I’ve been slipping into a cycle of doomscrolling—scrolling past bedtime, convincing myself I’m just “winding down” when really, I’m robbing myself of true rest. This habit even has a name: revenge bedtime procrastination. It’s when you stay up late doing things that aren’t restorative simply because you want to reclaim some sense of personal time.
But here’s the thing—I don’t want my “me time” to be endless scrolling. I want it to feel intentional, cozy, and nourishing.
My ideal evening looks more like this: a bubble bath with a seasonal candle burning nearby, a lighthearted book or soft music playing in the background, and a few easy chores like folding laundry or tidying my desk. After that, I’d curl up with a coloring book or journal to let my creativity flow, and then finish with skincare and a good night’s sleep. Simple, but so much more rewarding than losing an hour to my phone.
If you’ve been feeling the same way, maybe it’s time to reclaim your evenings, too. Ask yourself: what little rituals would actually make me feel cared for at the end of the day? Whether it’s tea and a novel, stretching before bed, or pampering yourself with skincare, choose habits that restore you.
Because at the end of the day, you deserve an evening routine that feels like a gift, not an afterthought.
Elizabeth Yuen 