My 10-Minute Fall Evening Ritual That Changed Everything

Okay, can I share something personal with you?  Last Tuesday, I had one of those days. You know the kind—back-to-back meetings, traffic that made me question my life choices, and that general feeling of being pulled in seventeen different directions.

I walked through my front door feeling completely drained, and that's when it hit me: I needed to reclaim my evenings. Not just survive them, but actually look forward to them.

So I created this 10-minute fall evening ritual, and I'm not being dramatic when I say it completely changed how I end my days. Want to know the best part? It requires nothing more than what you probably already have at home, plus one or two luxurious touches that make all the difference.

There's something about shorter days that makes us crave ritual, isn't there? Maybe it's our bodies naturally wanting to slow down as the season shifts, or maybe it's just that cozy fall energy calling us home to ourselves.

Whatever it is, I've learned that fighting against this natural rhythm is exhausting. Instead, I've started leaning into it—and my evenings have become the most peaceful part of my day.

The moment I walk in the door, I light a candle. Not because I have to, but because it signals to my brain: "Work day is over. It's time to be present."

Then I change into something soft—usually my favorite oversized sweater or cozy loungewear. This physical transition helps me mentally shift from "doing" mode to "being" mode.

I wash my face with warm water (nothing fancy, just removing the day), and here's the key: I do it slowly. No rushing, no multitasking. Just me, warm water, and the simple act of caring for myself.

This is when I start to feel my shoulders drop and my breathing slow down.

This is where the magic happens. I warm a few pumps of body oil between my palms—usually our Cocoa+Cashmere blend because that scent just wraps around me like a hug—and massage it into my arms, shoulders, and anywhere that feels tense.

The key isn't just the moisturizing (though my skin drinks it up after a long day). It's the act of touching my own skin with intention, of literally smoothing away the day's stress.

I grab one of our handmade throws and wrap it around my shoulders like a soft armor against the world. There's something so grounding about that weight and warmth—it's like being hugged by comfort itself.

This is when I take three deep breaths and just... exist. No phone, no to-do list, just me and this moment of pure coziness.

I end by setting a gentle intention for my evening. Sometimes it's as simple as "I choose rest" or "I'm exactly where I need to be." Other times it's more specific: "I'll read that book" or "I'll call my sister."

The intention doesn't have to be profound—it just needs to feel true.

Instead of carrying the day's energy straight into evening, this ritual creates a beautiful buffer. It's like changing clothes for your soul—you're literally wrapping yourself in comfort and intention.

Taking 10 minutes just for you sends a powerful message: "I matter. My comfort matters. My peace matters." And honestly? We all need that reminder.

When I start my evening from this grounded place, everything flows better. Dinner tastes better, conversations are deeper, even Netflix feels more enjoyable because I'm truly present.

Do this ritual in your bedroom with the door closed. Your 10 minutes of peace will make you a better parent for the rest of the evening.

You don't need a fancy bathroom or bedroom. A corner of your living room with a soft throw and your favorite scent works perfectly.

Night shift? Do this when you get home, whatever time that is. The ritual adapts to you, not the other way around.

Here's the thing about rituals—they work with whatever you have, but the right products can elevate the entire experience.

I'm obsessed with how our 7+ oil blend feels on skin that's been through a long day. It's rich enough to feel truly nourishing but absorbs beautifully so you're not sticky under your cozy clothes.

Having something beautiful and soft to wrap yourself in transforms the entire experience. Our handmade throws aren't just gorgeous—they're like portable comfort you can take anywhere in your home.

This is where personal preference really matters. I gravitate toward our warmer, more grounding scents in fall because they make me feel instantly cozy. Find what makes you sigh with contentment.

I thought this ritual would feel like another thing on my to-do list, but it's become the thing I most look forward to. It's like I've created this little pocket of luxury in my regular Tuesday evening.

And the ripple effects? Better sleep, more patience with myself and others, and this general sense of being more grounded in my own life.

The real secret isn't the specific steps or products—it's the decision to prioritize your own comfort and peace. It's choosing to end your day with intention instead of just collapsing into bed.

It's recognizing that you deserve these moments of beauty and care, not just on special occasions, but on random Tuesday evenings when life feels ordinary.

I challenge you to try this for one week. Just seven days of choosing yourself for 10 minutes each evening. Notice how it changes not just your evenings, but how you move through your days knowing this peaceful ritual is waiting for you.

Because here's what I've learned: self-care isn't selfish. It's how we fill our own cup so we can show up fully for everything and everyone else we love.

Ready to reclaim your evenings? Your most peaceful, cozy, utterly content self is waiting.