🌙 My Nighttime Reset Routine (for Anxious Uni Days)

University can feel overwhelming, especially when your mind won’t shut off after a long day. Whether it’s school stress, social pressure, or general anxiety, I’ve learned that how I end my day impacts how I feel the next morning.
This is my go-to nighttime reset routine that helps me unwind, slow down, and feel grounded before bed.

I start by putting my phone away — even just 30 minutes before bed helps. Instead of scrolling, I switch my sunrise alarm clock to a dim, warm light. It fills my room with a soft glow that feels instantly calming. I’ll also light a candle or use my diffuser with lavender or eucalyptus oil to help signal to my body that it’s time to wind down.

🕯 Tip: Scents + soft light = instant nervous system reset.

🛒 I use this sunrise lamp from Amazon and love how it mimics sunset mode before bed and gently wakes me up in the morning, too.
(Affiliate link — thank you for supporting my site! 💛)

If I have racing thoughts (which is often), I grab my journal and do a brain dump. I write out everything I’m worried about, no structure, no rules. Getting it all out of my head makes it way easier to breathe.

📓 I use a guided journal most nights, but even a notebook works.

This is key: I allow myself to do something just because it feels good. Whether it’s reading fiction, stretching, or sipping tea under my blanket, the goal is to let my body relax without pressure.

Once I’m under my blankets, I close my eyes and focus on slow breathing or a calming podcast. My room is dim, my alarm clock is set, and my phone is out of reach. It’s not about perfect sleep — it’s about creating the chance to rest.

This routine isn’t complicated or perfect, but it gives me a soft landing when the day feels heavy. If you’ve been feeling anxious lately, I hope this helps you carve out a little peace at night 💛
You can find some of the cozy tools I use on my Uni Essentials page, including my sunrise lamp and more nighttime favourites.