This week, we’re talking about the best kept secret to ending each day feeling great: a “shut-down ritual.”

After a day spent in constant "work mode" or being distracted by our phones, it can be hard to disconnect — especially if we work from home.

Digital distractions throughout the day tend to keep our brains a bit too active, making it tough to fall asleep. 

That's where shut-down rituals come in: simple, intentional actions that (with some consistency) send a signal to your brain that the workday is over, allowing it to relax and prepare for rest.

Science tells us that our brains crave closure. When tasks are left unfinished, they linger in the back of our minds, making it harder to wind down. 

This is what’s called the Zeigarnik Effect (pronounced: ZYE-Gar-NICK). The research behind this phenomenon suggests that we tend to remember incomplete tasks more than finished ones. So, by jotting down any worries or “open loops” you have for tomorrow, you’re "offloading" those lingering thoughts and clearing space for rest.

In this post, we’ll explore effective, evidence-based strategies to incorporate into your end-of-day routine so you can ease into a restful evening.

5 Benefits of Wind-Down Time

🛏️  Better sleep: calming your mind helps you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.

😌  Less stress: let go of the day's worries, easing anxiety and preparing for rest.

🧠  Improved memory: quality sleep supports better recall and mental clarity.

🙂  Better mood: relaxing activities promote emotional wellbeing and ease.

💪  Feel prepared for tomorrow: a good night’s rest means waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day!

Find your “demonstrative anchor”

After a packed day, the temptation is to just shut the laptop and run.

But when we rush the transition from work to rest, we carry mental clutter into our evenings. That lingering task list? It steals our rest time, one unfinished thought at a time.

That’s why an effective shutdown ritual isn’t just about productivity, it’s about protecting your peace. When you follow the same simple steps each evening, your body starts to recognize the rhythm. You train your brain to wind down — not with willpower, but with cues. 

And here’s the real magic: your nervous system learns safety in repetition. A predictable wind-down routine helps your body exhale and ease “anticipatory stress”, signaling that it's safe to rest. 

This week, try anchoring your ritual to something you already do.

Maybe you usually close your laptop or close all tabs and windows? This time, try pairing that with tidying your desk. If you just ended your last meeting, try closing the loop by writing down tomorrow’s top priority. 

6 ways to disconnect

🌙  Create a shutdown checklist: desk tidy, time logged, tomorrow’s calendar peeked-at 🙂

🧠  Close open loops: Jot down tomorrow’s to-dos, tie up loose ends.

🚆  Pick a landmark on your commute home (a tunnel, a familiar intersection or metro stop, a park, etc): Once you pass it, mentally leave work behind you.

🧘‍♀️  Anchor your ritual to an existing behavior: For example… after you finish your last meeting, walk your dog, then change into your PJs.

🕯️  Add a sensory cue: Candle, diffuser, soft playlist.

Build your personalized shutdown routine

Instead of just building a shutdown routine that works, we’re going to build one that’s fun and feels like you.

We want to create sensory, playful signals that tell our nervous system: you’re safe to slow down now. 

This could be as simple as playing a specific song, putting on a silly hat or changing into comfy or less professional clothes, lighting a candle, or having a 30-second dance party before you even leave your desk.

The goal is to make the transition into rest feel distinct — a clear, satisfying closing ceremony for your workday.

And remember: your shutdown doesn’t need to be long or complicated. Two or three small, meaningful actions that you actually enjoy are way more powerful than a huge, unrealistic checklist. 

7 strategies to add to your shutdown playlist!

🎵  Play a specific “work is over” song (think: a personal victory anthem)

🧢  Put on a silly hat or different clothes to mark the transition

🖐️  High five yourself in the mirror — no really, it works!

📦  Pack up your desk like you're "closing the store"

🍵  Make an overly fancy cup of tea or mocktail to celebrate

🌬️  Physically blow out a candle to symbolize “closing” your day

✏️  Write a quick "sign off" note to yourself for tomorrow

Support better sleep & set yourself up for success

When you have a solid shutdown routine, you're signaling to your body that it’s time to rest. When your body learns to associate certain actions with sleep, it becomes easier to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

There is power in preparing to have quality sleep.

If you’ve ever gone to bed with a lot on your mind, like what you’ll wear, what commitments you have, or what’s on your to-do list, you know how overwhelming it can be. 

That’s where preparation comes in. By setting out your clothes, planning your meals, or reviewing your calendar for the next day, you reduce that last minute scramble and prevent anxiety from creeping in before bed.

Having a routine that sets you up for tomorrow, whether that’s reviewing your calendar, setting an alarm, or organizing your workspace, helps you start the day with a clear mind. It’s like giving your future self a head start! 

4 ways to support your sleep

📅  Prep for tomorrow: Set out clothes, prep meals, or review your calendar to reduce stress and anxiety.

🗂  Organize your space: Clear your workspace or tidy up to create a calm environment for both sleep and the next morning.

⏰  Review your day: Check your to-do list for tomorrow, so you’re not waking up to a surprise.

🌱  Start tomorrow, today: A simple evening routine sets your mind up for success, reducing the mental load when you wake up.

Troubleshooting and adjusting your routine

If you've tried making a shutdown routine… you may feel like it either clicks into place, or starts to wobble a bit. You probably noticed which parts feel good, and which ones could use a little adjusting. That’s all part of the process.

When obstacles pop up — distractions, feeling rushed, or just being too wired to relax, remember: the whole point of a shutdown routine is to make life feel lighter, not heavier. We want to give ourselves some breathing room, not add another chore to the list.

If something isn’t fitting into your evenings anymore, swap it out!

A shutdown routine doesn’t have to be long to be effective. Even a quick 5 - 10 minute ritual can help your brain and body shift gears.

Every evening won’t be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be. Just giving yourself permission to say, “this is enough for today,” can be a powerful act of self-preservation.

5 ways to troubleshoot your shutdown ritual

🌀 If you're feeling rushed: shorten your ritual to just 5 - 10 minutes

🔄 Swap something out: replace anything that feels like a burden for something that feels good

🎯 Just one thing: choose one small action that clearly signals “the workday is over”

🧠 Remember: closure helps you recharge, stay sharp, and prevent burnout

🌿 Say it aloud or write it down: “this is enough for today.”

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We hope this week's theme brought you some new ways to think about how you wind down for the day!

P.S. If you could use help accomplishing your goals this season while still remembering to rest, please join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Farah, focused space host