My End-of-the-Workday Reset Routine (That Helps Me Actually Relax)
Every evening looks a little different, but there’s one part of my day that’s become non-negotiable.
Before I make dinner, work on my blog, or settle in for the night, I spend about 30 minutes unwinding.
I light my favorite candle, grab a glass of ice water, turn on my massage cushion, put on my heated eye mask, and read a few chapters of whatever book I’m currently working through.
It’s become my signal that the workday is officially over.
As someone who spends most of the day in front of a computer, this little routine helps me leave work behind and actually enjoy the rest of the evening.
5:00 PM: Shut down my work laptop.
5:02 PM: Light my favorite candle.
5:05 PM: Turn on the massage cushion and foot massager.
5:10 PM: Put away my phone and pick up my book.
5:30 PM: Make dinner or work on the blog with a clear head.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 1: Light a Candle
The first thing I do is light a candle.
It’s a tiny ritual, but it’s amazing how much it changes the mood of the room. The warm light and familiar scent tell my brain that it’s time to slow down.
Lately, I’ve been burning candles from Regular Ass Candles. Besides having one of the funniest company names I’ve ever seen, their scents have become some of my favorites.
If you’re curious, I wrote a full review of them here:
My Favorite Candle Company: Regular Candles Review
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Step 2: Turn On My Heated Massage Cushion
This massage cushion has quickly become one of my favorite purchases.
Instead of investing in a giant massage chair that would dominate my living room, I can place this on my futon whenever I need it and tuck it away when I’m finished.
I usually turn on:
- Heat
- Rolling massage
- Fifteen or twenty minutes
By the time it finishes, my shoulders feel noticeably more relaxed.
One thing I especially like is that it travels with me around the house. If I want to move it to my office chair or another chair, it only takes a few seconds.
One thing I wasn’t expecting to love so much is the heat. After spending the day at my computer, my neck and shoulders are usually the first places that start feeling tight. The massage nodes line up almost perfectly with the spots that need it most, and the gentle heat makes it feel even more relaxing.
Step 3: Give My Feet a Break
While my back is getting a massage, my feet usually are too.
After sitting at a desk most of the day, the compression feels incredibly relaxing.
It’s one of those products I didn’t think I needed until I owned one.
Now it’s become part of my evening routine.
Whether I’ve been working, walking around the house, or just standing while making dinner, it feels good to let someone—or rather something—do the work for a change.
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Step 4: Give My Eyes a Screen Break
After spending eight or more hours looking at code, documentation, and browser windows, my eyes deserve a little attention too.
The heated eye mask combines gentle warmth with light compression, making it one of the most relaxing parts of my routine.
Sometimes I’ll use it while listening to music.
Sometimes I’ll use it while lying back in the massage cushion.
It’s surprisingly calming after a long day of staring at screens.
FSA Eligible Eye Massager for Migraines & Dry Eyes (Heat + Cooling Review)
Step 5: Read Instead of Scroll
This might be the hardest habit I’ve tried to build.
It’s so easy to pick up my phone and scroll for “just a few minutes.”
Instead, I’ve been trying to read a chapter or two before doing anything else.
Right now I’m reading The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson, and it’s been the perfect evening escape.
Some nights I read twenty pages.
Some nights I only read five.
Either way, it’s a much more relaxing way to end the workday than staring at another screen.
Step 6: Keep Ice Water Nearby
One thing you’ll notice in almost every photo is my glass of ice water.
It’s nothing fancy, but I almost always keep one nearby.
After getting wrapped up in work all day, having water within reach reminds me to slow down, stay hydrated, and actually enjoy a few quiet minutes.
Sometimes the simplest habits end up being the ones that stick.
Why This Routine Works for Me
I don’t follow this routine because I think everyone needs the same products.
I follow it because it creates a transition.
When I light the candle, open my book, turn on the massage cushion, and put my phone down, my brain gets the message that work is finished.
That little mental shift has made a bigger difference than I expected.
Everything I Use
- Heated Massage Cushion
- Heated Eye Mask
- Foot & Calf Massager
- Favorite Candle
- Drinking Glass
- Throw Pillow
- Current Book
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A Nice Bonus: Most of This Routine Was FSA/HSA Eligible
One thing I didn’t realize when I started putting this routine together is that most of the wellness products I use are eligible for purchase with FSA or HSA funds.
If you already have money set aside for qualified healthcare expenses, it’s worth checking whether these types of products qualify.
In my routine:
- ✅ Heated massage chair pad
- ✅ Heated eye massager
- ✅ Foot and calf massager
The only thing that isn’t FSA/HSA eligible is my candle—but I wouldn’t want to skip that part either.
Using FSA/HSA funds made it easier to invest in products that help me relax after long days at my computer without paying entirely out of pocket.
As always, eligibility can vary by product, so double-check the current listing before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does your evening reset routine take?
Usually about 30 minutes. Sometimes longer if I get caught up in a good book.
Do you do this every day?
Not every day, but several evenings a week. Even when I’m busy, I’ll usually light a candle or read for a few minutes.
Why use a massage cushion instead of a massage chair?
A massage cushion takes up much less space and can be moved from room to room. It’s a great option if you don’t want a permanent massage chair in your home.
Is an eye massager worth it?
If you spend long hours looking at computer screens, the gentle heat and compression can feel incredibly relaxing after work.
What’s your favorite part of the routine?
Honestly, lighting the candle. It’s such a small thing, but it immediately makes the room feel cozier and signals that the workday is over.
Can I create a relaxing evening routine without buying everything?
Absolutely. Even reading for ten minutes, lighting a candle, drinking a glass of water, or stretching for a few minutes can help create that same transition between work and home.
The Best Part? It All Tucks Away.
One thing I appreciate most about this routine is that none of it has to stay out.
When I’m finished reading, I unplug everything and tuck it neatly into a basket beside my futon. The massage cushion slides behind the pillows, the eye mask rests on top, and the foot massager stays tucked underneath until tomorrow.
I love products that make my home feel more comfortable without making it feel cluttered.
That’s been a recurring theme throughout our house—we’re always looking for ways to make our spaces work harder without filling every corner with more stuff.
Tomorrow after work, it’ll all be waiting for me again.
Lisa Thompson
Hi, I'm Lisa, a software engineer, photographer, and creator behind Redcypress Designs. I share practical home solutions, beginner-friendly juicing tips, cozy living ideas, Pinterest experiments, and products that solve real everyday problems. Most of the projects, recipes, and reviews on this site come from my own experiences, testing, and occasional mistakes.
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