the workday’s done, but your mind isn’t.
you finally shut your laptop, but your brain's still whirring.
twenty minutes later, you’re elbow-deep in group chats, reels, and articles you’re not really reading.
sound familiar?
switching off used to be easy, turn off the light, lie down, breathe.
now, we’ve got constant tabs open in our head.
if you're craving something slower, here’s how to actually wind down, no phone, no pressure, just peace.
1. set a soft stop time
not everyone can log off at 5pm on the dot, we get it.
but giving yourself a soft boundary (like “i won’t open slack after 6:30”) gently separates work from rest.
even just closing your laptop and physically leaving your workspace signals to your brain that you're off-duty.
it’s not about being rigid, it’s about giving your mind permission to power down.
2. do a buffer activity
jumping straight from zoom calls to netflix might sound like downtime, but your brain doesn’t get a chance to shift gears.
instead, try a 10-minute ritual that marks the end of your day.
it could be:
- making a cup of herbal tea
- tidying one surface in your home
- opening a window and taking 5 deep breaths
buffer activities aren’t about being productive. they’re about building a small bridge between ‘work mode’ and ‘you mode’.
3. puzzle your brain into peace
this is one of our favourites - and yes, it’s kind of the whole point of what we do.
a jigsaw puzzle is one of the simplest ways to enter a mindful, focused state without needing to try to meditate.
there’s no pressure, no urgency, no outcome. just small, satisfying progress and the quiet feeling of something coming together.
the best part? puzzles help you get out of your head and into your hands.
they’re immersive, tactile, and screen-free - and they create space to breathe again.
(our puzzles are designed specifically for this, btw.)
4. create a vibe with sound
instead of filling your space with more screens, try setting the tone with music.
put on something that tells your body it’s time to relax - maybe soft jazz, ambient nature sounds, or even a nostalgic playlist from when life felt slower.
tip: pair music with your puzzle time, a hot drink, or a candle for a full sensory wind-down.
5. try the ‘no-scroll’ night
not every night. just one.
pick an evening each week where your phone lives in a drawer and you intentionally don’t reach for it.
instead, choose something that feels good:
- doing a puzzle with your partner
- journaling by candlelight
- cooking a new recipe slowly
- having a bath and reading in bed
no-scroll nights give your nervous system a breather - and they’re way more enjoyable than you’d expect.
6. use the 10-minute rule
if you’re finding it hard to switch off, don’t commit to a whole evening.
just do 10 minutes of something gentle:
- a few puzzle pieces
- a single page of writing
- one cup of tea, sipped without distraction
- once you start, the calm usually follows.
7. redefine what winding down means for you
some people meditate. others reorganise the kitchen drawer.
your version of peace doesn’t need to match anyone else’s.
what matters is that it gives you a moment of stillness - without needing to escape into your phone.
so if it’s journaling, puzzling, knitting, stretching, or simply sitting in silence... that’s valid.
make it yours.
one last thing...
we’re not anti-phone. but we are pro-intention.
because when your evening starts with even 10 minutes of calm, the whole night shifts.
you sleep better. you feel clearer. you remember what quiet feels like.
so tonight - maybe try a puzzle instead of a scroll.
or light a candle, pour a cup of tea, and give your brain the gift of stillness.
you deserve that.
