6 things I did to stop wasting my evenings after work

I used to fall into the same mundane routine after work**:** mindlessly scrolling on my phone, half-watching TV, or doing “just one more task” for work that quickly spiraled into another two hours. I’d go to bed feeling like I wasted my evening, promising myself I’d do better the next day—but the cycle repeated itself.

If you’ve ever felt like your evenings slip away before you’ve had a chance to unwind or do anything meaningful, you’re not alone. Balancing rest, personal time, and productivity after work can be tricky, especially when your mind is still lingering on emails or deadlines. But over time, I found a few habits that helped me reclaim my evenings, making them more intentional and fulfilling.

Here are six things I did to stop wasting my evenings and actually feel recharged by the time I went to bed.

Replacing My Phone with Something Fun

My phone used to be the biggest time sink, especially after a long workday when all I wanted was to “unwind.” But scrolling through TikTok or Instagram never left me feeling rested—instead, it drained my energy and left me feeling guilty. So, I started replacing that screen time with something fun and engaging: reading a book, doing a puzzle, or even playing a game. The key here is to make sure that the alternative activity feels genuinely enjoyable. Once I had something better to do, the urge to scroll faded away naturally.

Pro Tip: Keep a book or a journal near your couch or bed so that it’s easy to grab instead of reaching for your phone.

Time-Blocking My Evenings

Just like I block off time during the workday to stay productive, I started time-blocking my evenings to prioritize things that help me relax and feel fulfilled. I’d set aside 30 minutes for cooking, an hour for reading, 15 minutes for journaling, and 30 minutes for a nightly walk or stretching session. Time-blocking doesn’t have to be rigid, but giving structure to my evenings helped me avoid wasting them on autopilot.

Tip: Don’t overpack your evening schedule. Prioritize 1-2 activities that you actually enjoy and leave space for rest.

Disengaging from Work Mode

For a long time, I’d “finish” work, but my mind wouldn’t stop thinking about tasks, emails, or deadlines. Disengaging from work mode became essential to making the most of my evenings. I created a shutdown ritual: closing all work tabs, tidying my desk, and physically stepping away from my workspace. I’d even change into comfortable clothes to signal that the workday was over.

Another game-changer was setting boundaries around after-work emails. Unless something was urgent, I stopped checking work notifications after a certain time.

Try this: Create a simple end-of-work routine that signals to your brain it’s time to switch gears. This could be as easy as making a cup of tea, lighting a candle, or taking a quick walk.

Starting with Step 1

One of the biggest insights I gained was realizing that how I spent the first 10-15 minutes after work often dictated how the rest of my evening went. If I plopped down on the couch with my phone, the evening would disappear in a blur. If I took a moment to change clothes, hydrate, or do a short mindfulness exercise, I was more likely to stay intentional with my time.

I recommend taking a few days to notice your post-work habits. What’s the first thing you do after closing your laptop? Identify triggers that lead to time-wasting, and experiment with replacing them with better habits.

Tip: Even a small change—like putting your phone in another room or setting up your dinner prep—can make a big difference.

Having an Accountability Buddy

There’s something about knowing someone else is on the same journey that keeps you motivated. I reached out to a friend who also wanted to be more intentional with her evenings, and we checked in regularly about our progress. Sometimes, we’d even do virtual check-ins where we’d read or work on creative projects together.

Having someone to hold me accountable made me less likely to default to mindless habits. Plus, it was a fun way to stay connected without relying on social media.

Action Step: Find a friend who also wants to optimize their evenings. You can share updates, exchange tips, or even plan virtual “unwind sessions” together.

Making a List of Things I Love to Do (That Aren’t Work-Related)

I used to think that if I wasn’t being productive in the traditional sense (like working on side projects), I was wasting time. But productivity doesn’t always have to mean work—it can mean recharging your energy or doing things you love.

I sat down and made a list of activities that brought me joy: baking, painting, journaling, going on walks, experimenting with new recipes, and even just listening to music while doing nothing else. Having this list made it easier to decide how to spend my evenings, and it reminded me that rest is just as valuable as productivity.

Try it: Write down a list of activities you enjoy that have nothing to do with work. When you’re unsure of how to spend your evening, refer to the list for inspiration.

Taking back control of my evenings wasn’t about packing them with more activities—it was about being intentional with how I spent my time. By creating a few simple habits, I’ve been able to unwind, recharge, and go to bed feeling more fulfilled. If you’ve been struggling with wasting your evenings, start small. Even one change can make a huge difference. And remember, rest isn’t wasted time—it’s fuel for a better tomorrow.

What's the first thing you do when you get off work?