I don’t know about you, but over the years, I’ve had my fair share of restless nights. In my younger days, my evenings were often a jumble of last-minute work emails, mindless TV watching, and plenty of sugary snacks before bed.

It took me a while to realize those chaotic nighttime routines impacted my happiness more than I’d ever imagined.

After I retired from my office job, I began paying closer attention to my evening habits—everything from what I eat to how I wind down after a long day. Over time, I noticed that the calmer, more intentional my routine became, the happier and more at ease I felt the following morning. 

And apparently, I’m not alone.

In fact, if you look closely at folks who seem to get happier with age, you’ll often discover they have rituals in the evening that set them up for a positive outlook the next day. These aren’t wild or complicated routines—most of the time, it’s the small, deliberate choices that make all the difference.

If you’re curious about leveling up your evening and nurturing more joy in your life, keep reading. Here are five habits I’ve noticed in people who just seem to get happier and more content as the years roll on.

1) They give thanks

One of the simplest yet most powerful evening habits of happy people is gratitude. 

Taking a few moments to reflect on what went well during the day can shift your mindset, helping you focus on the positives rather than dwelling on stress or negativity.

As the folks at Harvard Health put it: 

“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

This doesn’t have to be complicated. Some people keep a gratitude journal and jot down three things they’re thankful for before bed. Others make it a point to verbally express appreciation to a loved one or even take a quiet moment to acknowledge the little joys of the day.

However you practice it, gratitude rewires your brain to notice the good, setting the stage for a more peaceful night’s sleep and a brighter morning ahead.

2) They connect with loved ones (or simply check in)

As we get older, it becomes clear that happiness isn’t about wealth, achievements, or material success—it’s about relationships. 

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, backs this up. Researchers found that the quality of our relationships is the single biggest predictor of long-term well-being. The study’s director, Dr. Robert Waldinger, put it simply: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

Happy people make it a point to check in with family and friends, whether it’s through a phone call, a shared meal, or even a short text exchange. They prioritize meaningful conversations over mindless scrolling and choose connection over isolation.

No matter how busy life gets, making time for the people who matter most fosters a deep sense of belonging, love, and joy—leading to not only happier evenings but a more fulfilling life overall.

3) They give themselves a mini digital detox

Now, I’m not one to demonize smartphones or technology. After all, I enjoy scrolling through pictures of my grandchildren just like anyone else. 

But I’ve noticed that people who maintain that steadily increasing sense of happiness as they age tend to limit their screentime at night.

Why does it matter? Because screens can be a sneaky source of mental chatter. The constant pings, the social media highlights, the late-night news—none of that sets the stage for restful sleep or a peaceful mind. 

The habit here is simple: set a cutoff time. Maybe 30 minutes before bed, maybe an hour—whatever works. 

Fill that time with something more relaxing, like reading a paperback or chatting about the day’s events with your partner. Trust me, your eyes and your mind will thank you in the morning.

4) They go for a walk in nature

So this might sound oddly specific—but I’ve noticed time and time again that people who seem to get happier with age often make it a habit to take a walk in nature in the evening.

And it’s for good reason. Research has shown that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with better well-being. That’s just a little over 17 minutes a day—a small investment for a big mental and emotional boost.

An evening walk, whether it’s through a park, around the neighborhood, or by the water, offers a chance to decompress, clear the mind, and soak in the calming effects of the outdoors. The fresh air, gentle movement, and natural surroundings work together to lower stress levels, improve mood, and promote better sleep.

5) They plan small joys for tomorrow

Last but perhaps most important, I’ve noticed that people who radiate happiness love having something to look forward to—no matter how small. 

It could be a coffee date with a friend, a morning stroll with a beloved dog, or just the promise of reading the next chapter in a riveting book. Yes, planning big vacations or grand family reunions can be exciting, but it’s the little daily pleasures that carry us through. 

My own nightly ritual often involves making a quick note in my calendar about something simple I’ll enjoy when I wake up. Some mornings, it’s strolling through the nearby park with my dog, Lottie. Other times, it’s taking my grandchildren out for pastries. Even the anticipation of these small events seems to cast a warm glow over my evening.

In the spirit of forward-thinking, setting out your clothes or prepping a healthy breakfast can also remove minor morning hassles. That way, you reduce stress tomorrow, which, in turn, keeps your happiness momentum going strong.

Conclusion

The older I get, the more I realize that happiness is rarely about huge milestones—it’s so often about the small, repeated actions that eventually form our everyday life. 

Swapping a frantic evening routine for more mindful habits can set a foundation that carries into the next morning, the next week, and ultimately, the next stage of our lives.

I won’t pretend to have it all figured out, but from one fellow evening-ritual explorer to another, I hope these seven habits give you some ideas. If you try them out, tweak them, and make them your own, I bet you’ll see that spark of happiness growing a little brighter each day.