My ideal evening routine as a healing person
My evening routine isn't exactly "thrilling," but it works. And when you’re healing, consistency is everything.
Here is my step-by-step process for closing out the day and preparing my body for a new day of healing and recovery:
The Warm-Up
The second I walk through the door, the first thing I do is turn on the water heater. While the shower is warming up, I head to the kitchen to prep my dinner—something light and easy to digest. I get it going in a small pot on the stove and turn the flame down to low just as I’m about to hop in the shower. By the time I’m out, a hot, home-cooked meal is waiting for me.
Why the Heat Matters
Now, you might be wondering: "Nathan, why is it so important to eat immediately after a hot shower?" That’s a great question. Essentially, our digestive system is "cold" by default. When we warm it up, it functions significantly better. For me, it’s not just about eating hot food; it’s about ensuring my entire system is primed to receive that nourishment. Gastritis means the stomach lining is sensitized and injured, which compromises its function. It needs that extra layer of support to do its job properly.
The "Pot-to-Bowl" Method
I take the pot to the table and set it on a heat-resistant mat. Usually, I’m eating some kind of restorative stew.
I’ve actually developed a specific way of eating to maintain the perfect temperature:
I dish out just a few spoonfuls into my bowl.
I immediately close the lid on the pot to trap the heat.
I spread the food out in the bowl to increase the surface area so it cools down to an edible temperature quickly.
I repeat this until I’m comfortably full.
I’ve been on this natural healing path for a year and a half now, and I’ve learned the hard way that if I put the whole serving in a bowl at once, it’s cold by the time I’m halfway through. To keep it warm until the last bite, I’d have to overheat it to the point of burning my mouth. This method solves that problem perfectly.
Post-Dinner & Winding Down
Digestion Time: After eating, I make it a point to stay seated for at least 30 minutes (longer if I can). This prevents any reflux or burning sensations in the stomach. (I’ve linked some studies on this in my other post: "Ways I Support My Digestive System During Gastritis Recovery").
Light Activity: Once settled, I move into my "work" phase. Sometimes this means meal-prepping for the next work day; other times, I’m sitting down to write for this blog so I can share my journey with all of you or simply studying something that interests me.
The Final Recharge: To wrap up the night, I do a one-hour meditation (I’ll be posting a deep dive on my meditation practice soon). I take my supplements—stay tuned for a full breakdown of my supplement stack—and then it’s lights out.
That’s it- It’s simple, it’s routine-like, and most importantly, it’s healing.