Work days can leave me feeling like my brain is still running long after I’ve walked through the front door. Over the past few weeks I’ve started a small evening habit that’s helped me switch off: I sit down with the newspaper under my red light device, and I take my shilajit at the same time. Taking shilajit before bed alongside the paper has become my favourite 15 minutes of the day.
If you read my daily routine for hereditary hair loss, you’ll know red light therapy and shilajit were already part of what I do. What’s changed is when and how I do them, and putting them together has made the whole routine much easier to stick to.
My evening routine, step by step
- Get home and change out of work clothes. A small signal to myself that the work day is over.
- Make a warm drink with my shilajit. I dissolve a pea-sized amount of shilajit resin in warm (not boiling) water or herbal tea and stir until it’s fully mixed.
- Sit down with the newspaper under the red light. I set the timer for 10–15 minutes and position the light at the distance the manufacturer recommends.
- Phone goes in another room. This is the part that makes the biggest difference. No notifications, no scrolling, just the paper and the drink.
Why red light and the newspaper work so well together
The hardest part of red light therapy has always been sitting still for the full session. Before, I’d end up cutting it short or skipping it on busy days. Pairing it with something I already enjoy fixed that: by the time I’ve read the front page and a couple of articles, the session is done.
Reading print also gives me a proper break from screens. After a day in front of a computer, turning pages feels slower and calmer, and I find I actually take in more of what I read.
Why I take shilajit before bed
Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic tradition as a rejuvenating tonic. It’s naturally rich in fulvic acid and trace minerals, which is why so many people include it in their daily wellness routine.
For me, the practical benefit of taking shilajit before bed is consistency. When it’s tied to sitting down with the paper, I never forget it. A routine you actually keep up beats a perfect routine you skip half the time.
One note: some people find shilajit gives them a lift in energy and prefer taking it in the morning. It doesn’t affect my evenings, but see what works for your body.
What I’ve noticed so far
- Evenings feel calmer. Having a clear “end of work” ritual helps me switch off before dinner and family time.
- I’m far more consistent with red light. I haven’t missed a weekday session since I started pairing it with reading.
- Less screen time at night. Swapping the phone for the newspaper has made my evenings feel less rushed.
- Hair: too early to say. Research on red light for hair density is encouraging, but any change takes months of consistent use, so I’ll share an update later on.
Tips if you want to try something similar
- Follow your device’s instructions for distance and session length, and don’t stare directly into the light.
- Keep sessions short and regular. 10–15 minutes most days is easier to sustain than long, irregular sessions.
- Pair it with something you already enjoy: the newspaper, a book, a podcast or a cup of tea.
- Choose a lab-tested shilajit. Quality varies a lot. Our resin comes with a lab report in every pack, and you can learn how to check purity in our guide to testing shilajit for authenticity.
- Talk to your GP first before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or take regular medication.
Red light and shilajit are only part of a good wind-down. For general evidence-based tips on switching off in the evening, Healthdirect’s guide to better sleep is worth a read. If you’re curious how I fit shilajit into the rest of my day, see my daily hair loss routine, or read our overview of shilajit benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Can you read under a red light device?
Yes. Most red light panels give off enough light to read printed text comfortably. I keep sessions to around 15 minutes and position the light so it isn’t shining straight into my eyes.
What time of day should I take shilajit?
There’s no single right time. Many people take it in the morning, while I take mine in the evening because that’s when I reliably remember. Start with a small amount and see what suits you.
How long does a 30g jar of shilajit resin last?
At a pea-sized serving (roughly 300–500mg) once a day, a 30g jar lasts around two months or more.
Is it okay to take shilajit before bed?
For most people, yes. Taking shilajit before bed works well if it doesn’t give you an energy lift late in the day. If you notice it keeps you alert, simply move it to the morning. Whichever time you choose, taking shilajit before bed or after breakfast, the key is keeping a small, regular serving.
Try it yourself
If you’d like to build shilajit into your own evening routine, our Upakarma Ayurveda Natural Shilajit Resin (30g) is lab-tested, shipped Australia-wide, and available for local pickup in Earlwood, Sydney.
This post shares my personal routine and experience and isn’t medical advice. Speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or therapy.
