Why Do Moms Need a Routine at Night?

Morning routines are super common for busy moms, but we often overlook the benefits of a good evening routine after a long day. We focus on limiting stress in the morning with a structured routine to boost our organization for the day, but having a routine at night also decreases stress levels and improves mood.

You are more likely to go to sleep feeling relaxed with a healthy evening routine in place. As moms, we ensure our children have a consistent bedtime routine, but often neglect our own. Let’s change that!

The Perfect Evening Routine for Busy Moms

1. Dinner & Bedtime with the Kids
   
   
   
   Eating as a family is beneficial for the whole family. Wind down together, converse, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a beautiful time to bond with your children and husband before everyone is off to bed.
   
   Clean the kitchen and do the dishes while you cook (or immediately afterward), then shuffle the little ones off to bed for their usual bedtime routine.
   
2. Quick House Reset
   
   After the kids are in bed, do a quick reset. Fold blankets, pick up any remaining toys, and straighten up the bookshelves. You’ll thank yourself in the morning when you wake up to a re-organized house.
   
3. Make School Lunches & Meal Prep
   
   
   
   Always prep your kid’s lunch the night before. This saves you time and reduces stress in the morning! You can also take this time to prepare lunches for yourself or chop veggies for healthy snacks.
   
   It is easier to choose a healthy snack when it is ready and waiting for you!
   
4. Write out Schedule & To-Do List (End of Screen Time)
   
   Take a few minutes to check your schedule for the following day, then write out your to-do list. You’ll want to double check this in the morning, but having it laid out ahead of time will improve your productivity.
   
   After you’ve checked your schedule, lock your phone for the evening. This should be roughly one hour before bedtime. The light from screens increases our brain activity making it more difficult to fall asleep at night—this is also why phones are now equipped with “dark mode” and “night shift” dimmers.
   
5. Hygiene & Skincare Routine, Pajamas & Cup of Tea
   
   
   
   After you’ve locked your phone for the night, it’s time to fully wind down. Take a relaxing shower and go through your skincare routine, put on your favorite pajamas, and set the kettle on for a nice cup of tea.
   
6. Read or Journal
   
   
   
   While enjoying your favorite calming tea, read a chapter in the next book on your reading list or write in your journal. Both activities help your brain wind down and prepare for sleep.
   
   Gratitude journals are wonderful as they help us process what we are most grateful for in our lives. This can be especially important after a long, difficult day. If you don’t have a gratitude journal, then write about your day or whatever is on your mind at the moment. The point is to get your thoughts and feelings on paper to help relieve any residual stress from the day.
   
7. Stretch, Meditate, or Pray
   
   This speaks for itself. Each of these activities is calming in its own way. Choose your favorite or do all three! This is the final wind down before lights out.
   
8. Bedtime
   
   
   
   You made it! You survived another day, completed your wind-down routine, and can now get a restful night’s sleep. Enjoy!

Sum it Up: You Need an Evening Routine

A good evening routine can make or break your sleep cycle. So, wind down your evening the right way. Reset your house and recharge mentally, physically, and emotionally. Enjoy the relaxing process and quiet hours after the kids hit the hay!