My Non-Negotiable Nighttime Routine
I’m finally back to the blog after a brief hiatus. Things have been a little hectic in my world, and in full transparency, the blog fell to the bottom of the to-do list for a while. I plan to share a life update soon with everything that’s been going on, but I wanted to start by sharing this post (and more to come) that has been on my heart during this little break.
As a working mom of two toddlers, my days are pretty much nonstop until the moment they go to bed. While I do try to steal little moments for myself throughout the day and start my mornings intentionally, my nighttime routine has truly become my “me time.” Oddly enough, it’s one of my favorite parts of the day because there are finally no expectations pulling me in different directions.
Over time, I’ve realized that how I spend these nighttime hours directly affects how I feel the next day. When I skip my routine, mornings feel rushed, chaotic, and stressful. But when I stick to it, everything feels just a little smoother and more manageable.
The best part is that my husband and I have done this routine together so many nights that it no longer feels like a chore — it’s simply part of our process. It helps me unwind, reset, and mentally prepare for the day ahead.
So today, I wanted to share a few non-negotiables in my nighttime routine that help me wind down and set myself up for a better tomorrow. My biggest advice is to make your routine your own and stay consistent with it. At first, any new routine can feel like another task on your to-do list, but over time it becomes second nature — just part of your lifestyle.
1. Reset the House
Right after putting the kids to bed, I do a quick reset of the house. Nothing major — just the basics. I pick up toys, fold any laundry that needs finishing, and clean up the kitchen.
Waking up to a clean house makes such a difference in how the morning feels. There’s something so calming about going to bed knowing everything is reset. Honestly, these few evening hours are sometimes the only moments my house feels “perfect” before the chaos of toddler life starts all over again in the morning.
It’s one of those small things that future me is always grateful for.
2. Green Juice + Vitamin C
Once the house is picked up, I make my green juice mixed with vitamin C powder. I love putting it in a fun glass with crushed ice to make it feel like a little treat.
It’s such a simple habit, but it’s something I genuinely look forward to every night. It feels like an easy way to do something good for my body before the day ends. Plus, it gives me a nice little reset before any post-dinner treat — balance, right?
3. Wind-Down Time
After everything is done, I finally give myself permission to slow down. This is honestly my favorite part of the night.
Usually, my husband and I sit on the couch together and watch a show. I like to make it feel cozy by lighting a candle and grabbing my favorite blanket. It becomes the transition from “doing mode” to actually winding down, and I can physically feel my nervous system relax.
There’s something so comforting about ending the day quietly together after the nonstop pace of parenting and work.
4. The One-Hour-Before-Bed Routine
About an hour before bed, I start getting ready for the night. I brush my teeth, do my skincare routine, and fill up a bottle of water to keep by the bed.
Sometimes it’s hard to pause our favorite show to start getting ready, but beginning the process earlier helps me avoid that rushed, exhausted feeling right before falling asleep. I also love being in bed well before my actual “go to sleep” time. It helps take away the pressure of needing to fall asleep immediately and gives my body time to slowly transition into rest.
5. Screens Off Once I’m in Bed
Once I’m in bed, my phone is done for the night.
Instead, I journal for a few minutes using my sentence-a-day journal (which I actually wrote an entire blog post about- read it here) and read before going to sleep. It helps my mind slow down so much, and I always sleep better when I end the day this way.
I always joke that if you think you aren’t tired, just try reading a book at night. Somehow it instantly gives me that drowsy feeling I never get when I’m scrolling on my phone. Honestly, this has become my secret to getting to bed at a reasonable hour — and getting enough sleep is one of the biggest keys to making the most of my days.
None of this is complicated. It’s simply a handful of small habits that help me close the day well so tomorrow starts a little easier.
I hope this gives you a few ideas for creating a nighttime routine that helps you feel rested, calm, and prepared for the next day. And if you have nighttime rituals you love, send them my way — I’m always looking for new ideas to incorporate into mine.
Until next time. Night, Night! McKenzie