How To Create A Simple Evening Routine that Works

It’s time to look at creating a simple evening routine that works! Every season of life looks a little different.

You may be in a season where you have kids or not, they might be little or older, and your evening routine will shift to fit your family and circumstances.

The most important thing is finding a simple routine that works for you. It doesn’t need to take a lot of time, but it can help you relax and set the stage for a smoother next day.

When you’re tempted to plop down in your Plufl (DON’T) and call it a day, try setting a timer instead. Start with five minutes. Work up to 10, 15, or 20 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in just 20 minutes.

Here’s how you can create a calming, productive evening routine that makes a big difference the following day. 

1. Quick Cleanup

Focus on the main areas of the house. Pick up toys, fold blankets, fluff pillows, and turn on a few lamps for a cozy atmosphere. Light a candle if you enjoy that extra touch. A quick wipe-down of mirrors or countertops can make your space feel fresh.

If you have kids, make this a family task. With little ones, play a song and clean for its duration. Older kids can take on specific jobs. Everyone doing a little adds up fast. 

2. Check Tomorrow’s Calendar

Take a few moments to see what’s on the schedule. Do you have appointments, school drop-offs, or errands? Plan for meals while you’re at it. If tomorrow calls for a crockpot dinner, thaw out meat and set the crockpot on the counter with your seasonings.

If you aren’t sure what you are having for dinner, consider meal planning for the week. Pick out 4-5 dinner meals and get the ingredients at the beginning of the week. This will help with the decision making during the week. If that sounds like too much, consider signing up for my weekly meal plan email. It’s FREE!

I will send you 7 dinner ideas every Sunday that will help you so much with this process. 

Think about lunches too. Portion chips, slice bread, and prep lunchboxes. Place everything in the fridge where it’s easy to grab. 

Keeping a simple calendar in an easy to see area is one of the best ways to take a brain dump. (weird term). When you write it down, you don’t have to store it in your brain anymore, and your brain can dump it out.

We all have busy schedules, write it down, and give your brain a break. 

3. Tidy the Kitchen

After dinner, tackle the dishes. Wash, dry, and put them away. I don’t know what it is about putting the dishes away that feels daunting, but taking the extra 3-5 minutes to dry and put them up, really does make a huge difference.

Clear off countertops and give them a quick wipe. Start the dishwasher if needed and plan to unload it in the morning as part of your morning routine.

A clean kitchen at night feels so good. This will take less time than you think and you’ll be glad you have this simple evening routine in the long run. 

4. Set Out Clothes

Decide what you’ll wear tomorrow. Hang up a shirt, set out pants, and pick your shoes. That small decision made the night before can save time and mental energy in the morning.

The little things add up and don’t really take that much time. You could also make this part of your afternoon routine.

When you get home from work and change into your workout or comfy clothes, go ahead and set out your outfit for the next day. You don’t have to wait until the evening to do this. 

5. Unplug and Unwind

Step away from technology. Let your brain relax. Studies show that avoiding screens before bed helps your natural melatonin kick in, signaling it’s time to wind down. The blue light from phones, tablets, and TVs can trick your brain int thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep. I know this may be really diffuicult, but the first thing you need to do is put the phone away and avoid looking at social media. We all need a little time away and this is a very important part of creating a successful night routine. 

Instead, create a bedtime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to rest. This could include dimming the lights, reading a book (YES!), doing some light stretching, or enjoying a hobby. If you missed a workout earlier, fit in a short one now. When my kids were younger,  I would play a running game with them after dinner—10 minutes of chasing each other to burn energy and have fun. They still talk about “running game”! 

Over time, these small habits act as a conditioned stimulus, training your body and mind to relax and prepare for sleep. You’ll find yourself unwinding more easily and falling asleep faster. Once you get into the habit of having a nighttime routine, you notice that your sleep quality improves, and that you feel more refreshed the next morning. You may even wake up before your alarm! That is the best. 

Your circadian rhythm is basically your body’s built-in clock. It tells you when to wake up and when to go to bed. It works on a 24-hour cycle, and it’s super picky about light and dark.

In the morning, natural light tells your brain, “Hey, it’s time to wake up!” But at night, your body needs darkness to start releasing melatonin, which helps you wind down. The problem? Artificial light, especially from phones, TVs, and even bright overhead lights, can mess with it.

Blue light from screens is the worst—it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.

To keep your rhythm happy, try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day. Get outside in the morning if you can—sunlight helps wake you up naturally. At night, dim the lights and ditch the screens at least an hour before bed. Little changes like this can help you sleep better.

And let’s be honest, when you sleep well, everything feels easier the next day. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep if you can.

Everyone’s different, so figure out what works for you. Trust me, taking care of your sleep makes a huge difference!

6. Practice Gratitude

Reflect on the day. What went well? What was hard? Think about one thing you’re grateful for. If you have a family, this can be a great way to connect and end the day positively.

Ending on a positive note is a simple way to let go of the day and practice gratitude. Don’t just focus on the big things (although great), recognize the little things as well. 

7. Take Time for Yourself

This part is personal and it doens’t necessarily mean you are alone.

It’s okay to share the tea with your family or cozy up with them to read.

For some, self-care means crossing a few more tasks off the list. For others, it’s enjoying a cup of herbal tea, a warm bath, or a chapter of a good book. I love a warm shower (okay, super hot shower) and putting on a pair of cozy jammies. 

You could also journal, stretch, or do a quick devotional. Use this time to do something that refreshes you.

8. Prep for Bed

Decide whether you need to shower at night or in the morning. If it’s at night, finish that before you’re too tired. Brush your teeth early so it’s done and you’re not tempted to snack.

Get into cozy clothes and settle in. You don’t have to wait until the very end of the day to do these things. 

9. Prioritize Sleep

leep is crucial. Aim for eight hours, but listen to your body. Some people need a little more, some a little less. Work backward from your wake-up time to find your bedtime. For example, if you wake up at 6 a.m., head to bed by 10 p.m.

Try experimenting with your natural rhythm on a day when you can let yourself wake up without an alarm. Understanding your body’s needs helps you prioritize rest.

Just make sure you get enough sleep and start practicing having a consistent bedtime. I know you’re not a toddler, but I am here to motivate and inspire you! 

Have you tried white noise? We use a box fan and as soon as I turn that thing on, my body knows it is time for bed. I know some people need a little bit of light or a little bit of noise to help them sleep. Pay attention to what works for you. 

Keep It Simple

Your routine doesn’t need to be perfect or complicated. It’s about creating a flow that helps you end the day feeling calm and prepared for tomorrow.

Each small step—whether tidying the living room, setting out clothes, or taking a moment for gratitude—adds up to a better evening and a better morning. 

Start small. Set that timer for five minutes and build from there. You’ll be glad you did.