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I Changed How I Spend the Previous Night for a Week—The Results Shocked Me

A Cozy, Real-Life Night Routine 🕯️🌙— Time-Stamped Habits That Help Me Wake Up Happy

My Cozy and Balanced Night Routine

As a lifestyle content creator, I’ve crafted a night routine that’s become a sacred part of my life, helping me unwind, prepare for the next day, and maintain consistency through various life changes. After leaving my corporate job to pursue content creation full-time while job hunting, this routine has been a grounding constant. It’s intentional, designed to help me relax, spend quality time with my husband and dog, Ella, and set myself up for early mornings—especially since I attend F45 classes 4-5 times a week at 6:00 AM. Here’s a glimpse into my evening, filmed vlog-style, starting around 5:30 PM.

Tidying Up

I begin by tidying my workspace and home. A cluttered desk in the morning throws me off, so I take about five minutes to clean my desk, tidy our room, and straighten up downstairs. I also finish folding any laundry from earlier in the day, like today’s load, to keep things organized.

Cooking Dinner

Next, I dive into cooking, which I find therapeutic when life isn’t too hectic. Tonight, we’re having chili lime cod with a lime butter sauce, corn, and cilantro lime rice. I prepped the rice earlier and seasoned the fish, ready to cook. I’m a routine-oriented person, so we plan our meals weekly on Friday or Saturday, with curbside grocery pickup on Sunday. When I worked my corporate job, we used meal kit services for three dinners a week, but now, with more time, I cook five nights a week, and we eat out twice, usually on weekends for social outings. Cooking with my husband, Griff, is a fun way to connect, though tonight I’m solo since I’m filming. I often play music while cooking, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Dishwasher Routine

We’re big believers in running the dishwasher overnight. Griff unloads it when he gets home from work, which lets me load dishes as I cook. This keeps the kitchen manageable and ensures we wake up to a clean space. After dinner, we “close” the kitchen, leaving it tidy for the next day.

Sweet Treat and Evening Walk

Occasionally, we indulge in a sweet treat. Last night, we made no-bake Butterfinger bites from The Defined Dish recipe, using cornflakes, honey, peanut butter, dark chocolate, coconut oil, and salt. They’re crunchy, peanut buttery, and delicious! After dinner, I take Ella for a 20-minute walk around sunset. It’s the perfect way to transition from day to evening, aiding digestion and gently tiring me out after a sedentary workday. Sometimes Griff joins us, but tonight it’s just Ella and me, soaking in nature or listening to music.

Evening Shower and Skincare

Back upstairs, I take a quick body shower to rinse off the day. I shower in the mornings on F45 days (when I also wash my hair or shave), but evening showers are about relaxation and visualization—letting the day’s stress wash away. I use body wash and face wash, then apply skincare, letting each step sink in with the help of a small fan. I also floss and brush my teeth every night (a habit that earned me a “cleanest mouth” compliment at the dentist!). Post-shower, I slip into my Brooklyn & Co. waffle robe and apply Athena Club Dewy Body Lotion, which smells like lily, rose water, and vanilla. Its long-lasting scent is a favorite, though the pump could be better.

Preparing for the Next Day

I set out my workout clothes for the next morning’s F45 class to streamline my routine. Tonight’s pajamas are a comfy Skims Soft Lounge tank and shorts set. These small preparations make mornings easier, especially when I’m tempted to stay in bed.

Winding Down in Bed

By 9:00 PM, I’m in bed—earlier than my usual 9:30 because I’m extra tired. I aim to sleep by 10:30 PM for at least 7.5 hours of rest. To avoid doom scrolling, I charge my phone in the bathroom, double-check my 6:00 AM alarm, and keep it out of bed. My Hatch alarm is set to a cozy “Pumpkin Spice Latte” light, and I play the “Stormy Slumber” setting with calming red light and thunderstorm sounds. I apply Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment to combat chapped lips (exacerbated by my teeth-grinding mouthguard, recommended by my dentist for stress fractures). Then, I read on my Kindle—currently Queen of Shadows from the Throne of Glass series after a six-month hiatus. I recently watched a TikTok recap of Heir of Fire to catch up. Griff often reads on his Kindle too, but if he’s ready to sleep, I turn off the lamp or use a book light for physical books.

Final Thoughts

This routine has been a constant for two years, helping me balance work, relaxation, and preparation for early mornings. It’s simple but intentional, filled with small joys like cooking, walking Ella, and reading. If you enjoyed this glimpse into my night, comment a 🌙 emoji and share your favorite part of your routine below. Subscribe, give this a thumbs up, and follow me on social media for more content!

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