Mom Evening Routine: How To Create One That Works For You

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, and while it sounds a little harsh, it’s true. Preparation is everything—especially when it comes to motherhood. But the secret to preparing for a productive, calm, and enjoyable day doesn’t start when the alarm goes off. It starts the night before.

If you’re in the trenches of motherhood, routines are your literal lifeline to getting things done, staying sane, and actually enjoying your day. Mom life has a way of throwing your pre-kids routines out the window, so creating intentional habits that work for you is crucial.

And I’m not just talking about a soothing, relaxing wind-down (though that’s a key part of it). I’m talking about having a rhythm, a checklist of things you do each night to help you feel and look your best, wake up ready to take on the day, and set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful morning. It’s the simple stuff—easy to do, but also easy not to do—that can really move the needle in your life.

In this blog, we’re diving into how to create an evening routine that works for your life and sets you up for more calm, more productivity, and more of all the good stuff. Ready to take control of your nights and crush your days? Let’s get started.

The Power of Routines: Why an Evening Routine is Crucial for Moms

Listen, I get it—by the time the kids are in bed (or you’re wrapping up your workday), all you want to do is collapse on the couch and zone out for 15 minutes of peace. But here’s the truth: if you don’t take a minute to wrap up your day, you’re going to wake up feeling like you’re still in chaos mode. No thanks, right?

When you take a few simple steps in the evening to prep for tomorrow, you’re making your morning way easier. We’re talking no scrambling to find your gym clothes, no “Oh crap, I forgot about breakfast,” no tripping over toys in the hallway. A little prep the night before means you can glide into the next day like the badass you are, not the frazzled hot mess you’re trying to avoid.

Why Having a Routine at Night Makes Mornings Easier

We’ve all been there: you wake up, and the first thing you see is a messy house, a to-do list that’s practically mocking you, and a brain that’s still in survival mode. Not cute. But when you set yourself up with a little routine at night? Mornings are a whole vibe.

The beauty of a nighttime routine is that it helps you eliminate decision fatigue first thing in the morning. Imagine waking up and already knowing what you’re wearing, what your breakfast is going to be, and maybe even how you’re going to tackle your workout. Boom. Done. Now you can focus on crushing the day ahead, not digging through piles of laundry or scrambling to get your life together.

It doesn’t have to be some long, drawn-out process. We’re talking small wins that make you feel like you’ve got this (even when you’re about two cups of coffee deep). If you’ve got your evening routine down, your mornings will stop feeling like a sprint and start feeling more like a power walk to success.

What's the Best Evening Routine for Moms? (Spoiler: There Isn't One)

Let’s bust a myth right now: there is no “perfect” evening routine. The idea of a flawless, peaceful night where you get everything done and wake up to a tidy, organized life is...well, nice in theory, but it’s not realistic for most of us.

Your evening routine should be about setting yourself up to be the mom, partner, and person you want to be. It’s about feeling grounded, reducing stress, and making sure tomorrow flows better—not just winding down (though that’s important, too).

If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram and seen someone’s “ideal” evening, you probably thought, "Yeah, I’d love to do that, but is it even possible?" Maybe that mom spends 30 minutes journaling, drinks tea, and then settles into a peaceful sleep while her kids are tucked in. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to make sure no one ends up with spaghetti in their hair.

So here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best evening routine is the one that supports you and your current life. No more trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Let’s make it work for YOU.

Here’s How to Make Your Evening Routine Work for Your Life:

Some things to consider when figuring out what to include in your evening routine:

Set Your Priorities: If having a clean house, family dinner, and workout plan are part of your goals, your evening routine should support those things. It’s about habits that make those goals easier to achieve—not about being perfect.
Keep It Real: Your evening might look different every night—especially if you have young kids or a demanding job. Don’t stress about sticking to a rigid plan; focus on the habits that make you feel like you’re moving toward the life you want.
Build Routines for Your Goals: Want to be a present mom, a successful career woman, and a health queen? Your evening routine can help you check off small tasks that make those dreams feel real and doable. This isn’t about winding down; it’s about setting yourself up for the next day.

Remember, your evening routine doesn’t need to be Instagram-worthy. It needs to be real, flexible, and your own.

What Should You Include In Your Evening Routine?

Alright, now that we’ve covered the importance of a solid evening routine and why it’s the key to a better tomorrow, let’s talk about what actually goes into it.

Again, there’s no “perfect” evening routine, just like there’s no perfect morning routine. We’re not here to pile on a bunch of tasks that will only leave you feeling more frazzled. The goal is to choose a few small, intentional actions that help you feel accomplished, relaxed, and ready to take on tomorrow as the confident, capable mom and woman you want to be.

Think of your evening routine as your secret weapon to crush tomorrow. It’s like a list of little hacks to make life easier, more peaceful, and more aligned with the goals you’ve got for yourself. Here are some areas to consider when building your own evening routine:

Self-Care: Ending the Day on a High Note

Taking care of yourself at night and investing in things that improve your appearance isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. You can’t keep giving if your cup is empty and looking good helps you feel good—and when you feel good, you show up better. Your evening routine should include moments that replenish you so you wake up feeling refreshed, glowing (okay maybe not glowing, but at least not looking like a zombie), and ready to tackle the day.

Here are a few ideas to help you prioritize yourself and help you wake up feeling and looking better:

Skincare: A quick skincare routine can be a game-changer. Cleanse your face, apply moisturizer, maybe a face mask or eye cream. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just something that signals to your body, “Okay, we’re winding down.”
Haircare: Apply some leave-in conditioner or a nourishing oil to your hair to wake up with shiny locks. You could even use a silk pillowcase to protect your hair while you sleep. Because a good hair day always makes the day better.
Stretching or Relaxation: Spend 5-10 minutes stretching or doing some gentle yoga. Focus on deep breathing to release the tension from the day.
Take a Bath: If you’ve got the time, a hot bath with Epsom salts can be incredibly soothing. Add a candle or two to make it feel extra indulgent.

When you take care of yourself at night, you wake up feeling like you’ve already won the day. You’re energized, calm, and more present for the people who matter.

Let’s be real—when it’s time to wind down, your mind can be buzzing with a million things. The to-do list for tomorrow, that great idea you had, or random thoughts that just won’t stop. Trying to keep all of that in your head only creates mental clutter and makes it harder to fall asleep. It’s like trying to carry a backpack full of rocks—you’re just adding weight to your mind that you don’t need.

Here’s where a brain dump comes in. It’s a total game changer.

Instead of mentally juggling a million things, just get them out of your head. Write it all down—whether it’s on paper, in your journal, or in the Notes app on your phone. Everything. The things you need to do tomorrow, the ideas that popped into your head, the random stuff you keep telling yourself you’ll remember but probably won’t. Just dump it all out.

Here’s why it works: when you try to keep everything in your head, it creates stress and mental chatter that makes it harder to relax. Doing a brain dump helps you clear all that out, so you can actually relax and rest easy. Plus, you’ll do a better job of keeping track of everything because you won’t have to rely on your memory to hold it all together.

So, if something’s on your mind, don’t let it rattle around in your brain. Write it down, and let it go. Your mind will thank you, and you’ll be able to sleep much better.

Tidy Up: Wake Up to Calm, Not Chaos

A messy home = a messy mind. If you wake up to dishes in the sink and toys scattered everywhere, you’ll feel overwhelmed before you even start your day. But when you take 10-15 minutes at night to tidy up, you wake up with a sense of calm and order.

Here’s what you can do to maintain a bit of order each night:

Dishes: At least rinse the dishes and stack them in the sink or dishwasher to avoid waking up to caked-on food.
Laundry: Tackle one load a day to avoid laundry piling up. Fold and put away clothes before bed so you don’t wake up to a laundry mountain.
Vacuum: Spend 5 minutes vacuuming high-traffic areas to make your space feel cleaner and fresher in the morning.
Pick Up Toys: Spend a few minutes picking up toys, stray clothes, or random clutter that has piled up throughout the day.
Clear Counters: Wipe down the kitchen counters and any other surfaces to avoid feeling like you're living in a tornado the next day.

When your home is tidy, your mind feels clearer, and it’s easier to start the next day with focus and energy.

Morning Prep: Set Yourself Up for Success

Take a few minutes to prep for tomorrow, and you’ll be thanking yourself in the morning. Get the little things out of the way so you can breeze through your morning routine.

Here are some ideas that can help your mornings a breeze:

Outfit: Lay out your clothes for the next day so you don’t have to scramble through your closet in the morning.
Coffee Maker: Set up your coffee maker or prep your favorite morning drink so you can just press “start” and go.
Breakfast: Prep your breakfast ingredients or make a smoothie bowl the night before so you can grab and go.
Workout Gear: Lay out your gym clothes or get your workout planned (even if it's just pulling up a YouTube video for a quick session).
Lunches: If you pack lunches for your kids or yourself, do it the night before so you’re not scrambling to put everything together in the morning.

By taking care of the small tasks the night before, you free up time and mental space in the morning to focus on what really matters.

Connection: Make Time for Your Family

Your evening routine shouldn’t just be about you—it’s also about connecting with the people you love. When you make time to connect with your family, even in small ways, it builds stronger relationships and helps you end the day on a positive note.

Ideas for connection:

With Your Kids: Spend 10 minutes reading a bedtime story or giving back tickles to your little ones. If they’re older, chat about their day or ask them about what they’re excited for tomorrow.
With Your Spouse: Instead of scrolling through your phones in silence, set aside 10-15 minutes for a quick chat before bed. Talk about your day, share thoughts, or just cuddle—whatever feels right for both of you.
Quality Time: If you’re pressed for time, just aim for intentional connection. You don’t need hours; just a few minutes of full attention can create lasting memories.

Creating moments of connection in your routine helps foster a deeper sense of love and support in your family life.

Intentional Wind-Down: Preparing Your Body for Sleep

We all know how tempting it is to scroll through social media or binge-watch another episode of that show. But if you’re doing that until 1 AM, you’re setting yourself up for a rough tomorrow. Sleep is non-negotiable if you want to feel good, look good, and tackle your goals.

Try this instead:

Limit Screen Time: Set a hard “shut-off” time for your phone. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed with no screens.
Read a Book: Dive into a book that helps you unwind. Whether it’s fiction or personal development, reading helps shift your brain away from screen time and prepares you for rest.
Relax and Unwind: Spend a few minutes meditating, stretching, or simply reflecting on the day. Focus on slow, deep breathing to help your body relax.
Set a Bedtime: Get serious about your sleep schedule. If you want to feel energized tomorrow, commit to a consistent bedtime.

Your body and mind need rest to function at their best. Prioritizing sleep is a game-changer for every mom who wants to show up feeling confident, energized, and ready to take on the world.

Mindset Shifts to Maximize the Benefits of Your Evening Routine

Alright, now that we’ve covered the what of your evening routine— let’s talk about the how. Creating a routine is one thing, but getting the most out of it? That requires a mindset shift. Because, let’s face it, sometimes your brain is going to throw you all kinds of excuses to skip these crucial steps. So, let’s tackle the mindset shifts that will help you make your evening routine a non-negotiable part of your life.

Be Fully Present and Intentional in Your Evening Rituals

This one’s simple but powerful: when you’re doing your evening routine, be all in. Whether you’re doing your skincare routine, tidying up, or getting your clothes ready for tomorrow, be intentional. This isn’t about rushing through the motions just to check things off your list—it’s about feeling the moment.

Take 5 extra minutes to really enjoy the process. When you’re putting on lotion, take a deep breath and feel how nourishing it is for your skin. When you’re reading to your kids, listen to their giggles, and savor that time. When you slow down and are fully present, your evening routine will feel less like a chore and more like a form of self-care.

Expect Some Chaos: Embrace Imperfection

Let’s just go ahead and admit it: motherhood is messy—literally and figuratively. Some nights, the kids will be wild, dinner will be a disaster, and bedtime will feel like an Olympic event. And guess what? That’s okay.

When you’re setting up your evening routine, expect that things won’t always go according to plan. If your toddler refuses to go to sleep or you end up doing dishes way later than planned, don’t freak out. You’re still doing something for yourself and your family, and that’s what counts. Flexibility is key. Your routine is here to support you, not stress you out. So, if it’s a little chaotic some nights, just roll with it and remember that perfection isn’t the goal.

Commit, Even When It Feels Hard

Look, by the time evening rolls around, your brain is tired. Tired with a capital T. The idea of doing anything productive might feel impossible. You might hear that voice inside your head telling you, “You deserve a break. Just sit on the couch and scroll through your phone.” But here’s the truth: your brain is exhausted—and sometimes it will try to talk you out of doing what’s best for you.

The trick? Commit to your routine anyway. Even when it’s hard. Even when you’re tired. Acknowledge that your brain is fried, but remind yourself that this is the time to take care of yourself and set tomorrow up for success. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to ignore that inner voice and push through.

Acknowledge Your Tired Brain and Stay the Course

As mentioned, by the end of the day, your brain is basically a puddle of mush. It’s been running on fumes and now it’s telling you all sorts of nonsense—like that your life is a mess, you’re failing, and you’re never going to get it all together. First off, take a deep breath and remind yourself: your brain is tired. You don’t need to believe everything it says.

If you find yourself thinking, “I’ll never get this routine together,” or “Why bother, I’m not perfect anyway,” just acknowledge that it’s your tired brain talking. Tell yourself, “Okay, brain, I hear you. But I’m doing this for me and my future self.” Commit to the small actions, and if you’re still feeling like a hot mess in the morning, you can think about it then. But tonight? You’ve got this.

Focus on the Future You: Align Your Thoughts with the Mom You Want to Be

Starting a new routine or making changes can feel a little daunting—trust me, I get it. Your brain might try to tell you it’s too hard, or that it’s not worth it. But here’s where your thoughts can really make a difference. You’ve got to tap into the power of intentional thinking.

When things feel challenging, focus on the future version of you—the calm, confident mom who feels on top of her game and lives life with ease. What would she do? What thoughts does she have?

Instead of focusing on the “how hard” it is right now, try shifting to thoughts that align with that future version of you. This might look like:

“I’m building habits that set me up for a better tomorrow.”
“The future me is someone who has time for self-care and goals.”
“Even if it’s tough right now, I know I’m doing something good for myself.”

By practicing these thoughts, you’re training your brain to focus on the end result and the version of you who already has what you want. It makes sticking with your routine easier and more motivating because you’re not just doing it for today—you’re doing it for the long-term benefits that will come when you become the person you’re striving to be.

Tips For Sticking to Your Evening Routine (Even on Busy Days)

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes sticking to your routine feels like an uphill battle. Between kids' meltdowns, work deadlines, and the endless list of things to do, it’s easy for your evening routine to fall off track. But consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.

So how do you stay committed to your evening routine when things get crazy? It all comes down to keeping it simple, being flexible, and not beating yourself up when life gets in the way.

Keep It Simple and Consistent

You don’t have to do everything in your routine every night to see results. The key is consistency, not perfection. Choose a few core habits that make the biggest impact and do them consistently. Maybe that’s a quick tidy-up, a couple minutes of self-care, and prepping for the next day. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long process.

Keep your routine simple and doable, so it’s something you can commit to even on your busiest days. And on the nights when you can’t get through everything? That’s okay. Just pick up where you left off tomorrow. The point is, make it a habit that you can repeat, not something that feels impossible.

Flexibility: It’s Okay to Adjust When Life Happens

Life isn’t always going to give you a quiet, peaceful evening. Kids might get sick, work might run late, or you might just be too tired to do your full routine. And that’s fine. It’s important to give yourself permission to adjust your routine as needed.

Instead of stressing over what you didn’t do, focus on what you can do. Maybe you can’t do your full skincare routine, but you can still take 5 minutes to relax with a cup of tea. If the laundry isn’t done, at least you can tidy up a bit so you don’t wake up to complete chaos. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Set Realistic Expectations

Sometimes, we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards. We think we need to get everything done perfectly, every time. But you’re a human, not a robot. So, give yourself a break.

Set realistic expectations for what your evening routine can look like on different days. On your busiest nights, just hit the essentials—tidy up, brain dump, and set yourself up for tomorrow. On nights when you have more time and energy, you can dive deeper into your self-care or family connection.

Be Kind to Yourself When It Doesn’t Go According to Plan

Let’s be honest: there will be nights when your routine falls apart. And you know what? That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about it. The beauty of a routine is that it’s there to support you, not stress you out. If one night doesn’t go according to plan, just pick up where you left off the next night.

Instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, celebrate what you did get done. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of self-care or getting your outfit ready for the next day, you’re still making progress toward your goals. It’s all about small wins.

Your Evening Routine is Your Secret Weapon

Ready to transform your nights—and your life? A solid evening routine is the foundation that sets you up for success tomorrow. It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most to you, consistently.

When you start focusing on the small, intentional habits that support you—whether it’s self-care, connecting with your family, or preparing for the next day—you’re stepping into THAT mom energy: calm, in control, and ready for anything.

But before you start building your ideal evening routine, you need to know what works for you.

That’s where the THAT Mom Clarity Calculator comes in.

How Can the Clarity Calculator Help You?

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to believe the solution is just doing more. More organizing. More planning. More effort. But the truth? The key to feeling more in control isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things.

The THAT Mom Clarity Calculator helps you cut through the noise and get crystal clear on:

Where you’re currently at—because before you can make changes, you need to know what’s working (and what’s not).
What’s actually making mom life feel harder than it needs to be—so you can pinpoint exactly what needs to shift.
What routines will make the biggest difference—so you can stop spinning your wheels and start building systems that actually support you.

No more guessing. No more feeling like you’re drowning in tasks that should be helping but somehow just feel like more work. Just a clear path forward to create a home, schedule, and life that actually works for you.

💛 Click here to grab the free Clarity Calculator and start making real, tangible shifts today.