My Current Night Time Routine

Like my morning routines, I also don’t adhere to just one specific nighttime routine. This is largely due to the multifaceted roles I occupy in my life: I am a carer, a fiancée, a devoted dog mom, and a full-time employee. Each of these responsibilities brings its own set of demands and schedules, which naturally leads to a variety of evening rituals. However, I find that I do not mind the existence of multiple routines; in fact, I appreciate the flexibility they offer. On the days when I work, my shifts typically conclude at 6 AM, which means I am usually in bed by 7 or 8 AM. Interestingly, I’ve come to realize that my nighttime routines don’t impact my overall well-being as significantly as my morning routines do.

When my fiancée is on his early shifts, my evening routine tends to kick off around 3 PM. This is when my fiancée returns home, ready to unwind after a long day. He typically showers to wash away the stresses of the day and changes into more comfortable clothes, signaling the transition from work mode to relaxation mode. We usually dedicate about 30 minutes to an hour to reconnecting, either lounging on the bed or chilling in the living room. During this time, we catch up on each other's days, sharing the highs and lows, and exchanging funny videos we've saved for each other on social media. This shared time is not only enjoyable but also strengthens our bond, allowing us to support one another emotionally. If there are any tasks we need to tackle together before we fully relax for the night, this is usually when we address them. These tasks might include a quick trip to the shop for groceries, tackling little bits of housework that have accumulated, stopping by the chemist, or taking our dog for a walk if I wasn’t able to do so during the day.

As the clock approaches 5 PM, my fiancée often retreats to play video games or watch TV, which gives me the opportunity to focus on preparing dinner. The nature of the meal dictates whether I choose to join him during this time or not. For instance, if I’m making something straightforward like jacket potatoes, which involves simply placing the potatoes in the oven and letting them bake for an hour, I can easily spend that time with him. We enjoy each other’s company, sharing laughs and light-hearted banter while I occasionally check on my cooking.

Once dinner is cooked and we’ve enjoyed our meal together, the next phase of our evening routine unfolds as we head to the bedroom. My partner takes care of the dishes, making sure to tidy up the kitchen, while he also lets our dog outside for a quick bathroom break. Meanwhile, I take a refreshing shower to wash off the day and prepare myself for a restful night. After I’m ready, we both settle into the bedroom; my partner often chooses to watch TV as a way to unwind after a long day. I understand that having a television in the bedroom isn’t typically recommended for optimal sleep hygiene, but it’s a compromise that works for us, providing a comforting backdrop to our evening. While he enjoys his show, I indulge in my own interests by reading a book and jotting down my thoughts in my journal. This quiet time allows me to reflect on my day and cultivate a sense of gratitude.

After we’ve both had our fill of our respective activities, we make sure to take care of our nighttime hygiene. We brush our hair and teeth, wash our faces, and then return to the bedroom for a little pampering session. This often includes giving each other gentle massages, which helps to relieve any tension and promotes relaxation. Following our pampering, we curl up together in bed for a cozy cuddle before drifting off to sleep. Our night typically concludes between 8 PM and 9 PM, which allows us to recharge for the next day ahead. This routine, while flexible, provides a comforting structure to our evenings, ensuring that we both feel connected and cared for as we wind down.

Now if my fiancé is on his later shift pattern, my evening routine undergoes a significant transformation, primarily because he doesn't come home until about 11 PM. This change in schedule means that I have to adapt my activities and the overall atmosphere of my evening. My night routine typically kicks off around 5 PM, right after I finish up with the household chores that I usually tackle during the day. Once the housework is out of the way, I focus on preparing dinner, or as we affectionately call it, "tea." The meals I prepare during these evenings are often quite different from the ones I whip up when my fiancé is home, largely because my dad and I have a shared appreciation for vegetables, and we like to incorporate them into our meals in creative ways. While tea is cooking, I tend to clean the kitchen, which helps me to keep the space tidy, or I spend quality time with my dad. We enjoy watching old 80s TV shows, which not only entertains us but also sparks nostalgic conversations, allowing us to catch up with each other’s lives in a relaxed setting.

Once tea is ready, I head upstairs to my workspace to start my night in a more productive manner. I sit at my desk with my dinner and a large glass of water, ready to tackle some work on my computer. To create a calming environment, I often put on some relaxing music or select a good TV show to play in the background. Additionally, I turn on my essential oil diffuser, filling the room with soothing scents that help me unwind as I enjoy my meal. This routine is not just about eating; it’s a time for me to focus on my tasks while also taking a moment to savor the flavors of my dinner.

After finishing my meal and completing a good chunk of work, I take my pots down to the kitchen, letting my dog out for a quick pee break. This is also the moment I say goodnight to my dad, who might be settling in for his own evening activities. I usually head upstairs around 7:30 PM to 8 PM, marking the transition into my personal time. During this period, I take a refreshing shower, which helps to wash away the day’s stress. I also indulge in some self-pampering, whether it’s applying a face mask or doing a bit of skincare, or I might roll out my yoga mat for a few gentle stretches to relax my body and mind after a long day.

After my shower and self-care routine, I have a few options for how to spend the rest of my evening. I might choose to sit in the living room, immersing myself in a captivating TV show or playing video games to unwind. Alternatively, I enjoy snuggling up in bed with a good book, losing myself in the pages while I wait for my fiancé to return home from work. This quiet time is precious, as it allows me to recharge and indulge in my interests.

Once he finally arrives home, usually around midnight, he heads straight into the shower to freshen up after his long shift. Afterward, he joins me either in bed or on the sofa, where we spend about an hour together. This time is essential for us, as it allows him to chill and wind down from his busy day, while also giving us a chance to reconnect. We often chat about our days, share stories, or simply enjoy each other’s company in comfortable silence. Our nights tend to conclude around 12 AM, when we finally curl up in bed, ready for a restful night’s sleep, grateful for the moments we share amidst our busy lives.