Amanda’s Evening Routine

One of my most popular blog posts is my morning routine. That said, a productive morning typically begins with an intentionally spent evening! Having an evening routine helps me relax, make time for what’s important, and fall asleep with a clear, peace-filled mind. My evenings vary depending on if Dan and I have somewhere to be, but here is my typical evening routine for a weeknight at home.

1) FEED ABBY

Gotta take care of my baby girl (also, yes, my pajamas are her #BFFgoals) 😘

2) CHANGE INTO COMFIES, WASH FACE, AND TAKE OUT CONTACTS

I have dry skin, and the IMAGE Vital C collection has been my skin’s saving grace for years now. The products are not cheap, but I feel such a vast difference using this line. In the evenings, I use the face wash, followed by the repair creme (typically can find the products cheaper through Amazon or Overstock.com).

3) LIGHT A CANDLE OR DIFFUSE OILS

Anthropologie candles are my absolute fav, and lavender + lemon + peppermint is my go-to oil diffusing combo 👌🏼

4) MAKE DINNER

I try to make healthy meals that not only taste good, but truly nourish + fuel our bodies as well. I also try to make plenty of extra for easy work lunches. 👩🏼‍🍳 #mealprepsaveslives

5) CONNECT WITH DAN

Photo by Coral Milbrodt
It’s important to intentionally connect with your spouse (or a loved one) daily. For Dan and I, this always includes a conversation regarding how our days went. Celebrating with Dan in the high’s, and encouraging one another through the low’s is such a gift. Some nights this might include going for a walk, watching a movie, playing a game (we love beating each other in Spot It!), or going out on a date.

6) 20 MINUTE POWER CLEAN

Sometimes cleaning the entire apartment can be overwhelming (and time consuming). Setting a timer for twenty minutes to put away, wipe down, and straighten up as much as possible makes a huge difference day-to-day!

7) CATCH UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA

I met all these beautiful friends through Instagram ❤
Though it has its downfalls when proper boundaries are not in place, social media is an incredible tool that helps facilitate connections with others, as well as helps users learn, and find inspiration. Check out ten tips here on how to remain Christ-centered while using social media.

8) WATCH A SHOW OR READ A BOOK

Photo by Coral Milbrodt
I love relaxing with a “feel good” show like, “This Is Us.” 🙌🏼 That said, even more so, my favorite way to unwind is with a good book. Researchers at the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading per day can reduce stress levels by 68%! I’ve never regretted time spent reading. It always leaves me feeling accomplished, and typically having learned something as well.

9) PLAN THE FOLLOWING DAY

Taking time to look over my planner, note any major “to-do’s,” plan out my workout, meals, and sometimes even an hour-by-hour schedule (for extra busy days), helps me go to bed feeling prepared as well as motivated for the day to come!

10) SET ALARM, SNUGGLE IN, AND GOODNIGHT

Having an evening routine helps me fall asleep feeling both productive and relaxed. It puts me in the right mindset for the day to come. If this concept is new to you, write down a few things you can do tonight to relax. Try them, and see if they help you fall asleep easier, as well as wake up more positive + motivated! ❤