Our bedtime routine is a little weird.
Actually…
It's a lot weird. 😂
But it's become one of our favorite parts of the day.
For years, I had my nighttime routine completely backwards.
I'd climb into bed first…
Then try to convince my brain it was time to sleep.
You know how that goes.
Your body is exhausted.
Your mind suddenly decides it's the perfect time to replay every awkward conversation you've ever had since third grade.
Sound familiar?
The One Change That Made a Big Difference
Eventually, I realized I needed to flip the order.
Instead of getting into bed and then trying to relax, I started creating an evening routine that helped me wind down before my head hit the pillow.
Now, by the time I climb into bed, my body already knows what's coming next.
And honestly?
Most nights I feel sleepy much earlier than I used to.
Since We're "One," We Share a Bedtime Routine
My husband and I share a bed…
So why not share a bedtime routine too?
I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but it fits our personalities perfectly.
It helps us reconnect after busy days, gives us time together, and signals to our brains that it's time to slow down.
Feel free to borrow any part of it!
Step 1: We Dance in the Living Room
Yep.
We cue up country music on my phone and spend about 15 minutes two-stepping around the house.
There are spins.
There are swings.
Occasionally there are dips.
Sometimes there are laughs because one of us completely misses the beat.
It's one of the happiest parts of our day.
And yes…
It probably looks hilarious.
Step 2: We Hug the Kids and Pray Together
After dancing, we make the rounds saying goodnight.
Then we head to our bedroom and spend time praying together.
Prayer is the foundation of our marriage.
It's how we end the day—with gratitude, perspective, and peace.
Step 3: A Little Time Together
If the evening isn't too late, we'll snuggle up and watch one episode of whatever series we've agreed on.
Some nights we skip this step.
Other nights it's exactly what we need after a long day.
No pressure.
No marathon binge-watching.
Just a little time together.
Step 4: Our Competitive Streak Comes Out
Then comes the part that probably surprises people the most.
We rearrange our mountain of pillows so I can sit right in front of him, and we play a couple of word games together.
Right now our favorites are:
- 8Words
- Vita Mahjong
By this point we're usually yawning.
Not because the games are boring.
Because our brains recognize the pattern.
The lights are about to go out.
Sleep is next.
Why a Consistent Bedtime Routine Matters
Our bodies love routines.
Doing the same calming activities in the same order each evening can help signal that it's time to transition from the busyness of the day into rest.
Your routine doesn't have to look like ours.
(Seriously... you don't have to start country dancing in your living room.)
But having a consistent rhythm before bed can make it easier to unwind and prepare for sleep.
Today's Tip: Create a Wind-Down Routine You'll Actually Enjoy
Think about your current evenings.
Do you climb into bed and immediately start scrolling?
Answer emails?
Watch one more episode?
Or do you give yourself a chance to slow down first?
Try choosing three or four relaxing activities and doing them in the same order each night.
Your routine might include:
- Reading a book
- Gentle stretching
- Journaling
- Prayer or meditation
- Listening to calming music
- Playing a game with your spouse
- Applying calming essential oils
The goal isn't perfection.
It's consistency.
Essential Oils That Complete My Evening Routine
Of course, you knew oils were going to show up eventually.
Life is just better with oils. 🌿
Here are two of my evening favorites.
Deep Night Essence®
I take two capsules about 20 minutes before bed—usually while I'm brushing my teeth.
I appreciate that it's melatonin-free and designed to support relaxation as part of a healthy bedtime routine.
Tranquil™ Roll-On
Before I climb into bed, I apply Tranquil Roll-On to my wrists and the back of my neck.
The calming aroma of Cedarwood, Lavender, and Roman Chamomile has become one of the signals my brain associates with winding down for the night.
Sometimes it's the smallest rituals that make the biggest difference.
The Bottom Line
You don't need a perfect bedtime routine.
You just need one you'll actually stick with.
Whether your evenings include dancing in the living room…
Reading together…
Praying…
Or simply sitting quietly with a cup of herbal tea…
Creating a peaceful rhythm before bed can help end even the busiest days on a calmer note.
As for us?
We'll keep dancing.
We'll keep laughing.
And we'll keep ending the day together.
Because that's become one of our favorite routines of all.
What's One Thing That Helps You Go From Wired to Ready for Bed?
I'd love to hear your favorite evening ritual.
Share it in the comments below—you might inspire someone else's perfect bedtime routine!
Here's to full days, peaceful evenings, and restful nights. 🌙
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