It’s so easy for weekday evenings to blur together — finish work, make dinner, scroll your phone, go to bed, repeat. But over time, I’ve learned that slowing down and adding a few intentional rituals can turn even the most ordinary night into something I actually look forward to.
Here’s exactly how I romanticize my weekday nights — step by step — with a few cozy links so you can recreate the same calm, comforting vibe at home.
Step 1: Wash Your Face and Listen to an Audiobook
I always start by washing my face and switching my mind from work mode to relax mode. I play an audiobook while I do my skincare — lately I’ve been obsessed with Audible (linked here!) because it makes even the simple act of cleansing feel indulgent.
Linked: My go-to face wash and skincare favorites + Audible free trial.
Step 2: Change Into a Matching PJ Set
Nothing makes me feel more “main character in my own life” than putting on a matching pajama set. It’s the smallest upgrade that instantly makes your night feel intentional instead of routine.
Linked: A few of my favorite matching pajama sets + ones currently on my wishlist.
Step 3: Do a Quick Tidy of the Living Room
I spend five minutes resetting the space before I settle in for the night — fluffing pillows, putting things away, and doing a quick vacuum with my Dyson cordless. It’s amazing how much calmer I feel when the space around me feels peaceful.
Step 4: Set the Mood with Lighting
Next, I set the tone for the evening. I turn off all overhead lights and switch on my cozy lighting setup — faux candles, the fireplace, and my Philips Hue bulbs that I control right from my phone. The soft warm glow makes the whole room feel like a cozy little retreat.
Step 5: Choose a No-Phone Hobby
Once the lights are dim, it’s time for something I call my “no-phone phone activity.” I put my phone away and pick up something cozy — like playing my Nintendo Switch, coloring in my custom coloring book, or using the Color by Number app on my iPad. I usually keep listening to my audiobook while I do this.
Step 6: Cuddle the Kitty
This one needs no explanation — I always take a little break to cuddle Tony or Vincenzo (if they’re in the mood). It’s such a sweet grounding moment in my night.
Step 7: Make a Simple Dinner
For dinner, I usually make something easy but comforting — nothing fancy, just a simple meal that feels cozy and homey. My pots and pans set and knife set make cooking feel effortless (and honestly, kind of enjoyable).
Step 8: Watch a “No-Scroll” Show
After dinner, I like to watch something that keeps me off my phone — either a comfort show or something I’m genuinely interested in. I stream everything on my Samsung Frame TV (and yes, I still love it!) with my favorite art frame around it.
Amazon list of favorite shows.
Step 9: Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
I always end the night with something small and sweet — chocolate, a cookie, or a seasonal treat. It’s my little ritual that signals “the day is done.”
Step 10: Nighttime Wind Down Routine
Once I head upstairs, I put my Kindle on its stand, use the clicker to turn pages hands-free, and spritz my pillows with my favorite pillow spray. I turn off the lights, set my Hatch alarm clock to play soft sound bath music and display a dim red glow that fades out as I read. Here is a link to all my reading favorites!
Why I Do It
None of these steps are complicated or expensive — they’re just small habits that help me feel more grounded and connected to myself. It’s not about creating the perfect night; it’s about finding joy in the ordinary ones.
So tonight, try turning your phone off a little earlier, dimming the lights, and doing something slow — you might be surprised at how peaceful the mundane can feel when you treat it like something worth savoring.
Table of Contents
cozy night routine, romanticize your life, evening self-care, weekday night habits, cozy home ideas, no phone hobby, nighttime routine ideas, intentional living
