In our exploration of self-care, we challenge conventional wisdom by redefining the start of our days—not with the sunrise, but with the gentle descent of night. Inspired by the Bible, I discovered a paradigm shift nearly a decade ago that revolutionized my approach to daily living. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible defines the start of the next day with the setting of the sun—a revelation that transformed my perspective on time and productivity. By embracing the night as the beginning of my day, I’ve unlocked a powerful ritual of self-care that sets the tone for peaceful and purposeful living.

As the day winds down, I embark on a series of simple yet meaningful rituals to prepare for the “day” ahead. From tidying up the house with our “dirty 30” routine to selecting clothes for the morning using the Frump Fighters app, each task is a deliberate act of self-care. I prioritize skincare and hygiene, review my calendar, and jot down notes, ensuring that I retire to bed with a sense of calm and readiness for the day ahead.

With the onset of daily migraines, this nighttime routine became a lifeline—a sanctuary of stability amidst the storm of pain. By ingraining these habits into my evening ritual, I found solace in the familiarity of routine, even during moments of intense discomfort. Streamlining my process further, I adapted to accommodate my evolving needs, ensuring that self-care remained a non-negotiable priority. Sure, I may have chosen to live in leggings and sweatshirts, but at least I was dressed. My face might have been free of make-up but it was at least clean. And I cut my hair short, so I didn’t have to deal with it much beyond washing and brushing.

In the face of adversity, I’ve learned to adapt, starting each day—both literally and figuratively—with intention and resilience. While some tasks may go undone or modified, the essence of self-care remains unwavering. By prioritizing preparation and peace in the evening, I awaken each morning ready to embrace the rest of the day with some grace and gratitude, regardless of how I feel physically.

As we challenge the traditional notions of time and routine, embrace the transformative power of nighttime self-care. By redefining the start of our days, we reclaim agency over our time and cultivate a sanctuary of peace amidst life’s daily challenges.