The Sacred Hour: Why 8:00 p.m. is My Favorite Time of Day (And How It Can Be Yours, Too)

Let me tell you a little secret—

My absolute favorite time of day?

It’s not breakfast.

It’s not nap time.

It’s not even preschool drop-off (though that one comes close).

It’s 8:00 p.m.

Not because anything magical happens…

But because I go off duty.

The kids are in bed. The house is (somewhat) quiet. And I finally—finally—get to sit on the couch, snuggle my dog, and exhale.

No little voices asking for snacks. No toys clattering on the floor. No one climbing on my back or needing one more cup of water.

Just peace.

Silence.

A moment that belongs only to me.

And while I love my kids with every cell in my body, I’ve learned this truth:

The time I spend without them is just as sacred as the time I spend with them.

Some days?It’s more sacred.

Why Moms Need a “Sacred Hour”

In our 24/7 role as caregivers, it’s easy to forget that we’re human first—with real needs for rest, space, and stillness.

Just like your child needs naps, consistent routines, and calming environments to thrive, you need time to unplug from the constant mental and emotional labor of motherhood.

This isn’t selfish.

It’s science.

Here’s why:

• Your nervous system needs recovery time. Chronic stress keeps your body in “fight or flight” mode, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Predictable evening wind-down time helps shift you into “rest and digest” mode, lowering cortisol and supporting emotional regulation.

• Sleep is non-negotiable. A well-established bedtime routine—for your kids and for you—can promote longer, deeper sleep. And better sleep means better coping, stronger immunity, and a more balanced mood.

• Boundaries promote emotional health. When you establish that your day ends, too, it helps model healthy boundaries for your children and fosters self-respect. You’re teaching them that moms are people—worthy of rest and care.

But What If the “Mom Switch” Is Always On?

If your evenings feel like a chaotic extension of the day…If you’re holding your breath, waiting for a toddler to yell “MOM!” from their bed…If you can’t remember the last time you had a full hour to yourself—

You’re not alone.

But it doesn’t have to stay this way.

With intention and structure, bedtime can become a true boundary—not just for your child’s benefit, but for yours.

Let’s Make Bedtime a Boundary—Here’s How:

Start with consistency. Children thrive on routines. When bedtime happens at the same time each night, their bodies begin to naturally wind down in rhythm.

Create calming cues. Dim lights, a warm bath, a few minutes of connection (like a bedtime story or song) signal the brain that it’s time for rest.

Stick to the “no return” rule. Once your child is in bed, avoid re-engaging unless it’s truly necessary. This teaches trust in the routine—and reinforces your boundary.

Reclaim your hour. Use that 8:00–9:00 p.m. window as sacred space. Read a book. Journal. Meditate. Watch your favorite show without guilt. This isn’t “wasted” time—it’s restorative time.

Honor your own bedtime. As tempting as it is to stay up scrolling or binge-watching, your body needs deep, uninterrupted sleep to recover from the demands of motherhood. Set a gentle bedtime for yourself—and stick to it as often as you can.

You Deserve to Love the Nighttime

You deserve to look forward to 8:00 p.m.—To savor the silence, the space, the stillness.

You deserve to feel off duty—without guilt, without resistance.

If the mom switch feels like it’s stuck in the “on” position, I want you to know:

You can reset the rhythm.

You can reclaim the sacred hour.

And I’d love to help you get there.

Let’s talk. I’ll help you build a bedtime routine that nourishes everyone in your home—especially you.

Ready to reclaim your sacred hour?

Let’s connect and create a custom bedtime plan that works for your family—and gives you the rest you deeply deserve.