By Vee-O
Daily self care is so, so important when it comes to keeping the balance and moving through life with grace and ease. Busy schedules, kids, school, careers, pursuing dreams, even making dinner can add stress to our already hectic lives. Setting up a few rituals throughout the day will not only ground you and ease tension, it will enrich your life.
The human spirit loves rituals. Rituals connect us to wonder, to self-discovery, to the world of myths and symbols. They offer a metaphoric means to help us take responsibility for our lives. The ritual process brings us renewed balance, empowerment, energy and comfort. Rituals help us live our lives more consciously. Most importantly, rituals provide a way to connect to our spirits.” ~Jen Louden
A few suggestions on how to add self-care rituals to your morning, noon, and night:
Morning Rituals
Morning Rituals
By Carli Jean Miller
☕ Because your body loses water while you sleep, drink a glass of water or warm water with lemon before anything else. Drinking H2O first thing gets the metabolism going and acts as a gentle detox. Plus, water's great for you and the more you drink, the better you'll look and feel.
☕ Scratch out a few morning pages in your journal. Write down the dream you had, what you plan for the day, how you're feeling, unresolved issues, or if all else fails, "I don't know what to write," over and over again. Chances are, once you start writing you'll find you have something to say. I like morning pages because it empties my mind of any junk lingering around and helps me prioritize daily activities.
☕ Get a move on, whether that's stretching in bed before you hop out, taking a brisk walk around the block, or practicing a yoga routine. Body movement keeps us in tip top shape physically and mentally. The great thing about exercising in the morning is that you don't have to worry about squeezing it in later in the day. I love a morning yoga session for a good stretch and a clear mind.
☕ Before jumping (or slogging) out of bed, imagine what kind of day you'd like to have. Visually create it and if you'd like, say an affirmation or post a note next to your bed that says, "Something magical is about to happen."
Afternoon Rituals
☕ Scratch out a few morning pages in your journal. Write down the dream you had, what you plan for the day, how you're feeling, unresolved issues, or if all else fails, "I don't know what to write," over and over again. Chances are, once you start writing you'll find you have something to say. I like morning pages because it empties my mind of any junk lingering around and helps me prioritize daily activities.
☕ Get a move on, whether that's stretching in bed before you hop out, taking a brisk walk around the block, or practicing a yoga routine. Body movement keeps us in tip top shape physically and mentally. The great thing about exercising in the morning is that you don't have to worry about squeezing it in later in the day. I love a morning yoga session for a good stretch and a clear mind.
☕ Before jumping (or slogging) out of bed, imagine what kind of day you'd like to have. Visually create it and if you'd like, say an affirmation or post a note next to your bed that says, "Something magical is about to happen."
Afternoon Rituals
By Ben Moore
☀ If you're at work for 8+ hours a day, make time to stretch, move about the office, and take a breather. Set an alarm to go off every hour to remind you to do a few simple stretches at your desk or walk to the water cooler. To minimize computer screen eye strain, close your eyes for 30 seconds as you take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Do that a few times throughout the day, as well as roll your neck to prevent cramps.
☀ Eat a healthy snack to keep you powered throughout the day. Some of my favorites: yogurt with berries, a piece of fruit and unsalted nuts, dried mangoes, peanut butter on toast or celery, hummus and veggies.
☀ Throughout the day you may fall victim to the comparison game. You know the one. You log on to read your favorite blogs or check your Facebook timeline and see all the amazing things people are doing and start feeling a wee bit bad about your own life. Lame! Instead, write down what makes you unique and things you're proud of. Create your own "highlight reel." I've started a monthly highlight page in my daily planner and I write down cool things that happened and things I accomplished throughout the month. At the end of the year I can look back and see all the amazing stuff that took place.
Evening Rituals
☀ Eat a healthy snack to keep you powered throughout the day. Some of my favorites: yogurt with berries, a piece of fruit and unsalted nuts, dried mangoes, peanut butter on toast or celery, hummus and veggies.
☀ Throughout the day you may fall victim to the comparison game. You know the one. You log on to read your favorite blogs or check your Facebook timeline and see all the amazing things people are doing and start feeling a wee bit bad about your own life. Lame! Instead, write down what makes you unique and things you're proud of. Create your own "highlight reel." I've started a monthly highlight page in my daily planner and I write down cool things that happened and things I accomplished throughout the month. At the end of the year I can look back and see all the amazing stuff that took place.
Evening Rituals
By André Spieker
🌙 Avoid screen time (tv, computer, phone, tablet) right before bed as it stimulates the mind. Instead, signal winding down time with a bath and your favorite scented candle or by reading a book. Once you've done it a few times, your body will ease into the ritual and help you fall asleep faster and more soundly.
🌙 Use evening time to write out your gratitude list. It can include things that happened throughout the day, something inspiring you read or heard, and all those amazing everyday things like cuddles with your fur baby, clean water, Jasmine tea.
🌙 Want to practice manifestation? Use the time right before you drift off to sleep to visualize a desire. How will you feel when it comes true? What will it look like? Live the dream in your imagination and your subconscious will start working on how to make it happen.
🌙 Use evening time to write out your gratitude list. It can include things that happened throughout the day, something inspiring you read or heard, and all those amazing everyday things like cuddles with your fur baby, clean water, Jasmine tea.
🌙 Want to practice manifestation? Use the time right before you drift off to sleep to visualize a desire. How will you feel when it comes true? What will it look like? Live the dream in your imagination and your subconscious will start working on how to make it happen.
