Humans have performed rituals since the dawn of time. From end-of-life celebrations and weddings to spiritual and wellness practices, rituals appear in many forms. Some rituals happen annually, some follow occurrences like sun or moon cycles, some are situational, and some take place in our everyday lives. While our daily self-care routines may not hold the weight of other rituals we experience, they are incredibly powerful for a number of reasons.
In this article we will explore some of the benefits of daily self-care rituals. While a daily skin care or exercise routine, for example, is beneficial for a number of reasons, we’re going to focus on the power of the ritual in and of itself. Here are some ways that our daily routines are elevating our overall well being.
Being Present in the Moment
Conducting a potentially mindless task like doing your makeup or going for a walk gives you an incredible invitation to turn it from mindless to mindful. Focusing on the tiny, insignificant motions and honing in on how they are making you and your body feel is an incredible mindfulness practice that offers you time and space in your day to be present, let go of everything outside of the task at hand, and truly enjoy the moment. We tend to spend a lot of our days on autopilot, especially as we carry out familiar tasks. Using your routine as an opportunity to promote mindfulness, especially right at the beginning of your day, will promote a more grounded, intentional experience as you move through the rest of your day and life.
Elevate Your Appreciation
Developing a routine is a choice and so is following through on that routine time and time again. Showing up for yourself is an amazing way to yourself some appreciation while also showing that you appreciate the body and mind that you’re caring for, the tools you’re relying on to carry out your routine, the life you lead that has allowed you space to develop your routine, and the earth you get to experience and exist within. Not only do you get to show yourself love while you’re conducting your routine, but you have the opportunity to thank yourself for showing up and elevating yourself, even through the most seemingly ordinary tasks.
Add Meaning
Holding space for a routine, whether it be a few minutes of reading or movement or simply taking the time to enjoy your morning coffee distraction-free, empowers you to add meaning to all of the little things you do to fuel and nourish your mind, body, and soul. Putting purpose behind the countless little things that we do in a day and carrying them out with intention gives us the chance to create more space for what elevates us and let go of that which no longer serves us. Ask yourself why you do something, if the answer is that it makes you feel good, perhaps you can welcome it into your every day and offer a few more moments to enjoy it to its fullest potential.
Invite Symbols for Something Greater
Once you know ‘why’ you feel enticed to do something each day, you can dig deeper into the root of how it makes you feel and why you want to harness that feeling. If your self-care practice makes you feel nourished, energized, and happy, this might be a greater symbol for self-advocation or self-love. Inviting these things into your life in small, simple ways open up doors and windows to ignite that same feeling in other areas or your life too. While washing your face each morning may feel like a simple skincare routine, you can choose to look at it as a clean slate, a testament to the intention your bringing into the day, and a reminder that not only do you love and care for yourself, but that you’re worthy and deserving of love and care. What does your ritual symbolize?
Find Safety In Consistency
The only predictable thing about life is that it is completely unpredictable. When unexpected events occur, it’s easy to feel out of control and overwhelmed. By welcoming small rituals into your life you are reminding yourself that you do have control over something. You can find a great deal of safety in consistency and that soft, safe space might just give you the strength to let go of what you can’t control while taking care of what you can.
Build Community & Connection
Discovering an incredible self-care practice may seem like an individualistic experience from the outside looking in, but if you’ve ever come across a life-changing podcast, fallen in love with a new form of fitness, or found a product that makes you look and feel amazing, you know that the first thing you want to do is share it with others. Sharing your self-care practices builds community and connection through a self-love so strong that it bubbles to the surface and extends to those around you. You will never forget the loved one who recommends a practice that becomes a personal ritual, and you can be that person for your loved ones, too.
Encourage Habits of Self-Love
When you commit to intentionally caring for yourself in one small aspect of your life, it builds momentum and extends beyond that one single act. Starting the day by making your bed, for example, demonstrates just how easy it is to do something that elevates your day. This will encourage you to continue to complete fulfilling tasks of many different nature and create a snowball effect. One habit holds endless power and promoting self-care in your life, one small habit at a time, can make a world of difference.
Treat Yourself
Last but not least, treat yourself! Elevating your day with a bit of luxurious self-care is an excellent way to remind yourself that you’re worth it and you deserve it (because you are and you do!)
