Daily Therapeutic Rituals | What Could You Turn into a Much-Loved Ritual?

I use a makeup primer that glides on like butter. It’s clear and silky-smooth and a bit expensive, which makes it feel like a luxury.

Every morning when I put it on my face, I try to take an extra couple of seconds to just enjoy the feel of it and—as inconsequential as it might sound—to be grateful for it.

Months ago I shared on Facebook a fantastic article, 22 Habits that Will Make Your Life a Little More Peaceful Each Day.

I loved every habit the writer shared, but #6 has been stuck in my head, in the best possible way, ever since:

“Learn to turn daily chores into therapeutic practices… for example, bathing. You have to do it regardless, and the combination of hot water, the physical act of ‘cleansing’ and how relaxing a hot shower or long bath is at the end of a long day makes it an ideal daily practice to reduce your nerves. Light a candle and listen to music and use salts to cleanse yourself. Be meditative about your rituals, and focus on the act of releasing and clearing.”

It doesn’t have to just be bathing, but the idea of turning something you’re doing anyway into a much-loved ritual? That struck me.

So, what could YOU turn into a therapeutic daily practice? Here are a few ideas:

• Your makeup routine, or a certain part of it, like my primer ritual. 🙂
• Putting lotion on your hands or feet at night.
• Brushing your hair.
• Your water consumption. Adding lemon or lime slices and drinking meditatively could take a boring task to the next level!
• Your walk home from the school after dropping the kids off. What a great time to connect with nature and take some deep breaths.
• Even your daily commute. (I suggest these great audio books or podcasts.)

I know how hard self-care is to squeeze in as a parent. Our days are spent giving, and it’s hard to find the time to just be. That’s what I love about this concept. It’s taking something you’re already doing and giving it a little more meaning and purpose.

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Need a self-care pep talk and a slew of simple ideas? 25 self-care practices for moms

And on an even more elemental level, if you could use a reminder of why you’re absolutely worth it in the first place, I’d love for you to dive into this series on self-love: 31 Days to Radical Self-Love.