How To Create A Daily Ritual That Transforms Your Wellbeing

We all have routines, whether we realize it or not - maybe you start your day with coffee, check your phone before getting out of bed, or perhaps you like to end the day with a bit of a Netflix binge, for example. But what you need to ask yourself is whether your daily habits are helping you feel your best or they’re really just getting you through the day - there’s a difference. 

The difference between a routine and a ritual is actually the intention behind it. For example, a ritual is something you do with purpose, so it’s a mindful thing. On the other hand, a routine is something you do automatically. So what’s better? Well, the answer is generally a ritual - and when they’re designed well, daily rituals can transform your well-being, boost your mood, give you more energy, and even make you feel calmer. With that in mind, keep reading to find out how to create a daily ritual that works for you. 

Start Small 

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re trying to change their habits is basically going all in far too fast. The fact is, you don’t need to suddenly start waking up at 5am to meditate, journal, or make a smoothie before work (although you can definitely do that if it makes sense - the point is, it’s going to be up to you). You can actually start much smaller, and in the end, that’s probably going to help you stick with the changes. 

Because that’s the key - you’ve got to make a sustainable ritual, so starting small makes a lot of sense. For example, if you want to get into journaling, start by writing just one idea or even one sentence a day. And if you want to be more mindful, try a 30 second breathing exercise when you get up - before you check your phone. It’s these tiny changes that add up over time, and that’s what’s going to get you where you want to be. 

Add It To An Existing Habit

The easiest way to build a ritual that sticks is to attach it to something you already do - it’s got a name, it’s habit stacking, and it’s exactly the right way to go about things if you want to move slowly, surely, and intentionally - and remember what you’re meant to be doing! 

For example, if you drink coffee every morning, you could also use that time to make a list of things you’re grateful for (which is an excellent mindfulness exercise, by the way). And if you brush your teeth before bed, take an extra minute to do some deep breathing. Or how about listening to an inspirational podcast when you’re driving to work? That could set you up perfectly for the day ahead. 

Check-In With Yourself 

A daily ritual isn’t just about what you do - it’s about how it makes you feel. So you can use your ritual as a check-in with yourself. How are you feeling? Energised? Drained? Calm? Restless? 

It’s a bit like taking a moment before doing something new or stressful so you get a better idea of what’s what. If you were heading to get your hearing checked, for example, you’d probably take a deeper look at look it involved so you can assess the situation. The same goes for everything, and that way, you’ll be able to stay calm and you’ll know precisely what’s going on. 

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