How Rituals & Routines Keep Me Grounded

I speak from personal experience only. The last few weeks have me feeling stuck, directionless, and questioning my purpose or "why."

Everyone has this phase in life, some of us more often than the others. The thing to then focus on is how do you overcome it without getting overwhelmed?

There are MANY ways to go about this, but I'd like to talk about one way today.

In this fast-paced world, where social media trends change every day, rituals and routines can be a really powerful anchor. For me, they provide structure, stability, and a sense of control, and this allows me to navigate the chaos with a clearer mind and a more focused approach. But beyond just keeping me organized, my tiny daily practices play a HUGE role in supporting my mental and emotional well-being.

rituals and routines offer structure and stability

Rituals and routines offer a sense of predictability in an unpredictable world. If you're like me, who likes to be in control and does not love the unknown, having a morning/evening ritual or a routine becomes even more important!

Because when everything around us feels chaotic, having a set of daily practices give you a sense of stability. Whether it's a morning meditation, an evening walk, or simply making your bed, these rituals give us something to rely on, no matter what the day brings.

• My favorite ritual is: making my chai and enjoying it (I have the kettle/teapot and love doing the whole shebang!) 

• My favorite routine is: my AM PM skincare routine, where it's not even about the products, but it's about using my fingers to massage my skin, improving blood circulation and just promoting a sense of self-love.

rituals and routines reduce decision fatigue

When we establish routines, we reduce the number of decisions we need to make each day. This helps to conserve mental energy and reduces decision fatigue, allowing us to focus on more important tasks. 

A well-structured day minimizes distractions and keeps us on track, improving productivity and mental clarity.

• My two cents: Even though you can go about the routine on autopilot, try to be mindful while you're doing it. The idea of having a routine does not mean you should check out or zone out. You can be mindful while doing the same thing every day!

rituals and routines are deeply comforting

Engaging in familiar practices can reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sense of safety and calm. Not only that, daily rituals give us a sense of purpose, even in the smallest of actions. They remind us that we have control over our lives and that we can make intentional choices about how we spend our time.

This sense of agency is SO DAMN IMPORTANT, folks!

• For me: My rituals or routines act as emotional touchstones; they ground me. 

rituals and routines help us bounce back

When life throws us curveballs (and boy, does it throw big ones!), these very simple, understated routines can offer a framework for moving forward. This is esepcially important if, like me, some days you wake up feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Please don't misunderstand: Having rituals and routines in your everday life is NOT about being productive; it's about taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. They help you feel less overwhelmed; they help you regain some sense of balance.

some tips to start (if you need them)

Start small. Choosing just 1 ritual or routine for the first week, and build from there. The key here is consistency, which helps these practices become a natural part of your day. 

Here are some examples of rituals and routines that you may want to adapt for yourself:

1. 2 minute morning meditation

   Put a post it note near your bed or someplace where you look at first when you sit up in bed. It should say "MEDITATE." Don't let it scare you into meditating, just let it be a reminder. Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths for approximately 2 minutes (or for 10 in breaths and 10 out breaths)

   
   

2. Watering plant(s)

   It could even be one plant. It could be that one plant that's barely thriving on your office table. It's OK, don't judge yourself for being a plant killer :D Treat that plant with love and care, even if it's just for 2 minutes a day.

   
   

3. Walking phone calls

   Any time you get on a phone call, start walking about (if you can). If you're fortunate, go outdoors for a walk while you take your call.

   
   

4. Listen to music

   Music has proven benefits for our mental and emotional health. Music actually helps release happy hormones, and we instantly feel better. Set a time for when you can plug in your earphones and listen to your favorite music. Try to stay away from very sad songs, as they may just make you feel blah.

   
   

5. Savor your tea or coffee

   Take just 5 minutes to actually savour your morning cup of hot beverage. Don't multitask, just focus on the temperature of the drink, the aroma, the feel of the mug in your palm, the taste, the sweetness or bitterness. Just observe without judgment or overthinking.

   
   

6. Establish a bedtime skincare routine

   It could even be just applying some soothing body lotion on your hands and legs. You will feel good, trust me. And this is NOT restricted to women, only.

   
   

7. Stretch often

   Set alarms or reminders to take 5 minute stretching breaks at your desk itself. Side bends and twists, wrist/neck and shoulder rotations, finger flexes.

   
   

8. Lighting incense or scented candles

   If this floats your boat, why not? Just take all precautions to avoid any fire hazards.

   
   

9. Read something

   Before bed, keep your devices away at least 30 to 40 minutes before. Perhaps read a few pages of a book or write in your journal.

Love and light,

Sneha