Self Care Rituals (Re) Starter Kit!

With all that’s going on in the world right now, many of us have been inconsistent (or have completely dropped) our self care rituals. Perhaps there is just too much stress and anxiety swirling around. Or maybe the overwhelm of all the rapid change around us is making it hard to stick to our regular routines. Myself included! ✋

Although there is a lot of heavy stuff happening, there’s also a great opportunity for growth. And one of the best uses of quarantine time (in my opinion) is to concentrate on what you CAN do right now, instead of thinking about all the things you cannot control.

It’s always the perfect time to return to the rituals that will strengthen and improve your life, body, mind, and overall health.

Self Care Rituals are a great way to make this transition. I’ve put together a little guide to help you find your way from frazzled couch potato back to glowing goddess.

First, I know everything in the world right now seems to have gone virtual, and we’re going to focus on some strictly unplugged rituals right now. Technology is wonderful and we need it now more than ever. However, if we’re more connected to our phones and computers than we are to our body and soul — then Houston, we have a problem! 

It’s important to remember that a lot of the content out there is not created to make us feel good. And we aren’t going to connect to our true selves by being online all day. The only way to do it is by connecting to the ultimate personal device — your person. ????

Now, when I say self care rituals, I mean creating sacred space and protected time to connect with your mind, body, and spirit. When you do this regularly, you’ll gain insights, clarity and deep health. 

I know, you’ve heard me talk before about morning and evening self care rituals. And I’m here to sing the praises of creating one for yourself right now — or getting back to a self care ritual on the daily. I’ve found that the most important time for self care rituals is in the morning when you first wake up, before checking your phone. I don’t even turn on my wi-fi before my morning ritual. By creating a beautiful morning ritual, you can step into your day ahead feeling refreshed and ready for anything. 

How Much Time Do You Actually Need for a Self Care Ritual?

The great thing about personalizing a ritual is that it’s totally up to you, my dear! In my humble opinion, I think it’s better to sit in silence or shake your groove thang for five minutes than to do nothing. 

Ultimately, only you can decide how much time to dedicate. I give myself about 30 minutes of “me” time in the morning. This gives me time to light a candle, some incense, meditate for 20 minutes, and make a cup of joe or matcha. 

1) Create Your Sacred Space

Let me explain what I mean by a sacred space. It’s a power space, as Marie Kondo calls it, a spot just for you. It’s a space filled with the things you love that bring a smile to your face—that bring you joy.

Your sacred space could be an altar you create (just a flat surface you can lay items on) or a corner to meditate in. It can be as simple as a console where you keep photos and keepsakes on display. Or candles, incense and crystals. I have one client whose sacred space is a cozy chair in the corner of a room with a banner that reads “grateful” hanging above it. A sacred space is meant to pull you in, to enliven your energy — and create an environment that inspires you to tap into that juicy, joyful part of you.

If you need a few more ideas, check out my blog on Creating a Sacred Space Sanctuary.

2) Now What To Do In Your Sacred Space?

I’m so glad you asked! I like to start my practice by wrapping myself in something cozy and taking three deep cleansing belly breaths. I light some incense, candles and turn on some soothing tunes to make my space warm and cozy. 

The rest is really up to you. Above all, have fun! And give your intuition some space to be heard. 

Here are a number of options you can try. Start with one or two, and see which ones light you up! If the idea of journaling makes you crinkle your face up, try one that makes you feel excited. 

• Dance Like Nobody’s Watching! Cause no one is. This is your time to let loose. You do you! Close your eyes and gently sway to the music or pump up the volume, so you can let off some steam. Shake your groove thing however feels good to you, but shake it nonetheless.

• Joyful Journaling! I’ve spoken before about how journaling is a powerful self-care tool, but it’s more than that. It can help you heal trauma, feel happier and stronger — help you crystalize a true vision for your life. Perhaps you write to your guides to ask for specific guidance (if you’re more woo woo like me :). They’re my personal team of spirits who are always surrounding me, cheering me on and sending me signs and information.

•   Treat Yourself with Essential Oils. These potent plant extracts can improve your physical, mental and emotional health. This is a perfect time to give your body some serious love! Try rubbing some lavender or jojoba oil on your arms and legs. Tell your body how much you love it and thank your body for all it does for you. Here’s a guide to get you going.

• Master Your Meditation. Maybe you just sit in blissful silence. If you haven’t tried meditation, now’s the time. Just gently breathing into your belly for 3-5 minutes. You can meditate using a mantra or use this time to ask for guidance. Whatever works for you. There is such power in being still, by just allowing your thoughts to flow through you.

So, there you have it! A few simple and super sexy ways to create a serious self care ritual in your life. 

My challenge for you this week is to create your own self care ritual and use it every day. If after a week, you’re like, “Oh, hell no, boo boo. This isn’t for me,” you don’t need to do it anymore! 

Let me know how the experience is by posting in the Badass Beauty Club on Facebook. 

Just remember, this isn’t about perfection or fixing anything that’s broken. This is about you connecting with your higher self and creating some time for real self care. And most importantly, you’ll feel oh-so-good — and start your day in a beautiful way. 

LOVE + peace!