26/06/2025
Like the foundation to a home, the firm and stable way we start our day creates the basis for the rest of what we build in our day.
For myself personally, I have been working to create mornings with all of these rituals actively for nearly a year.
The change and benefits have been quite noticeable and pleasurable - I have a greater awareness for myself and the people/environment around me, I am therefore more engaged and experience a state of personal control, I feel stronger sensations of appreciation and patience and the accomplishment of goals comes with much greater ease, as the foundation serves as path clearing towards the goal in mind.
Some of my other rituals I honour are; writing, exercise, dancing to energizing music and envisioning my optimal state and experience.
What is a ritual you go through to start your day?
What feelings and/or outcomes does it create for you?
How does this support you and others? (ie; what value does it uphold).
Do you have your own everyday rituals?
Rituals are small actions that allow us to be present in the current moment and give meaning to our lives (Ter Kuile, 2021). Even small everyday rituals can help make our lives less monotonous, and provide meaning.
Daily rituals are different than just habits in a few key ways. First of all, habits tend to be automatic processes: actions that you do not have to think about, but you do it regardless, such as brushing your teeth in the morning. Rituals can also be part of your daily routine, but they differ from habits in that they require you to be mindful of and intentional in your actions. They are deliberate practices, performed for their intrinsic positive values.
In this post, we collected 5 ideas for positive rituals that you could use in your everyday life, maybe even starting today!
🧘🏻♀️ Meditate - It might sound cliche, but meditation might be the best way to be mindful of our bodily sensations. Dedicate some time each morning to focus on your breathing.
🍽️ Mindful eating - When it is time to eat, focus all you attention on your food. Do not treat mealtimes as just ‘fueling up’, but pay attention to what your body is telling you about how eating your meal feels.
📖 Reading - Reading fiction offers a mindful escape, and encourages you to look at the world from different points of views. It also lowers stress levels and helps you sleep better.
📵 Digital detox - A few hours before you go to sleep, try to reduce your screentime. Do something meaningful in this time instead, such as reading, writing or drawing. The more you disconnect from technology, the less overstimulated you will be - which is crucial for a good night’s sleep.
🌳 Exercise in nature - It does not have to be a high intensity exercise, but any time you spend in a natural environment will elevate your mood, clear your mind and increase physical activity levels. If you are already working out, for example in a gym, try doing it in nature for once, you will see the difference immediately.
Which of these positive rituals will you try next? Let us know in the comments!
