The benefit of rituals
We are coming up on one of my favorite holidays in the United States of America. Happy Fourth of July a little early. This holiday has some great rituals including fireworks, grilling out with friends and family, maybe being on a boat or going swimming, and possible sports and games. Rituals help ground us when life can be rough. You can also benefit from having a morning and evening ritual in your life. People who have morning rituals say they are more productive during the day. People with evening rituals tend to fall asleep faster. You may have a routine you follow in the morning. It could be hit snooze, wake up frantic, grab some coffee before or after you shower, get dressed, check email, and then head to work. After lockdown last year, leaving the house may not even be necessary anymore. However, there is a difference between a routine and a ritual. A ritual is a solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions. There is mindfullness behind having a ritual. My morning and evening rituals give me a sense of purpose and peace.
MORNING
Wake up, thank God Iām alive
Meditate
Yoga stretches
Water, lots of it
Set an intention for the day
Write down 5 goals for the day
Shower, brush teeth, make up on, and dress
EVENING
Take off that make up
Brush my teeth
Read a book
Meditate
Electronics off
These mini series of actions tell my brain and body it is time to wake up and it is time for sleep. They are the bookends to the day. They also developed slowly over time. Remember it takes about three weeks so set a new habit. For years, my morning routine was drinking multiple diet soft drinks and getting fast food for breakfast. My doctor and my lab work indicated I needed to make a change. It was not easy but gradually these became something I looked forward to every day.
What would your morning or evening ritual look like? How do you want to set the tone for the day? How do you like to unwind at night?
