Rooting into Ritual: Small Daily Practicies that Make Life Feel More Like You

Rituals are More Than You Think

What are rituals?

Rituals are intentional and often repeated practices or activities that are infused with meaning. They’ve existed throughout history in cultural, social, spiritual, and religious contexts. Rituals mark transitions, foster connection, and offer structure around shared beliefs. In modern Western society, the word “ritual” can feel very formal or only associated with rigid traditional practices. But if we expand our minds, we can begin to see rituals in everyday life—birthday candles, graduation ceremonies, even morning coffee routines.

One of my favorite personal rituals? Coffee. Yes, we are best friends!

Making my morning coffee isn’t just a routine—it’s a ritual. Specifically, it’s a self-care ritual, which is like a microcosm of the broader definition of ritual.

Of course, I love coffee (and caffeine), but it’s not just about the taste or how it makes me feel physically. I genuinely enjoy setting aside time each morning to do something kind for myself.

Why do so many people treat themselves to coffee from a local shop or chain? They could just as easily buy a jug from the grocery store or gas station. But it’s about more than the coffee—it’s about someone preparing it for them. That act, even if transactional, feels good. It’s a moment of being cared for.

So, when I make coffee for myself, I treat it as a moment of care. I savor the smell, celebrate when I hit ✨the✨ perfect coffee color (if you know, you know), and choose a recipe based on my mood—or experiment with something fun just because.

It’s easy to view our daily habits as mindless necessities—wake up, go to work, run errands, come home, sleep, repeat. And if you enjoy and find fulfillment in that rhythm, that’s wonderful! But if not—and I’m guessing you don’t, since you’re reading this—then I invite you to give one small practice in your life deeper meaning as an act of self-care. Why wouldn’t you create a ritual for yourself? If rituals have long honored meaning, transitions, and community, why wouldn’t you honor yourself the same way?

You are worthy. You deserve to be the subject of your own ritual.

Benefits of rituals

As I mentioned before with my morning coffee, rituals ask us to slow down and be present. They bring us into mindfulness. And studies show that mindfulness can have a profound impact on our health and wellbeing.

It can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and even blood pressure—which in turn supports better sleep, concentration, digestion, and more.

But above all, what I believe to be the greatest benefit is this: rituals bring more joy, playfulness, and a sense of magic to daily life.

It’s cliché, but true life is meant for more than just surviving. Everyone deserves joy, peace, silliness, and fun.

At this point, you might be wondering:

“Okay, so what next? I’ve never done this before.”

Well, I’m glad you asked.

Incorporating rituals into your life doesn’t just bring mindfulness—it helps build a relationship with yourself.

Do you know who you are? Have you ever asked who you are outside of work, expectations, or social roles?

Let’s imagine for a moment that you have no responsibilities or obligations. You’re free to just be.
So—who are you?
What do you love? What makes you light up? What do you need?

Let’s take a common example: struggling to stay hydrated
It’s a basic need—and one a lot of people struggle with. But what if you turned hydration into a ritual?

Each morning, you could set aside time to prepare fruit-infused water. Maybe you choose a fruit that fits your mood or intention—citrus to energize, cucumber to calm, berries for flirtatious fun. As you sip, you can mentally affirm that mood: “I choose energy,” or “Today I relax.”

This tiny ritual now supports both your body and your emotional state.

From here, you can build other soft rituals into your life.

Let’s say you’ve always wanted to learn something new—like origami. But self-doubt, perfectionism, or lack of time keeps getting in the way.

Ritual can help you begin.

First, identify the intention behind the desire. Is it creativity? Calm? A sense of mastery?

For me, I might choose calm. Then, I’d set the scene: light a candle, play ambient music, curl up with a blanket, and brew a warm tea. Now, I’ve created a ritual space for learning origami—one that supports the feeling I’m seeking, not just the task.

Beyond Routine: The Ritual of Self-Priority

Reclaim Your Energy

Another reason I love leading my life with rituals? Because I believe I deserve to prioritize myself. And you do too. You don’t exist to serve systems (capitalism, hustle culture). You are not just a cog in a machine. You are a human being who gets to live on your own terms.

Now, I know what you might be thinking:
“But I don’t have time.”
Or, “I can’t afford to slow down.”

And I’ll be honest with you—if that’s your belief, you’re likely giving your energy away. Constantly. And not getting much in return. I’m not saying you must abandon your life and disappear into the woods (though… tempting). What I am saying is this: put effort into yourself. Prioritize your joy, your health, your peace. Not because it’s indulgent—but because it’s necessary.

Create and enjoy the life you want to live.
Root into your definition of success.
Your definition of love.
Your version of enough.

You get to reclaim your energy—and your life.

It’s All About Perspective

Reclaiming your energy through rituals isn’t a chore, it’s a joy. Think of it like this: Ritual vs. Routine. They’re similar, but not the same.

Routine is habitual. Often rushed. Task-focused.
Ritual is intentional. Slow. Emotion-focused.

How you feel matters just as much—if not more—than what you do. When you bring ritual into your life, you’re also helping your nervous system. You’re giving your mind and body a chance to breathe. And from that calmer place, your decisions become clearer. You begin to know what feels right for you. You begin to trust yourself. You begin to know yourself.

Be Whimsical!

Examples of Rituals

To be whimsical is to invite joy, playfulness, and magic into the everyday. Here are a few small ideas to get you started:

🧚‍♀️ Magical Mornings: Romanticize making your coffee or tea. Go on a nature walk and thank the sun and trees for their gifts.

🎶 Playlists for the Soul: Curate soundtracks for different moods—create one for your “alter ego” (aka the version of you you’re becoming).

🛁 Soft Evenings: Take a bath with candlelight and gentle music. Imagine the water washing away your worries.

Where Do I Need More Whimsy?

It might feel a little silly at first (in fact that’s the point) but adding whimsy to your routines can work wonders for your mental health.

Start by asking:

Where in my life could I use more softness? Work, health, relationships? Write it down. Let it be visual.

And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—I’ve made it whimsical for you.

✨ Click here for a free journal prompt and ritual idea to help you feel more like you. ✨

Start with one soft ritual today. Just for you.
That’s all it takes to begin.