10 Self-Care Rituals to Enjoy Mindfully

Exercise has numerous health benefits, but it can be challenging to go to the gym, especially if you’re sedentary. Fortunately, the simplest way to get exercise is to go on a short walk. If possible, go without earbuds to minimize distractions. Make it a point to walk mindfully; notice the warm sun on your face and the gentleness of the wind as it passes by. You can even bring a friend or family member with you to make the time go by quicker. Just 10-15 minutes of exercise can make all the difference in your mood and overall energy.

Catch up on chores around the house. If your living area is clean, it will feel more inviting and clear some of that mental clutter in your head. One chore that can be turned into a mindful exercise is doing the dishes. A dishwasher is helpful for knocking out large quantities of dishes, but what if you only have a few? This is where hand-washing comes in handy. Put on warm water for a soothing experience, then grab a sponge and dish soap to get rid of stuck-on food. Another quick chore that you can do mindfully is taking out the trash, which will get you that time outside if walking seems like too much. 

If you ever feel overwhelmed by chores, one helpful trick is to set a timer for 5 minutes and do as much as you can in that time. When you’re done, take a quick break to stretch. If you feel up to it, set the timer for another 5 minutes. Do as many cycles as you can until the task is almost finished, if not complete. 

Candles are great for grounding because they are easy to light and put out. Choose a scented candle to activate your sense of smell. There are many options here from apple pie to lavender and jasmine to plain vanilla. Pick your favorite scent and light the candle, then wait a few minutes for the wax to melt. Once the wax is melted, get close to the candle and inhale. The scent will range from sweet to rustic depending on which scent you chose. Either way, the welcoming scent will clear your head and make the room more safe and inviting. Finally, keep an eye on the lit candle and don’t leave the house without putting it out first. 

This one is straightforward. Prepare a cup of tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate if the weather allows. Once it’s ready, give it a moment to cool down. Then, take that first mindful sip. Notice the taste of the warm liquid and let it ground you to the present moment. Finish off your drink this way and feel gratitude for the little things. If you prefer a cool taste, you can also do this with cold water instead. 

This exercise is similar to the previous one, only it involves a small treat instead. Unwrap a piece of candy or even dark chocolate. Pop it in your mouth and savor the sweet taste for a minute before swallowing. Just remember to enjoy sugary treats in moderation because having sugar sparingly makes this activity all the more rewarding. 

The bubble bath is a classic, especially after a stressful day or week. If you have a big family, talk to your loved ones beforehand to make sure the house stays quiet. Next, run a bath of hot water, then get in and pour your favorite bubble bath mix under the running faucet. Listen to the sound of rushing water. Finally, lay back and let the warm water relax you. If you want, you can even bring a book or magazine to read while you soak up the bubbles. Be sure to get out just before the water turns lukewarm. 

Open an app like YouTube or Spotify and put on whatever music you prefer listening to. If you’re into musical theatre, for example, look up the soundtrack to your favorite show. If you really want to concentrate and don’t want any words, then search for cafe ambience. To make it even easier, start a playlist beforehand based on the type of mood or vibe that you’re going for. You can even get a premium subscription to turn off ads, but this is optional.

Grounding exercises are excellent for connecting back to your body, especially during moments of uncertainty or anxiety. The most common grounding exercise you can do is the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise. Start by naming 5 things you can see in the room you’re in. Then, close your eyes and notice 4 sounds you can hear. After that, pick 3 things you can touch, followed by 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. 

Using YouTube or a meditation app on your phone, put on a meditation track. Sit in a comfortable position and make sure there are no distractions. Then, close your eyes and listen to the sound of the speaker’s voice, letting it guide you. During this process, take deep breaths. If troubling thoughts arise, know that this is normal but don’t let them keep you from the meditation. Instead, think of your thoughts as a flowing river and let the negative ones go right on by. 

This one is simple and easy to do. Just grab a warm blanket and cuddle up on the couch or a chair. This activity is great for combining with most of the others. For example, why not enjoy that cup of coffee on the couch or do some guided meditation while resting with your blanket? If you really enjoy the sensation of being held, choose a weighted blanket. You can also put the blanket in the dryer and let it run for an hour so it comes out nice and warm. 

Final Thoughts

In this fast-paced world, it is all too easy to get disconnected from yourself and your body. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to return to yourself, some of these activities taking less than a minute. Choose one and try it today.