3 Reasons Why Having a Daily Ritual is a Game changer
Before I started my yoga journey I suffered a lot of overwhelm and anxiety on a daily basis. Once I started to deepen my yoga practice, I found refuge in taking some time out every day to clear my head, get to know myself, and align my life to one of purpose and intention. That is where daily ritual comes in.
Here are three ways a daily self ritual can help transform your outlook and make you feel better within yourself.
1. A daily ritual can improve energy and focus
Do you find yourself exhausted when it comes to the end of day, only to find that even after a good night's sleep you wake up tired?
With constant digital stimulation and a never ending To Do list, it is no secret that many people in our Western culture are fatigued. A tired, frazzled mind leads to poor focus and overwhelm.
Building a consistent morning ritual gives you the grounding force and calmness to excel in your day.
How do I start a daily ritual if I am already exhausted?
I hear you. The trick is to start small. A 10-minute daily ritual is all you need to get started.
2. A daily ritual aligns you with your purpose
A simple daily practice of gratitude and intention setting can align you with your goals, purpose, and vision. When it comes to your mental health, remembering the reasons WHY you are doing the job, social event, exercise routine, really helps. When you take some time to align yourself with what is important to you, you can identify the areas of your life that are taking up unnecessary space. 5 minutes of meditation when you wake up allows your mind to soften and focus. From there, you can take steps to achieve a more intentional day ahead.
Granted, you may think it’s easy for me to say?! However I struggled with this for years, once I understood the importance of being realistic and consistent with my time I was able to build myself a daily practice that has evolved over time. My daily ritual has become like brushing my teeth - I couldn’t not do it! Living an intentional and life alignment is a constant work in progress and you don’t need to set your intentions for your entire life in one morning!
Just focus on today. This morning. Right now. What is my intention for these 24 hours?
3. A daily ritual can shake off negative feelings and thoughts
Do you often wake up with tightness or tension in your chest or shoulders?
Maybe it is overhanging stress about your finances or a fight you had with your partner, or perhaps it’s the gloom of the strange times we are living in.
Our emotions are stored in our bodies. Consciously moving them through the body helps to release built up energy, leaving you feeling clearer and lighter.
Just 5 minutes of mindful movement can help calm your spirit and release that pent up tension. This could be a yoga flow, a deep stretch, or even a dance around the kitchen table to awaken your senses, take you out of the overwhelm of your schedule and ground you in the present moment.