Daily Rituals that will change your life

My daily rituals started along side my new 30 day health plan, it all began when I was doing my evening work outs. I had been watching several YouTube videos, some were about fitness, others about personal growth & development. This is where I stumbled across a few videos discussing 'daily rituals', according to these videos a number of people (especially successful people) tend to indulge in personal daily rituals (normally performed in the morning) - Saying this set them up accordingly for the day. So what exactly are daily rituals? In reality they can be whatever you want them to be! In one way you could consider its a bit of 'me' time with a difference.

I heard a lovely analogy that explained why you should take time out for yourself. It said; 'its like when you're on a plane, you're always told to help yourself before helping others'. What they meant by this, was by taking that little bit of time out to help yourself first, you can help others more effectively. I think it's easy to think of 'me' time as a bit of a selfish act, but it can set you on track to help others, and really why shouldn't you give yourself some help and care?

The analogy seemed to make sense to me, as I am someone who is always on the go and doesn't do very much for myself. Obviously work, home and social activities happen, but it made me think, when did I really do anything just for me? Other than the mundane stuff, did I ever really nurture myself anymore? The answer was no! So I decided I needed to try to do more for myself, that way if I was helping myself I knew that it would help me help others. But also that I deserved a bit of time for myself like everyone does, there's absolutely nothing wrong with having time for yourself whatever your circumstances.

I made a list, between my husband Stewart and ideas i'd seen as i'd researched daily rituals. Some have worked exceptionally well, whilst others I haven't tried yet or only done once and didn't get much from them. I'm putting them all on here so you can see what works for you.

• Drink hot water with freshly squeezed lemon (I add a touch of honey too) drinking lemon has lots of heath benefits, which I will be writing about on my recipe page shortly.
• Meditate for a minimum of 2 minutes.
• Stretch out, most people stretch out before they work out, why not do it to start the day?
• Go for a run.
• Go for a walk.
• Daily affirmations - visualise a positive day, how do you want your day to play out? Take time to visualise the perfect day for you.
• 5 minutes affirming life goals, clearly see the achievements you are striving for as done, or take time to consider how you would like life to be.
• 10 minutes: being thankful, sending good thoughts/prayer to others, consider life goals.
• Watch/read something inspiring/motivating.
• Take 10 minutes out with your interests, I often use this time to work on my blog or other things I'm interested in.
• Take a cold shower 15-60 seconds, doing this has lots of great benefits so fitness blogs and guru's say, its definitely refreshing.
• 30 second smile in the mirror, according to research this is about talking to the subconscious, by seeing yourself smiling, even if your not happy you subconsciously tell yourself you are and it makes you feel happy.
• Write down 3 for the day, 3 things you must do that day, it's easy to get bogged down thinking you have so much to do, often we feel overwhelmed with endless things to do. By making a decision that three things are a priority today, you can slowly start crossing things off the BIG to do list.
• 5 minutes of thanks, it easy to think there's nothing to be thankful for but really I'm sure you have 100s of things to be thankful for, being thankful really helps me get in to a great state of mind.
• I am's... How often have you told yourself you're an Idiot or something like, for making a mistake, or abuse yourself with negative comments like "I am fat" etc. Saying I AM... Is so powerful, take five minutes to say positive I AM's. This can really boost yourself esteem and get you in a great mindset for the day.

I started by doing at least three of the above list daily, which I found super beneficial . I particularly enjoyed the hot lemon drink, especially having found out about its wonderful health benefits, I also really enjoyed the meditation, even just two minutes of meditation gave me a clarity and focus that enabled me to take on the day much better, In the first week of doing the meditation I found myself wanting to do more and more, doubling up to 4 minutes or more on some days. Really what is 4 minutes out of your day? Especially when it's so effective, I think the rituals are about getting them in to your routine. Being clear about how beneficial that time will be for you, your life and that a bit of 'me' time can really help you help others better.

I hope the daily rituals have a positive effect on your life, feel free to use these or make up your own list.

Peace and love to you and yours