What’s Your Favorite Self-Care Ritual?
Exploring personal self-care rituals that contribute to happiness, we’ve gathered diverse perspectives from Founders to CEOs. From the soothing power of instrumental music to the comprehensive approach to caring for body and mind, discover the favorite self-care rituals of nine professionals and the positive impacts these practices have on their well-being.
- Soothing Instrumental Music Boosts Happiness
- Nature and Exercise Enhance Well-Being
- Skincare Routine Promotes Confidence
- Gratitude Journaling Fosters Positivity
- Intentional Routines Offer Mom’s Self-Care
- Daily Gratitude Journaling Elevates Mood
- Nature Hikes Disconnect and Rejuvenate
- Affirmation Scripts Generate Inner Bliss
- Comprehensive Self-Care for Body and Mind
Soothing Instrumental Music Boosts Happiness
A favorite self-care ritual of mine is to listen to calming, soothing instrumental music as a way to de-stress from being overwhelmed by the day’s activities. Rather than listening to songs with lyrics being sung aloud, I find instrumental music works better in relieving stress and helping create a more peaceful setting or ambiance—it certainly makes me feel happy enjoying such beautiful music!
Oftentimes, we are unable to feel happy or be at ease because of the worries or sadness gathered over a period of time or upon receiving sudden unpleasant news. This is no doubt part and parcel of being human, but for me, having an outlet as simple as listening to soothing music can provide temporary relief and happiness to my heart and soul. I strongly encourage giving this self-care ritual a try if you haven’t considered it before.
Bhante Thi-O
Founder, Poh Ern Si Penang
Nature and Exercise Enhance Well-Being
Spending time in nature is oxygen to my soul. If I get too busy and don’t make it a priority, I start to feel overwhelmed. I lose my ability to solve problems creatively. When I combine the time with exercise (hiking, running, playing tennis), I not only keep my spirits up but also improve my health. This self-care time is essential not only for my happiness but also for my success in business!
Lorraine Bossé-Smith
Chief Solutions Officer, Concept One LLC
Skincare Routine Promotes Confidence
My go-to self-care ritual has to be sticking to my skincare routine. I truly think taking care of your skin is like taking care of your whole self. Skin is the largest organ of our body, and when we keep it healthy, it not only makes us look better but also boosts our confidence. It’s not just about appearances; it’s about feeling great inside and out.
Diane Howard
Rn and Founder, Esthetic Finesse
Gratitude Journaling Fosters Positivity
In my experience, gratitude journaling stands out as one of my treasured self-care practices. Dedicating a few moments daily to reflect on what I’m grateful for aids in sustaining a positive mindset and cherishing life’s small joys. This simple yet profound habit significantly contributes to my happiness by redirecting my focus toward the positive aspects of my life, alleviating stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Andy Fryer
Co-Founder, Easy Signs
Intentional Routines Offer Mom’s Self-Care
My favorite self-care rituals are getting a haircut, meeting a friend once a month for an outing, and eating dessert and watching a show after the kids are in bed. As a stay-at-home mom of small children, I don’t get a lot of alone time. So it’s usually after my kids are in bed that I can take a deep breath and relax.
I really try to be intentional about my time so that I can incorporate some self-care into my routine every day. Once a month, I will meet up with a friend and do something fun and “adult” with them. I need that time for my mental health to recharge because it’s hard being with kids all day.
Aghogho Boccardi
Blogger and Content Creator, BLW For Busy Moms
Daily Gratitude Journaling Elevates Mood
In my experience, gratitude journaling stands out as one of my cherished self-care practices. Dedicating a few moments each day to reflect on what I appreciate greatly contributes to maintaining an optimistic outlook and cherishing life’s small joys. This simple yet profound habit significantly boosts my happiness by shifting my focus to the positive aspects of my life, alleviating stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Sai Blackbyrn
CEO, Coach Foundation
Nature Hikes Disconnect and Rejuvenate
My favorite self-care ritual is a weekly nature hike, which helps me disconnect from the digital world and get back connected to nature. It is the opportunity to give my mind and body a pause and inner peace from the daily fast rotations of my life.
Multiplied and mirrored, these positive effects add up to better health—both mental and physical. Walking in the woods more often reduces stress, gives me a sense of calm, and an appreciation for the moment that helps me live a happier life. As a doctor, this state of wellness becomes integral to my health, as it does to the vast majority of my patients.
Zoe Miller
Strategic Business Leader & Market Analyst, Tea Time Facts
Affirmation Scripts Generate Inner Bliss
Positive affirmations—but not just simple ‘I am’ statements—I write myself entire scripts that I read over and over to create a positive feeling from within. I use these scripts as the basis, and once I get going, more good stuff pours into my conscious mind automatically.
Before I know it, three to four minutes have passed, and I’m in this blissful state of positive self-talk and possibility. This makes me feel so good, and I take that energy into whatever I’m doing (working, playing with the kids, cooking with my partner—it works in all situations).
Matt Saunders
Freelance Business Coach, Matt Saunders Coaching
Comprehensive Self-Care for Body and Mind
For me, self-care is about looking after both my body and my mind. It’s not just one thing but a mix of many that keeps me feeling good. I take care of my body by keeping clean, using good hair and skin products, working out, consuming a healthy and nourishing diet rich in proteins, fruits, and vegetables, and making sure I wear sunblock and protect my eyes from too much screen time.
I also think it’s important to hang out with people who uplift me and make me feel happy and positive. Internally, my self-care practices revolve around looking after my mental and spiritual health.
I like to calm my mind by meditating for a few minutes before bed and writing down what I’m thankful for in a journal. It helps me remind myself of all the multiple blessings I have in life to be grateful for. I also make it a point to stay away from consuming negative or violent media because it messes with my peace. Going for walks with my family is nourishing for my soul too—it gets me outside and helps me connect with them.
To me, self-care isn’t just one thing. It’s all these things that I do to make sure I’m happy and at peace, because if I take care of myself, only then will I be able to take care of those around me.
Samrah Yousuf
Content Lead, SQUATWOLF
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