Last updated on January 4th, 2023
Our daily habits powerfully impact your quality of life. You may not do things consciously but if you pause you will see they are there. If you don’t have any rituals that uplift you, stop and ponder what nourishes your soul. Take time in your day where you can put things on hold and take a moment to reflect and create an experience that you can truly savour. Regularly finding space so that you can nourish you soul is one of the best health investments you can make.
1. Wake 30 minutes earlier than your household
Rise early to make the most of the peacefulness morning brings. Boil the kettle and make yourself a lovely cup of your favourite hot drink – find a comfortable spot where you can sit and ease gently into the morning. This is a beautiful way to set your intentions for the day and allows you time to wake without the interpretations and the hustle and bustle of early morning in your household. Do this for a week and notice how much more calm and centred you feel before you start your day.
2. A 15 minute meditation before bedtime
Many of us have little to no transition into rest. We simply put our head on the pillow and expect to switch off. A simple meditation focusing on your breath is a lovely way to ease into rest. Simply lie in savasana or sit supported in a chair, whatever you prefer – there is no right or wrong way to do it. Bring your focus to your breath moving in and out of the nose. If you need additional help there are many wonderful guided meditation videos available online, particularly through the Chopra centre. Use these videos as a guide to help you find what works for you.
3. Walk barefoot on the beach
If you’re lucky enough to live close to a beach this is a beautiful ritual to do regularly – if not it can be a lovely excursion. It’s a wonderful way to feel grounded and connected to the earth. It’s also a great way to process things you may need some extra space to consider. The sound of the waves crashing and the beautiful sea breeze are all additional soul nourishing features.
4. Book yourself a facial or massage or create your own experience at home
Sometimes there’s nothing nicer than pampering you. Allow yourself to fully commit and accept this time of relaxation, focusing on recharging your energy. If possible try not to make commitments around the experience so you can ease into the real world again. Or create your own pampering experience at home, which can be as simple as lighting a candle and soaking in some beautiful essential oils.
5. Prepare yourself a nourishing smoothie, juice or soup
Soul nourishment can also come from nourishing your body. Preparing a smoothie or juice packed full of vitamins, minerals and good fats – and stopping to savour it. Make yourself beautiful berry nut milk, with cashews, dates and your favourite berry. Or try a supercharged green smoothie with spinach, kale, coconut water and your favourite fruit.
6. Light a beautifully scented candle
The fragrance and dim light provide a relaxing ambiance. This can become a lovely ritual to evoke a transition for example from the working day to the evening.
7. Practice some yoga poses outside
Maintaining a yoga practice can be a great way to reduce stress, stay in shape and calm the mind. Yoga is a wonderful way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and repair.) Take your mat down to a local park or simply go outside and enjoy the sun on your face in the process.
8. Draw or write in a journal
Unleash your creative side. By journal writing about what you believe in, why you believe it, how you feel about it and your goals – you are more likely to gain clarity. It’s particularly good for problem solving, as often we fret about forgetting details. Journals are also a great place for reflection, on how far you’ve come and how you have felt at various stages of your life.
9. Catch up with a beloved friend for a walk or a cup of tea
Catching up with a friend can be all the soul nourishment you need, especially when you have the time to truly indulge in a good catch up. Allow yourself the time to truly catch up without mobile phones or other distractions – laughter is one of the best ways to feel uplifted.
10. Book yourself two hours on the weekend to read, write, sleep, cook or whatever it is that makes you feel nourished
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the last person you allocate time to is yourself. Finding two hours on the weekend might sound like a luxury but it’s actually a necessity. It will allow you to recharge and refocus for the next week – but also give you more energy to care for those around you.
