Morning Routines

Unlocking the Power of Rituals to Transform Your Day

Hey there, let’s talk morning rituals. If you’re rolling your eyes or thinking, “Ugh, not another productivity thing,” don’t worry—that’s not where I’m going with this. I’m not here to tell you to pack more into your day or wake up at 4 a.m. to conquer the world. Nope. This is about starting your day in a way that feels good, natural, and you.

Here’s what I’ve realized: how you start something has a huge influence on how it unfolds. Sure, you can stumble into your day and figure it out as you go. We’ve all been there. But when you start your day intentionally, something shifts. It’s like giving yourself a head start on having the kind of day you actually want to have.

Why Bother With a Ritual?

Here’s the thing about rituals: they’re not about “doing more.” They’re about setting a vibe. When you start your day with something you love—something that puts you in a good mood—it’s like planting a seed. That positive energy has this sneaky way of spilling into everything else. And when you do it consistently? It becomes part of who you are.

Think about it: if you woke up and did one thing—just one thing—that made you feel amazing, wouldn’t the rest of your day be a little better? Maybe a lot better?

What Could Your Ritual Look Like?

Let’s find out. Imagine this: what’s something that makes you feel like you? Like, if you woke up and did that, you’d feel great?

• Maybe it’s sitting with a cup of coffee in complete silence.

• Or taking a walk and feeling the cool morning air on your face.

• Or blasting your favorite song and dancing like nobody’s watching.

Whatever it is, that’s your ritual. It doesn’t have to be long or fancy. Five minutes, ten minutes, maybe half an hour if you’re feeling ambitious. The point is to make it something that feels so good, it’s worth getting out of bed for.

Here’s What I’m Doing

For 2025, I’m committing to a morning ritual. I call it my Devotional Hour, and it goes like this:

1. Self-Care (15 minutes): I’ll start with simple things—washing my face, brushing my teeth, putting on an outfit that makes me feel comfortable and cute. Nothing fussy, just good vibes.

2. Move My Body (15 minutes): Some mornings, I’ll stretch. Other mornings, I might do yoga or just dance around the living room. Whatever feels right in the moment.

3. Mindful Check-In (15 minutes): This could mean meditating, journaling, or sitting quietly and soaking up the morning sunlight. Just something that helps me feel present.

4. Sunshine and Fresh Air: I’ll step outside for at least 15 minutes—walking, sitting, or just being.

I wrap up my morning devotion hour with my lemon water ritual—it’s my little moment to reset and get ready to take on the day. It’s simple, it’s something I look forward to, and it helps me step into my day with intention and a sense of ease.

But Wait, There’s More!

My evenings are getting a glow-up too. Here’s what I’m adding:

• A 30 min salt bath or hot shower to relax my muscles.

• Reading a book or sipping on some tea (probably both).

• Prioritizing my sleep—because let’s be real, sleep is sacred.

And here’s the kicker: I’m not letting anything mess with my sleep. If someone wants to hang out late, they better bring something more exciting than my cozy bed. (Spoiler: that’s a tough competition.)

Why This Matters

This isn’t about being perfect or productive or “winning the day.” It’s about living intentionally. When I take the time to start my day in a way that feels good, everything else flows better. I’m less stressed, more grounded, and honestly, just happier.

So, if you’re feeling inspired, why not try it? Start small—find one thing that feels good to you and do it tomorrow morning. Then do it the next day. And the next. Make it your thing.

Let’s make this the year we stop rushing through our days and start living them with intention. You in?

With love and light,

Chika B.