5 Approachable Wellness Rituals that Will Actually Make You Feel Better
For a long time I had a very two-dimensional view of health. I saw it as a simple math equation: calories in vs. calories out. Eat healthy foods and work out every day, end of equation. Obviously being active and eating healthy foods is a major part of health, but they certainly aren’t the only two variables.
It’s no surprise, that for so long, I felt like there was something missing – I don’t know whether to call it energy or vitality or what. Even when I was doing “everything right” in the equation, I was still neglecting important aspects of my health. I largely ignored the connection between body and mind and definitely didn’t consider how powerful of a force happiness can be in healthy living. It sounds so simplistic, but truly, focusing on positivity and happiness has made everything more clear to me and a lot less taxing.
As I’ve tried to incorporate these pieces of health into my normal routine and into my overall equation, I’ve felt a new level of joy and energy. As my definition of health has changed, so have my tools for measurement. Rather than relying on a scale to tell me I’m ok, or calories to tell me if I’ve eaten not enough/too much, I rely more heavily oh how I feel. Do I have energy? Am I happy. Is my body being challenged in new positive ways?
I’m still a bit of a noob in the world of wellness and self care. For me it can feel a little overwhelming and a tad bit woo woo. I like hard facts and proof that my actions are beneficial. Calories in, calories out is pretty simple to understand, whereas most wellness rituals are more trial and error.
Today I’m sharing 5 Wellness Rituals that I actually do on a regular basis. I’m pairing each one with Clearly Kombucha’s new line of Botanical drinks. Each flavor of C Botanicals is made with different fermented botanicals that have been used for thousands of years due to their healing and health properties.
I first tried Botanicals back in the spring. I’ve been trying to think of the perfect way to introduce these unique, refreshing and nurturing drinks. Then I realized that they pair perfectly with some of my favorite wellness rituals. Maybe it’s the gentle fizz or light fermented flavor, but I swear I always just feel so good after I drink them.
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So sit back, relax, take a sip and try one of these energizing
5 Approachable Wellness Rituals that Will Actually Make You Feel Better
1. ) Journaling
As a kid I tried relentlessly and eventually failed to journal regularly. I would put so much pressure on myself to write vivid accounts of the day that I would be too overwhelmed or exhausted by the end of the day that I would just avoid it.
Now I take a much simpler approach to journaling. I use it as way to jot down thoughts or ideas with no stress to document my day. As a more visual person, often this turns into sketches and doodles. When I look back I can still remember those moments and how I felt, but instead of focusing on documenting activities I use journaling as a way to deconstruct my thoughts and reflect on what’s happening.
Sometimes if I’m feeling stumped, I’ll simply right a highlight of the day.
Pair it with Strawberry Milk Thistle
- Benefits: Supports liver function and has detoxifying properties
2.) Using Face Masks
If you read the Treat Yo Self post, you know that I’m a total fan of face masks. Outside of the numerous benefits to your skin, the ritual itself feels cleansing. Washing off a face mask always makes me feel like I’m removing a layer of dead skin and a layer of toxic energy.
Pair it with Holy Basil
- Benefits: Eases stress and anxiety
3.) Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is the most effective way to remove bacteria and built up toxins from your mouth. Some of the benefits include fresher breath, heightened sense of taste, better oral hygiene, stronger immunity and improved digestive health. SOURCE (1, 2) I first tried tongue scraping during the mind body detox. It might be one of the simplest yet most satisfying parts of my morning routine. I never realized how much gunk and toxins built up on my tongue until I started regularly scraping them off. As a result my breath is fresher and my mouth feels cleaner. Plus I’ve noticed since starting scraping my sweet tooth has quieted down. This could be due to many different factors, but I have a hunch that my tastebuds are more sensitive.
Pair it with Ginger Root
- Benefits: Good for digestion, nausea and immunity
4.) Drinking Warm Lemon Water
Let’s get real, there’s a lot of hype around drinking warm lemon water in the morning. There are hundreds of articles claiming that it helps with digestion, flush toxins, helps your immune system and so on. I’m not trying to say that it can do all this magically and over night. Drinking lemon water certainly does not hurt, and for me it’s more of a calming ritual and a way to gently wake up my system instead of a glass of ice cold water.
Lately I’ve been adding a scoop of vital protein’s marine collagen supplement which dissolves in water and is tasteless. It’s been helping with my skin big time.
Pair it with Lemongrass
- Benefits: Stress Relief & Anti-Microbial
5.) Finding a Mantra
Alright, allow me to get a lil woo-woo up in here. But real talk: thoughts manifest into beliefs, which dictate behaviors. Therefor, you’re attitude and your inner dialogue can either reap major benefits or do damage. When I get stuck on a negative thought pattern or become preoccupied by worries or negative thoughts, I try to think of a word or mantra that I can refocus my energy on.
For example: recently I’ve been feeling restless and a little anxious about my living situation. I noticed that often I make out that the future will be perfect and I wish away the present moment, even though I have so many wonderful things to be grateful for. I decided to focus on the mantra “enjoy what I have.”
If you practice yoga or meditation you can bring this word or mantra with you to practice. If not you can have it in your back pocket any time a pesky thought wont go away.
Pair it with Turmeric Cardamom
- Benefits: Reduces inflammation and aids in digestion
This post was sponsored by Clearly Kombucha. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make In it 4 the Long Run grow.
*Indicates affiliate link – if anything is purchased using this link I’ll receive a small percentage
Your Turn:
- Do you have any wellness rituals you do regularly?
These are all awesome Georgie! 🙂 I really want to try tongue scraping and I’m glad you mentioned it and enjoy the benefits. I need to be better about wellness rituals; I always start them but never follow through. This time will be different because you’ve inspired me! <3
Making wellness approachable…YES. This topic is something that hits close to home because, while I’ve definitely tried my fair share of intimidating approaches, I revert back to the “basics” in a sense. Not to say one way is better, but I appreciate the variety of tools out there. I’m so glad you mentioned mantras! They are kind of woo-woo but I use them regularly.
Wellness rituals are so important in this busy world we now live in! I make sure to read a book everyday. It allows me to disconnect and to get lost in a good story that has nothing to do with my work. It is a great way to unwind and relax. I love the Nantucket library, plus they always give Lucy treats! 🙂
Wellness can be such a complicated subject, and I’m thankful you shared some simple things. I like to journal a lot, because it’s so relaxing and peaceful to get thoughts and prayers and events down on paper. One of the things that’s really encouraging and really important for me is slowing down to listen to a sermon with my family every day. It always encourages and feeds our souls and gets my eyes back in the right place. 🙂
I wouldn’t say that I quite find a mantra, but there are often verses that I think on that keep me centered and focused. 🙂 God’s Word is amazing!
I think the idea that face masks inspire a whole metaphor of cleansing more than the face and removing what is no longer needed is so spot on. My favorite face masks are peel off because it feels like you’re literally removing the gunk from your face (and life!) I’ve never tried Clearly Kombucha but I’ll be sure to give it a try next time I see it on the shelves!
I am such a terrible rituals person. I’ve tried incorporating yoga in the mornings, I’ve tried to do oil pulling, I’ve tried to journaling and nothing seems to stick. The only morning ritual I have is to have my morning latte and just sit for a bit before doing anything! I think I’m really bad at remembering to take care for myself in those ways, my house is always clean and food is always prepared, yet I forget to actually treat myself! thanks for the tips – I’m going to try a couple of them!
I wake up and have coffee with collagen and then warm lemon water with my vitamins every single morning. Before bed I drink another cup of warm lemon water but throw in a ginger tea bag for digestive help…I love how little tiny things can help so much!
I really like your simple approach to journaling. My therapist suggested I start journaling, but I have been putting it off because I feel like I have to do it perfectly- which is ridiculous! I will try the simpler approach tonight and remind myself there is no “right” way to journal!
Okay all of those booch flavors sound incredible!
I’ve never actually heard of tongue scraping I don’t think but it makes total sense! I have started journaling and it makes me feel more focused each day. Also started back up You Are a Badass, so working on those mantras… I feel you about the living situation. I keep thinking “Oh next year at this time it’ll be perfect…” but I have to remind myself to be thankful for the now.
This post is awesome Georgie!
Well, I wish I had some things I had been incorporating regularly for a while, but I am still in the process of discovering how non exercise, non food related habits can be non-negotiable aspects of my wellness routine. One thing I’ve been trying to do every day is put away my phone from dinner onwards and just be present with my husband. I love it! Why is it still so hard to do?! Here’s to intentional actions becoming natural habits!
I love this post, Georgie! It’s beautiful & the content is rich. I can really feel your vibe so much stronger ever since your site makeover. I hope you are feeling good about your work!
I loved these ideas! Mantras are so important for me while running and training. I have yet to try tongue scraping or journalling but I do find blogging can be quite therapeutic! Warm lemon water is something I have done for years in the morning and can’t think of not doing anymore. For me focusing on proper recover and getting enough rest have 2 big wellness rituals lately!