11 Ways to Turn Your Routine into Rituals

Do you often find yourself looking back on your week feeling as if each day blended into the next? The monotonous motion of checking things off your to-do list, going to and from work, taking care of the home and family matters, etc.. It’s so easy to get lost in routine.  Have you ever wondered how you could make the mundane just a little more magical?

Here are a few ways to add a spark to your every day “to do’s”, and turn your routine into rituals:

Laundry

Moss Creek Wool Works Dryer Balls

Few scents beat the scent of clean laundry. But as I’ve been transitioning all my home and body products to natural alternatives, I find the scent of dryer sheets far too synthetic smelling. I was so happy to discover wool dryer balls! They are 100% wool and free from any chemicals. The dryer balls help to soften the clothes and reduce static, just like dryer sheets do. My favorite part is that I can dab on my own signature blend of essential oils to give my laundry an intoxicating smell. I swear I end up smelling each piece as I put a fresh load away!

Favorite Netflix Series

Washing and drying clothes are one thing, but actually putting away the clean laundry… that’s the tricky part! Hunkering down with a few loads of clean clothes and my favorite Netflix series is a way that I found to be productive AND watch t.v., guilt free!

Dishes

This is definitely my least favorite household duty of all. I don’t know how I ever survived in my tiny apartment with no dishwasher. I will never EVER take the luxury of a dishwasher for granted again. I will do just about anything to make dishwashing a more enjoyable experience.

Attitude Dishwashing Liquid

The last thing you want after doing a sink full of dishes is dry, irritated hands. I skip out on the heavily scented, neon-colored liquid for this reason. My favorite brand is Attitude because of their light and fun scents like basil and green apple. The formula is hypoallergenic but still tough on grease.

Mabu Multi Cloths

Is there anything worse than wringing out a dishcloth and having that sour smell left on your hands? Not to mention all over the dishes and countertops you just cleaned… With Mabu cloths, I never have to worry about this! They are made from 100% wood pulp fiber that is uniquely layered to ensure that bacteria and food debris can be rinsed out instead of becoming trapped and fester over time.

Workout

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix

One of my favorite mottos in life is  “Don’t be scared, be prepared”, and I definitely always go into a workout with this mindset. One way that I prepare my body is drinking electrolytes before and after my workout. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge, they improve muscle function, impact your body’s alkalinity and so much more! Adding these into my water bottle saves me from being sore and stiff in the days to follow.

Aleva Bamboo Baby Wipes

Yes, baby wipes… are life savers if you’re like me and often hit the gym with no time to shower immediately afterwards. To avoid breakouts, I like to wipe down areas of excess perspiration such as my face, chest, and back. Formulated with soothing aloe vera, chamomile, lavender, and tea tree, they gently cleanse the skin without irritation.

Routine De-odor Cream Natural Deodorant

It’s simple and inevitable; working out leads to sweating and sweating leads to smelling. Finding a natural deodorant that works can be tricky and can involve a lot of trial and error.  Routine deodorant has been my tried and true deodorant for about 3 years now. The creators of routine combine the deodorizing powers of clays, waxes, and essential oils to fend off any odor causing bacteria. It is important to remember that no natural deodorant will act as an antiperspirant. Perspiring, or sweating, is a means through which our bodies expel toxins, so blocking this process is not ideal.  After trying virtually everything else we carry, Routine is the only deodorant that keeps me smelling fresh all day!

Killer Tunes

Workouts can require some serious motivation! One of the best ways I find the power to keep going is turning up some of my favorite songs. Sometimes all I need is to get lost in the rhythm or fun lyrics so I can zone out instead of counting down the minutes or reps that remain.

Walks

Tea-to-Go

Is there ever a bad time for tea? Whether it’s a chilly late night or dewy early morning stroll, brewing up my favorite tea and taking it along with me on a walk is always comforting.

Saying Hi to Strangers

It’s so easy to get stuck and stay in your own little bubble throughout the day. Constantly on your computer, phone, or just in your head, I find that a simple nod, smile, or quick hello to a total stranger is a fast way to feel connected to something or someone outside yourself. It sparks a type of connection that we as humans crave. It’s also contagious! Just think of all the smiles and greetings you’ll trigger!

Invite a Friend

Taking a stroll with a friend is soothing to the soul. It’s a win-win for both of you!  It’s a way to enjoy the fresh air, have a mini therapy session, some good laughs, and some exercise! You can even make an end goal of walking to a certain coffee shop or favorite lookout spot.