Ritual magic

It sounds like hocus-pocus, but rituals are a fast-growing wellness trend that promise to boost happiness and wellbeing, says Carly Hobbs

Rituals might sound like something you’d find in a, mystical magic shop, but they could be the easiest way of adding wellbeing to your to-do list.

According to research commissioned by Yakult, 65 per cent of adults believe that developing positive rituals over the past two years has helped their mental health.

It’s estimated that each person picked up at least five helpful habits that helped them to navigate the pandemic. And eight out of 10 of them intend to continue with them as they deal with the cost-of-living crisis and day-to-day stresses.

Hannah Martin, psychotherapist and founder of the

Talented Ladies Club (talentedladiesclub.com) isn’t surprised.

“A ritual is simply something you do every day or week, but enhancing it with a special meaning or association so it becomes helpful in reducing stress levels while improving mood.

“Rituals give us a sense of security. They feel familiar and comforting as we know what to expect.”

Rituals have their roots in the Stone Age, and during Roman times they were typically used to describe a custom or “correct performance”. But there’s no need to order a caveman costume or a toga – these healing helpers can slip into your daily routine with minimal effort and zero cost.

Rituals make it easier for us to incorporate healthy habits and positive traits into our life.

“Some rituals develop organically, like your first tea of the morning in your favourite mug, which absolutely counts,” says Hannah. “Others can be consciously cultivated. Start by identifying what you want out of a ritual, for example, getting outside more or acquiring a skill. Don’t be too ambitious – a good ritual will feel natural. It should make you feel comforted, secure, and maybe even help achieve life goals.”

Here Hannah shares rituals you can add to your life right now.

PERFECT PLAYLIST

Create a wake up and 4pm playlist as an anti-procrastination ritual to help boost energy. Choose three songs for each – any more and you’ll lose focus. They need to be ones you’d always play loud.

MORNING CUPPA

Make a perfect morning drink in your favourite mug, or at least one that makes you happier than the others in the cupboard.

Take a moment to fully appreciate how it feels in your hands, the taste and the smell.

GET UP EARLIER

Get up 20 minutes earlier and do something that makes you happy. It might be a classic ritual like yoga, reading the newspaper undisturbed, or even staring into space.

Once a week is enough if this isn’t your favourite time of day. If you have young children do this once they’re in bed instead.

HAPPY POST-ITS

Write gratitude Post-its. Simply write down what you’re grateful for on a little yellow square and stick it somewhere noticeable. Nothing too deep is required – show gratitude for catching up on Corrie or seeing your dog’s wagging tail.

DO SOMETHING FOR YOU

Upgrade your daily downtime. Make the recipe you ripped out of the paper, try a straightforward craft like diamond painting by numbers (Stacey Solomon is a big fan) or go to the library and choose a book that’s not your typical pick.

WORRY WINDOW

Allow a 15-minute worry window for overthinking, and finish with a sort-it-out brainstorm on a bit of paper. Pick the best options, circling them with a bright coloured pen, then move on.

BRUSH IT OFF

Brushing your hair can help streamline thoughts and calm you.

Work from the hairline to the nape of the neck in smooth strokes. Do it for a few minutes, allowing the simple repetitions to soothe.

PICK UP THE PHONE

Brushing your hair can help streamline your thoughts and soothe the mind

Swap out a negative ritual, like drinking two glasses of wine a night.

Instead of reaching for the Merlot, phone a friend. You’ll feel much more connected.

WASH AWAY

The sensation and sound of water can silence a racing mind, so harness its power when washing your face.

Apply your usual cleanser slowly, pausing before bringing the water to your face.

Think of a particular worry, then as you splash your face, imagine the water washing that worry away.