Managing overwhelm has been one of my biggest struggles and life's greatest lessons, and I know I’m not alone. Is it the weight of being a highly sensitive person or simply the nature of being a millennial navigating today’s fast-paced world? As someone who has been open about my struggles with mental health since I was a child, I’ve come to realise that routine in the form of self-care rituals is my anchor.
I enjoy spontaneity and a bit of light-hearted chaos, but without grounding self-care rituals, I notice overwhelm creep back in, along with my negative inner dialogue and limiting beliefs.
I’m not here to say that having a morning or evening routine will magically heal everything - because that would be a lie. However, I’ve discovered that intentional rituals bring clarity, focus, confidence, and flow into my day. On days when I skip them, I can become ungrounded, and even small stressors feel bigger than they are. I notice I become distracted and time is more likely to slip away, which can lead to feeling shame and frustration, which can become a negative cycle, one that doesn't serve my Higher Self and the person I want to be.
A Self-Care Hack That Changed My Mornings
Yes, there are influencers preaching unrealistic morning routines—but let’s be honest, not everyone can wake up at 5 AM, drink green juice, meditate for an hour, journal, and do Pilates before work. While this works for them and can be inspiring, I’ve also seen it trigger feelings of inadequacy, because the reality is, we all have different schedules. Entrepreneurs with flexible lifestyles (like influencers) may have more time, while working mums often have little to none, and city commuters are already stretched for time. That’s why it’s important to create a self-care ritual that fits into your life—one that supports you without adding unnecessary pressure.
One of my therapists once asked me to draw a grid with six squares and said:
"In an ideal world, what six things could you do in the morning to raise your vibration and feel good?"
I encourage you to try this now. Write down six things that light you up. As an example mine would be:
- Journaling
- Read a book
- Meditation
- A walk in nature
- Mindful tea/cacao/coffee
- Grounding on grass
The goal? Complete at least one every morning. If you manage more, it’s a bonus. Celebrate each win.
This simple shift made self-care feel achievable, instead of overwhelming. Over time, I built a routine of non-negotiables—things I could weave into my day, no matter how busy I was.
Make It Work for You, Not Against You
This approach to self-care routines is flexible, realistic, and sustainable. You don’t have to “join the 5 AM club” or follow someone else’s version of wellness. Instead, you create one that’s aligned with your lifestyle and what truly ignites you.
In the Higher Self Journal, there's a guided exercise to help you design a personalised morning and evening self-care ritual. This practice helps you:
✔ Understand what rituals feel most nourishing for you
✔ Connect emotionally to why they matter
✔ Shift into an empowered mindset to start the day with clarity, focus, and energy
Why an Evening Routine Matters Too
Your PM routine is just as important. If you go to bed feeling drained, overwhelmed, or stuck in negativity, it can affect your sleep and even how you feel the next day. A simple evening ritual can shift your emotional state, helping you:
- Process and release the day’s stress
- Improve sleep quality
- Cultivate calmness and self-awareness
- Wake up feeling refreshed and in alignment
Even on the best days, journaling or a small act of self-care can bring deep fulfilment. It’s not about perfection, but consistency in nurturing your mind, body, and soul.
How Do Rituals Help You?
Rituals are everything. They infuse intention into your life, connect you with your inner magic, and expand your self-awareness and heart. More than just habits, rituals anchor you in the present, helping to reduce stress, regulate emotions, and bring a sense of balance to your mind and body. Making them a non-negotiable part of your day supports your mental well-being, increases focus and productivity, and cultivates a deeper sense of self-trust and alignment. When you consistently show up for yourself, you reinforce that you are worthy of care, growth, and inner peace.
Have you found that morning and evening rituals help you regulate your moods and navigate daily stressors? I'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!
Love,
Bianca x
