If your day-to-day grind could use a wellness upgrade (and really, whose couldn’t?), then forming a self-care ritual may be just the answer. Unlike spur-of-the-moment health splurges, like creating a perfectly swirly rainbow smoothie bowl that’s destined to get all the Instagram likes, rituals are healthy habits that become part of your real, everyday lifestyle. Practiced over time, these small acts of self-love can boost everything– from your daily mood to your productivity, and even enhance your state of biological well-being on a cellular level. Here are four simple steps to create your own self-care strategy:

1. “Set Up” in the Morning

Mornings are incredibly important, as they’re a clean slate that set the tone for the day. While the wee hours can be quite busy (and potentially sleepy), it takes just a few minutes to set your mind right. Many people benefit from keeping a gratitude journal to jot down things they’re grateful for every day, while others prefer to simply ruminate on positive thoughts for several minutes before even getting out of bed. Make it your mission to start the day on a mental note of love and kindness – you’ll be amazed at how much brighter your entire day feels.

2. Make Your First Meal Count

Whether you wake up hungry or choose to fast until the afternoon, make sure your first meal is a solid one – maybe even your best one. That “first food” is another way to prime your body with the nutrients it craves from the get-go. Depending on your diet preferences, this could look like many different things – from a skillet scramble with broccoli and avocado to a superfood smoothie with fresh fruit. Regardless, get in the habit of consuming a few “routine” superfoods, such as drinking an inflammation-taming Turmeric Superfood Latte in the evening. Try adding a spoonful of adaptogenic maca powder or Superfood+ Adaptogen Blend to your favorite coffee drink or sprinkling a handful of antioxidant-rich cacao nibs over your bowl of granola. Practice giving back to your body by way of the foods you eat– a.k.a. self care at its finest!

3. Set Aside Mini “Me Time”

In today’s busy world, mega doses of “me time” can be hard to come by, save for maybe the occasional at-home facial. But scheduling mini “me time” can be a daily reminder of your real intentions and help you get in touch (and stay in touch!) with the beauty of the present. For some, this may look like 10 minutes of meditation. For others, this could be lighting some sage or lavender to cleanse the air and mind. Still, others may find it useful to simply pause and spend a few moments writing down goals in a notebook. The important part is that you schedule this time to step off the day-to-day treadmill and recenter yourself. You can always find at least 10 minutes!

4. Value Winding Down

Most of us are stoking our cortisol until the moment we close our eyes, checking that one last work email, scrolling through social media, drinking too much alcohol in the evening or simply putting off going to bed. But getting quality sleep can genuinely change your reality for the better, although it doesn’t always come naturally to everyone. Ensure you’re getting the deep sleep you need to fully recharge by giving yourself at least 30 minutes before bedtime to wind down and relax without stimulation. Keep away from technology and “blue light”, and try other relaxing rituals like taking an Epsom salts bath while listening to calming music or nature sounds. You can even just pick up a good book to allow your mind to wander into an alternative universe – just be sure to avoid reading about heavy subjects like business or politics. You’ll be amazed at the mental and mindful advantages you gain through ensuring your sleep is of the highest quality.

Remember – no one can give you the self care you really need except for you, and the small rituals you create now can carve a path for a brighter future, tomorrow and for years to come.

ACAI ENERGY BOWL RECIPE

Start your day with this creamy superfood bowl that tastes of sweet berries and top it with your favorite superfoods for infinite customizations!

INGREDIENTS
1 frozen Banana‚ sliced
1/4 cup Non-Dairy Yogurt
1/2 cup Almond Milk
1 Tbsp Navitas Organics Acai Powder
1/4 cup frozen Blueberries
Stevia‚ to taste (optional)

Toppings:
Navitas Organics Goji Berries
Navitas Organics Hemp Seeds
Gluten-Free Oats
Fresh Blueberries
Fresh Strawberries, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the banana, yogurt, almond milk and Navitas Organics Acai Powder in a blender, and blend until creamy. Add frozen blueberries and blend again to combine.
2. Taste for sweetness and blend in stevia, if needed.
3. Pour the acai mixture into a serving bowl, and top with goji berries, hemp seeds, oats, blueberries, and sliced strawberries.
4. Serve immediately.

Makes 1 bowl

By Julie Morris, Superfood Chef