Little rituals you do for yourself that have big rewards

[Cazzovuoi]

i have Complex-PTSD after a horrific childhood thanks to my narc mother. It’s taken me a long time to learn how to take care of myself. I’m not looking for sympathy, just giving some context.

Part of my recovery has been to create self care habits for myself that include washing my teeth every night and putting on lip balm etc.

I’d love to know what little rituals you do for yourself. Like moisturising your whole body after a shower or putting on face cream and settling in bed with a book.

I’m looking for inspiration, for little things because Google gives insipid shite like get a manicure or light a scented candle (I loathe scented candles). I need inspiration from real women!

I do this and also get starbucks fruit toast untoasted to then toast in the morning. Love the tiny pot of jam it comes with!

I also find a chai latte very comforting and make that at work in the afternoon.

Also love making my own granola to add to yogurt at lunch time.

Love a bath on a Sunday morning!

@Saggypants do you mind sharing the link to the short yoga routine, please?

My little luxuries are…. And just had one. Lovely luxuriant long hot bath. Tea and crumpets in bed. Folding laundry listening to radio 4 - domesticated AND intellectual. Heated blanket on sofa for an hour before bed. I try to finish work by 9 to get an hour telly or bath then bed. Still awake now though at past 11.30! I get up at 6.30 for work so better get outta here!

yoga with Adrienne - 5 minute morning routine. If you are a bit stiff it is amazing the difference it makes, and psychologically it’s a nice way to start the day.

Nice mugs. the whittard Alice in wonder land are nice, plus tea you like obviously.

A walk in any kind of nature. My local park does fine. It’s a nice park.

If you have a sauna at your local leisure centre I know people who love that.

@CatMattress oooh what cuticle oil is it? Same question to @78Summer 😊

This is a really boring practical self care ritual but tidying everything before going to bed makes me feel a lot better. Also cleaning as I go rather than letting it pile up.

I work a four day week, and on my day off I tend to lie in a bit, then bring a cup of tea back to bed. The cat will usually come in with me, and I potter around the internet with her cuddled up to me. If I don’t have anywhere to go I have a big bath in the afternoon and listen to Shaun Keavney on Patreon while reading my book. I’ll usually prep dinner in the afternoon so it’s just ready to pop in the oven or heat on the hob when DP gets home

Yes to the massaging your feet with scented body lotion every night. Lavender-scented is particularly good.

Comfort reads in paperback, not on phone or ebooks. Jane Austen and Terry Pratchett are perfect.

An afternoon nap

I've the same kind of background, OP. I too find little rituals very grounding.

I have a small antique roll top bath and I bathe in it every morning, usually listening to a podcast or audio book (currently loving the latest Strike novel).

I put geranium essential oil in my E45 cream and when I moisturise afterwards, I find the scent so uplifting.

My DH, who doesn't drink coffee himself, brings me a fresh cup of the stuff each morning. I really treasure that first cup and usually drink it in bed although, at weekends, I'm often coastal rowing at the crack of dawn so then I'll take a flask with me and enjoy it out at sea with my fellow crew. I am very grateful that I get to do that.

It's an Esse one. I posted a link upthread somewhere... <gestures vaguely upwards>

My indulgence is kindle unlimited. I love reading in bed. It calms me.

Mine is pegging out the washing! 😂
DH keeps saying 'why don't we get a tumble dryer, it'll save so much time?' but I explained to him how much I enjoy pegging it out, and I think he gets it now.

I like to get a couple of loads washed ready the night before, then in the morning I can go and spend 20 mins or so carefully pegging it out. I can enjoy the morning sun, appreciate the garden and listen to my audiobook, as I carefully work out the optimum arrangement on the line so it will all fit and dry well. I then get to repeat the process taking it all in, enjoying the smell of the clean fresh clothes/towels/sheets as I fold them up.

I treated myself to a new rotary airer earlier this year, which is so much easier to put up and down than the old one, so taking the cover off/on and putting it up/down has added another little pleasure to the process! 😊

I have CPTSD for similar reasons. One thing that keeps me going is my routines. I’m a lone parent. I make sure that I am on the ball with perfect routines to ensure all of DD's needs are met, take care of upcoming things in advance and make sure she knows she's absolutely adored. My parents did the bare minimum. The abuse was ever present.
My child has none of that. She's supported, loved, guided, taken special care of and I’m here for anything she needs, we can talk about anything. We have a brilliant relationship and she knows she can rely on me while at the same time I’m encouraging her independence. She's flourishing.
She will have everything I never had. And that's okay, because she is the priority. There's no better motivator in the world than watching her shine.

Swimming. Length after glorious length.

And sauna

@JingsMahBucket I started with this one, though I tweak it a bit to suit me sometimes. If I'm feeling bleurgh I might start doing some stretching and breathing in lotus position instead of down dog. If I've got more energy I'll do more warrior poses.

It's just enough to get warmed up and a little out of breath, and stretch out all my morning creaks!

Hope you are feeling better, OP.

Clean sheets and an electric warmed blanket or throw, window open to the rain...

Audiobooks, something easy like Agatha Christie...

Magazines...

A liqueur such as Chambord in bed while reading...

Feeding the birds...

Full-body stretching routine every morning. It only takes 5-10min, can do a fast "essentials" routine or take my time and add in some yoga. Totally free and a small slice of peace to start the day. Giving myself that time just for me feels decadent. Great for mind & body.

That's fantastic. I'm going to steal this. Thank you

Some mornings I sit on the bench in the garden first thing with the cats, birdsong, a giant mug of tea and marmite on toast.

Tomorrow I'm going to have an hour playing with make up! I've been planning it all week

I've got a bit out of the habit of wearing "a full face" but I'm going to try things out, get rid of anything that I no longer want, and maybe even try a new technique off TikTok

I love having a good stretch before I get out of bed if I'm not too desperate for a pee. A Yoga Nidra body scan or any yoga that involves sticking my legs up the wall is great before bed.

I do the gratitude thing before sleep too.

I don't often get the chance but a rom com on my own with a bunch of grapes (ir raspberries!) is awesome.

Audible is my everyday treat. I've got a Ray Bradbury on the go at the moment and I'm really enjoying it. The sheer decadence of having somebody read you a story!

Painting my toenails.
Taking my vitamins and magnesium as it has helped my MH.
The first coffee at 440 am.Alone.

I have a thing every night where I do 15-30 minutes routine cleaning (everyday repetitive stuff) 15-30 minutes sort something new (can be tidying a particular area, organisation or fixing a small problem) and then 15-30 minutes on something for myself like time for moisturiser/foot care or facemask. I power through the first 2 things, feel I deserve the last and the house stays clearer/gets incrementally tidier and I dont feel Ive spent my whole free time on housework.

Love this thread. It's the little things ❤️

Mine in morning is to make cuppa and have in bed and then put music on whilst I shower and sort kitchen.

Personally for me, as long as I put music on when I'm alone for the day (I work evenings), I'm happy. Music therapy is powerful x

Taking a half hour walk in the local country park.