4 Rituals to Inspire Your Body and Mind

It’s a fact of life that we all fall into ruts from time to time. Maybe you’re overworked, stressed out, or just plain bored. No matter what the cause, feeling uninspired is totally normal and not a sign that your life is falling apart (though in those moments it can totally feel like it!)

I’ve created a series of what I call “success rituals,” which keep me grounded when my inspiration needs a reboot. I practice them on a regular basis, and I credit them with helping me feel happier, healthier, and more successful as a woman and an entrepreneuress. I hope you’ll give them a try!

Take an Epsom Salt Bath 
My name is Cara and I’m addicted to baths. But seriously, if you aren’t soaking in the tub at least a few times a week, you are truly missing out. To make your own Epsom salt bath, simply choose your favorite bubble bath mix, add your favorite pure essentials oils (I’ll usually do lavender to relax at night, and eucalyptus to wake up my mind if it’s a morning bath), and Epsom salts. The benefits of Epsom salts are amazing, you guys. When absorbed through the skin, they help relieve muscle pain and inflammation and draw toxins from the body. I usually take a glass of lemon water in a beautiful wine glass with me in to drink to help re-hydrate; and either a cup of tea or a glass of wine, depending on my mood. As I sip and soak, I imagine my stress melting away, and I allow my mind the space to be creative and spark new ideas. 

Make a Celebration List! 
While I wholeheartedly support a good to-do list, it’s equally important to celebrate what you’ve accomplished at the end of each day, right? I started making celebration lists at night to help shift the focus from what I didn’t do, and be proud of what I did get done on that particular day. This has now become a nightly practice for me, and it’s changed the game. It not only helps me feel good about myself, but it helps me end the day on a positive note and separate myself from the day’s work. Focusing on everything you have accomplished builds momentum and reminds you of how capable you are! Inspiration central. 

Be a Little Superficial
Whether you need to touch up your hair color, get a pedicure, or indulge in a massage, be sure to make time for yourself—especially if you’re feeling blah. It’s so much easier to feel good when we look good. And aside from feeling attractive, taking some time away from your routine to dedicate to a “me day” will instantly inspire you.

Give Your Brain a Break
Over the past year and a half, workouts have taken on a whole new meaning for me. In the past, I’d always exercised with resentment; gritting my teeth through a torturous run or bootcamp class with one goal in mind: Try to get skinny. After discovering SoulCycle in 2015, everything changed for me. Suddenly, my workouts were no longer about getting to a certain number on the scale. They were about clearing my mind and having fun. I found so much joy through moving my body to music I loved, and I gained so much confidence by challenging my own self-imposed limitations. In fact, I credit cycling with helping me write two books! I now view my rides as moving meditations, and sweating feels like a spiritual experience for me. I highly recommend finding a way to implement physical activity into your life in a way that feels authentic and enjoyable. It makes all the difference. Whether it’s a cycling class, power walking while blasting your favorite tunes, or yoga, you need to sweat on a regular basis and release endorphins. I promise you’ll feel more creative, peaceful, and happy. Your body and mind will thank you.

Feature photo by Hisu lee.

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For more spirit-minded life-hacks from Cara Alwill Leyba, check out:
Happiness Boards Are The New Vision Boards
How to Turn Your Jealousy into Inspiration (Really!) 
How a Life Coach Can Help You Find Your Purpose
When You Do Your Own Weird Thing, You Grow Wings