Try These Self-Care Rituals To Prepare Yourself For The Year Ahead

There are many words we can use to describe 2017: shitstorm, dumpster fire, absolute disaster... you know, just to name a few. To really sum it all up, though, I think we can all agree that this year has been particularly traumatic for a lot of people. The stories in the media, the political happenings, the natural disasters—whether or not you were directly affected, chances are these situations have hit home in some way.

Now that the year is finally beginning to wind down and come to a close, it’s time we take a step back, and pay extra attention to taking special care of ourselves. We want to start off a new year on the right foot, don’t we? Sure, the holidays can be hectic, but they also usually indicate a slower school and work schedule, potentially a couple of days off, and maybe just a little more time for yourself. In other words, there’s really no better time for self-care.

We turned to the experts—from transformational coaches to high-vibe specialists—for their go-to self-care rituals aimed to reset and prepare for a whole new year. Not only will these help us distance ourselves from the treacherous times that were 2017, but they'll prepare us for a lighter and brighter 2018. Consider the following your guide to entering the new year as your best self.

Fire ritual

Out with the old and in with the new. With a whole new year ahead of us, it’s time we start letting go of the past, especially what no longer serves us. “Letting go of what does not serve us creates space for us to call forth what we do want in our lives,” says Tina Bornstein of Tony&Tina Vibrational Remedies. So, how do we do that? Set shit on fire! (Seriously.)

What you’ll need:

• Fire ritual
• Out with the old and in with the new. With a whole new year ahead of us, it’s time we start letting go of the past, especially what no longer serves us. “Letting go of what does not serve us creates space for us to call forth what we do want in our lives,” says Tina Bornstein of Tony&Tina Vibrational Remedies. So, how do we do that? Set shit on fire! (Seriously.)
• What you’ll need:Two bowls
• Fire ritual
• Out with the old and in with the new. With a whole new year ahead of us, it’s time we start letting go of the past, especially what no longer serves us. “Letting go of what does not serve us creates space for us to call forth what we do want in our lives,” says Tina Bornstein of Tony&Tina Vibrational Remedies. So, how do we do that? Set shit on fire! (Seriously.)
• What you’ll need:A pen and paper
• Fire ritual
• Out with the old and in with the new. With a whole new year ahead of us, it’s time we start letting go of the past, especially what no longer serves us. “Letting go of what does not serve us creates space for us to call forth what we do want in our lives,” says Tina Bornstein of Tony&Tina Vibrational Remedies. So, how do we do that? Set shit on fire! (Seriously.)
• What you’ll need:Matches or a lighter

Directions:

First and foremost, you must be mindful when doing this as it can a potential fire hazard. Pick a spot somewhere in your house or (preferably) outdoors that isn’t close to anything flammable.

Place the two bowls in front of you—one will be for releasing and the other for declaring. On a piece of paper, write three things you’re ready to let go of. “Read it out loud and then light it over the releasing bowl. Let it burn in the bowl until most or all of it is ash. You can burn each release declaration on its own or burn them all at once,” says Bornstein. Next, on a new piece of paper, write up to three things that you want to attract in your life. Using the same process of stating it out loud, again, burn the paper to ashes into the declaration bowl.

Once you’ve done the above, you can take each bowl outside (or out a window). First, take the release bowl and let the ashes blow into the wind while affirming to yourself that you’re letting go and releasing whatever you’ve written down. With the declaration bowl, do the same, this time affirming that you’re in vibration with what you’re trying to attract into your life.

“Trust that you have now released what does not serve you and that you have declared to the universe what you want, and you will indeed attract what you want,” says Bornstein.

Grounding ritual

For many of us, there are things we’d wish to leave behind, be it a negative thought or a bad habit. Cheryl Rafuse of HausWitch shared a simple grounding ritual with us that can help you stay on a positive track—especially as we close out the year. “Maybe 2017 saw your smoking habit skyrocket, or the holidays are a time where you rely on damaging relationships. Staying away from situations that trigger your bad habits is an important part of taking care of yourself,” she says. However, sometimes that’s not always possible, and that’s where the below comes in to help.

What you'll need:

• Grounding ritual
• For many of us, there are things we’d wish to leave behind, be it a negative thought or a bad habit. Cheryl Rafuse of HausWitch shared a simple grounding ritual with us that can help you stay on a positive track—especially as we close out the year. “Maybe 2017 saw your smoking habit skyrocket, or the holidays are a time where you rely on damaging relationships. Staying away from situations that trigger your bad habits is an important part of taking care of yourself,” she says. However, sometimes that’s not always possible, and that’s where the below comes in to help.
• What you'll need:A crystal, token, or piece of jewelry that feels good to you

Directions:

Find a quiet place and focus your energy on the item you’ve chosen. “Put your intention of calm and relaxation into it,” says Rafuse. Then, going forward, every time you feel yourself being pulled in by this bad habit, you can use that item as a means of guiding yourself away. It will help keep you grounded, even through tougher—or tempting—situations.

Ritual closet cleanse

Sometimes, nothing can be more therapeutic and soothing than getting rid of a ton of clutter—and that begins with the clothes in our closets. However, cleaning out our closets can go much deeper than simple decluttering, as Ruby Warrington, founder of The Numinous, the high-vibe spirituality online magazine, and author of Material Girl, Mystical World, explains.

“The end of the year is a great time to reflect on how the experiences of the past 12 months have shaped you—the person you were and you have become—as reflected by the contents of your closet,” she says. “Our clothes are a reflection of the person we believe ourselves to be, and holding on to items we’ve outgrown, in a metaphorical and physical sense, can block the flow of new energy into our lives. Not to mention, it can also be kind of disrespectful to the person we’re becoming.”

Warrington suggests taking the time for a ritual closet cleanse. This ritual serves to accept and welcome the most empowered version of yourself, just in time for the new year, and to leave any negative or limiting beliefs in the past.

What you'll need:

• Ritual closet cleanse
• Sometimes, nothing can be more therapeutic and soothing than getting rid of a ton of clutter—and that begins with the clothes in our closets. However, cleaning out our closets can go much deeper than simple decluttering, as Ruby Warrington, founder of The Numinous, the high-vibe spirituality online magazine, and author of Material Girl, Mystical World, explains.
• “The end of the year is a great time to reflect on how the experiences of the past 12 months have shaped you—the person you were and you have become—as reflected by the contents of your closet,” she says. “Our clothes are a reflection of the person we believe ourselves to be, and holding on to items we’ve outgrown, in a metaphorical and physical sense, can block the flow of new energy into our lives. Not to mention, it can also be kind of disrespectful to the person we’re becoming.”
• Warrington suggests taking the time for a ritual closet cleanse. This ritual serves to accept and welcome the most empowered version of yourself, just in time for the new year, and to leave any negative or limiting beliefs in the past.
• What you'll need:Paper
• Ritual closet cleanse
• Sometimes, nothing can be more therapeutic and soothing than getting rid of a ton of clutter—and that begins with the clothes in our closets. However, cleaning out our closets can go much deeper than simple decluttering, as Ruby Warrington, founder of The Numinous, the high-vibe spirituality online magazine, and author of Material Girl, Mystical World, explains.
• “The end of the year is a great time to reflect on how the experiences of the past 12 months have shaped you—the person you were and you have become—as reflected by the contents of your closet,” she says. “Our clothes are a reflection of the person we believe ourselves to be, and holding on to items we’ve outgrown, in a metaphorical and physical sense, can block the flow of new energy into our lives. Not to mention, it can also be kind of disrespectful to the person we’re becoming.”
• Warrington suggests taking the time for a ritual closet cleanse. This ritual serves to accept and welcome the most empowered version of yourself, just in time for the new year, and to leave any negative or limiting beliefs in the past.
• What you'll need:A pen

Directions:

First, turn off your phone and begin with a quick meditation, so that you can center yourself and “clear any mental chatter.” Next, write down three words that you would use to describe the most empowered version of yourself, and place them somewhere you can see them.

Next, comes the fun part. Open your closet and begin to pull out anything that might feel questionable to you. “Try not to apply logic—‘I haven’t worn this in X number of months’—rather, follow your intuition and pull what no longer feels like it has a place in your life. Without trying it on, pick each item in turn, and imagine yourself wearing it. Close your eyes. How does it feel in your body? Light and joyful? It’s a keeper. Tight and restricted? Time for it to go.” With any other items you’ve been questioning, turn to the three words you wrote down to use as an additional guide. The pieces to keep should be fit for the most empowered version of you.  

Of course, whatever you do decide to let go of should be consigned, given to a friend, or donated. “Your cast-offs could aid in another person’s ultimate becoming,” Warrington reminds us.

Breath meditation

Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of peace and silence to help realign ourselves. Two of the most common and popular forms of self-care are meditation and breath work, and finding a method that focuses on both is an ideal way to relax, let go, and reconnect. Whether it's for five minutes or 30, anything helps.

Sah D’Simone, transformational coach and meditation teacher, combines both in this 21-minute Healing Breath Meditation, a guided meditation you can download and play whenever you need a moment of peace. During this particular meditation, the body becomes accustomed to a coherent five breaths per minute, which sends the brain “the message that all is well” and essentially flips on the switch to our mind, body, and soul’s system of self-healing. According to D’Simone, this practice has the potential to do everything, from simultaneously calming and energizing the brain and increasing alertness to boosting your immune system and reducing stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more.

What you'll need:

• Breath meditation
• Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of peace and silence to help realign ourselves. Two of the most common and popular forms of self-care are meditation and breath work, and finding a method that focuses on both is an ideal way to relax, let go, and reconnect. Whether it's for five minutes or 30, anything helps.
• Sah D’Simone, transformational coach and meditation teacher, combines both in this 21-minute Healing Breath Meditation, a guided meditation you can download and play whenever you need a moment of peace. During this particular meditation, the body becomes accustomed to a coherent five breaths per minute, which sends the brain “the message that all is well” and essentially flips on the switch to our mind, body, and soul’s system of self-healing. According to D’Simone, this practice has the potential to do everything, from simultaneously calming and energizing the brain and increasing alertness to boosting your immune system and reducing stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more.
• What you'll need:Yourself
• Breath meditation
• Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of peace and silence to help realign ourselves. Two of the most common and popular forms of self-care are meditation and breath work, and finding a method that focuses on both is an ideal way to relax, let go, and reconnect. Whether it's for five minutes or 30, anything helps.
• Sah D’Simone, transformational coach and meditation teacher, combines both in this 21-minute Healing Breath Meditation, a guided meditation you can download and play whenever you need a moment of peace. During this particular meditation, the body becomes accustomed to a coherent five breaths per minute, which sends the brain “the message that all is well” and essentially flips on the switch to our mind, body, and soul’s system of self-healing. According to D’Simone, this practice has the potential to do everything, from simultaneously calming and energizing the brain and increasing alertness to boosting your immune system and reducing stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more.
• What you'll need:A quiet, comfortable space

Directions:

D’Simone suggests either sitting up or laying down (whatever is more comfortable), and following the simple—yet powerful—directions spoken throughout the meditation.

You can download the full guided meditation, here.

Storytelling

Let’s face it, 2017 was a rough time for all of us, especially in terms of personal triggers as powerful man after powerful man was outed for sexual abuse and/or harassment. While the #MeToo movement is still going strong and people all over the world are gaining the strength and power to out their abusers and tell their stories, it can be difficult for all of us—especially those who may not necessarily be ready to open up.

Alexandra Roxo, transformational mentor, healer, and founder of Moon Club shares a storytelling ritual—her favorite form of medicine and therapy—that can be a great step to healing ourselves from any past instances and triggers:After the election, many of us have had our PTSD triggered by our president. Add all of the other men in Hollywood and politics [that have been outed], and it’s just been a tough time for any woman who has been through sexual assault, attempted assault, or harassment. It’s deeply triggering, and you may not know why you’re upset until it hits you: “Oh, I’m in a trauma response because of our president! Or Harvey Weinstein!" So, I am called to share a ritual for sexual healing to end 2017. The purpose is to release any of the pain around all that’s come up around sex and assault this year.

What you'll need:

• Storytelling
• Let’s face it, 2017 was a rough time for all of us, especially in terms of personal triggers as powerful man after powerful man was outed for sexual abuse and/or harassment. While the #MeToo movement is still going strong and people all over the world are gaining the strength and power to out their abusers and tell their stories, it can be difficult for all of us—especially those who may not necessarily be ready to open up.
• Alexandra Roxo, transformational mentor, healer, and founder of Moon Club shares a storytelling ritual—her favorite form of medicine and therapy—that can be a great step to healing ourselves from any past instances and triggers:After the election, many of us have had our PTSD triggered by our president. Add all of the other men in Hollywood and politics [that have been outed], and it’s just been a tough time for any woman who has been through sexual assault, attempted assault, or harassment. It’s deeply triggering, and you may not know why you’re upset until it hits you: “Oh, I’m in a trauma response because of our president! Or Harvey Weinstein!" So, I am called to share a ritual for sexual healing to end 2017. The purpose is to release any of the pain around all that’s come up around sex and assault this year.
• What you'll need:Your voice
• Storytelling
• Let’s face it, 2017 was a rough time for all of us, especially in terms of personal triggers as powerful man after powerful man was outed for sexual abuse and/or harassment. While the #MeToo movement is still going strong and people all over the world are gaining the strength and power to out their abusers and tell their stories, it can be difficult for all of us—especially those who may not necessarily be ready to open up.
• Alexandra Roxo, transformational mentor, healer, and founder of Moon Club shares a storytelling ritual—her favorite form of medicine and therapy—that can be a great step to healing ourselves from any past instances and triggers:After the election, many of us have had our PTSD triggered by our president. Add all of the other men in Hollywood and politics [that have been outed], and it’s just been a tough time for any woman who has been through sexual assault, attempted assault, or harassment. It’s deeply triggering, and you may not know why you’re upset until it hits you: “Oh, I’m in a trauma response because of our president! Or Harvey Weinstein!" So, I am called to share a ritual for sexual healing to end 2017. The purpose is to release any of the pain around all that’s come up around sex and assault this year.
• What you'll need:A pen and paper
• Storytelling
• Let’s face it, 2017 was a rough time for all of us, especially in terms of personal triggers as powerful man after powerful man was outed for sexual abuse and/or harassment. While the #MeToo movement is still going strong and people all over the world are gaining the strength and power to out their abusers and tell their stories, it can be difficult for all of us—especially those who may not necessarily be ready to open up.
• Alexandra Roxo, transformational mentor, healer, and founder of Moon Club shares a storytelling ritual—her favorite form of medicine and therapy—that can be a great step to healing ourselves from any past instances and triggers:After the election, many of us have had our PTSD triggered by our president. Add all of the other men in Hollywood and politics [that have been outed], and it’s just been a tough time for any woman who has been through sexual assault, attempted assault, or harassment. It’s deeply triggering, and you may not know why you’re upset until it hits you: “Oh, I’m in a trauma response because of our president! Or Harvey Weinstein!" So, I am called to share a ritual for sexual healing to end 2017. The purpose is to release any of the pain around all that’s come up around sex and assault this year.
• What you'll need:A candle
• Storytelling
• Let’s face it, 2017 was a rough time for all of us, especially in terms of personal triggers as powerful man after powerful man was outed for sexual abuse and/or harassment. While the #MeToo movement is still going strong and people all over the world are gaining the strength and power to out their abusers and tell their stories, it can be difficult for all of us—especially those who may not necessarily be ready to open up.
• Alexandra Roxo, transformational mentor, healer, and founder of Moon Club shares a storytelling ritual—her favorite form of medicine and therapy—that can be a great step to healing ourselves from any past instances and triggers:After the election, many of us have had our PTSD triggered by our president. Add all of the other men in Hollywood and politics [that have been outed], and it’s just been a tough time for any woman who has been through sexual assault, attempted assault, or harassment. It’s deeply triggering, and you may not know why you’re upset until it hits you: “Oh, I’m in a trauma response because of our president! Or Harvey Weinstein!" So, I am called to share a ritual for sexual healing to end 2017. The purpose is to release any of the pain around all that’s come up around sex and assault this year.
• What you'll need:A talking stick or a crystal
• Storytelling
• Let’s face it, 2017 was a rough time for all of us, especially in terms of personal triggers as powerful man after powerful man was outed for sexual abuse and/or harassment. While the #MeToo movement is still going strong and people all over the world are gaining the strength and power to out their abusers and tell their stories, it can be difficult for all of us—especially those who may not necessarily be ready to open up.
• Alexandra Roxo, transformational mentor, healer, and founder of Moon Club shares a storytelling ritual—her favorite form of medicine and therapy—that can be a great step to healing ourselves from any past instances and triggers:After the election, many of us have had our PTSD triggered by our president. Add all of the other men in Hollywood and politics [that have been outed], and it’s just been a tough time for any woman who has been through sexual assault, attempted assault, or harassment. It’s deeply triggering, and you may not know why you’re upset until it hits you: “Oh, I’m in a trauma response because of our president! Or Harvey Weinstein!" So, I am called to share a ritual for sexual healing to end 2017. The purpose is to release any of the pain around all that’s come up around sex and assault this year.
• What you'll need:A pre-planned playlist

Directions:

This ritual can be performed both solo and in a group setting. It’s best performed during a waning moon or new moon. The moon is currently waning, with a New Moon on December 17.

If alone, first start by lighting a candle, setting your space, and putting on your favorite quiet or meditative music. “This can be as dark or as emo as you want to go,” says Roxo. She also suggests turning your phone off to avoid any distractions.

Using a pen and paper, spend 30 minutes writing out all of the moments you’ve ever felt sexually harassed or have dealt with any sexual trauma. Then, burn the paper safely (she recommends over a metal bowl filled with water). Afterward, she suggests putting on your favorite song and letting your emotions go. “Shake it out, scream, or cry if you need to!” You can also use your computer for this, but make sure your Wi-Fi is turned off, to avoid any distractions, and keep the document in safe place as it's likely very personal.

If you prefer a group, invite five or so friends over that you know you can trust to keep your stories confidential. Popcorn-style, have a crystal or talking stick to pass around while each member of the circle shares their story. It’s important that while each person speaks, the others only listen—no feedback or touching and hugging anyone mid-story. “They are in a letting-go moment, and it’s essential that we respect that,” says Roxo. “But do have some candles lit, your phones off, and tissues handy.”

Once the stories have been told, have every member of the group take a few deep breaths together, preparing to release the stories. “You can then stand up and shake them out, smudge everyone with some sage, or put on a song and dance and scream and howl and release energy into the room. Open a window and let it all out. Then close the circle officially by saying, ‘We release, and leave these stories here,’” she says. To finish off the ritual? “Eat cookies, drink kombucha, and hug each other.”

Daily Practice

While some of these rituals may require a bit more of your time, there are always small things we can do each day or week to incorporate more self-care into our daily lives, which can help us work toward a much less tumultuous 2018 (well, at least, on a personal level).

What it really comes down to is how you plan out your schedule—if you even have one. “Self-care can be about building time for yourself into your day—or week, if you’re as busy as we are,” says Rafuse. “To do that, sometimes you need to take the time to plan your week. At the beginning of each, make time to list out everything you want or need to do, and then set an intention for the week. Maybe you have a lot going on, but you want to remember to take five minutes every morning to play with your cat or do a few yoga stretches.”

Another easy suggestion? Setting your daily energy and vibe by drawing a card. “A simple daily practice is waking up five minutes early and doing a quick one-card pull to see what energy the day might bring you. You can pull from a tarot or oracle deck. This practice helps you be mindful of your energy and what vibe you bring to a space. Being aware of your feelings and treating yourself accordingly can be an important part of your self-care routine.”

Remember—it really can be that simple to make a big difference to your day and overall well-being. “Not every daily practice has to be complex. You can simply write down one thing you are grateful for each morning to start your day with positivity. Another way to bring in positivity in your morning is to focus in on an affirmation. Our favorite is, ‘You are not an imposter, you are for real. It’s not luck, timing, or a lie. You deserve it,’” suggests Rafuse.

So, whether our plan is to set some things on fire or spend a few more minutes with your cat, there are many ways we can unwind from the mess that was 2017, so we can carry ourselves into the new year refreshed and ready to take on the world.