6 rituals that make me feel more put together

(spoiler: they're not all appearance related)

it’s FINALLY getting nicer out, the seasonal affective disorder is melting away, and the motivation to feel and look amazing is back!

there is just something about looking and feeling put together that makes the day feel *right*, ya know? i feel more confident, am more likely to talk to people while out and about, and have more fun doing whatever i’m doing.

ritual 1: prepare ahead

i used to work with a wonderful woman named Deb—one of those rare people who always seemed effortlessly put together. i’m talking car detailed, meals prepped, lunchbox sparkling clean. it was phenomenal.

people like this often get labeled as OCD, but that wasn’t Deb. she was happy-go-lucky, never anxious, and genuinely free. so, i did what any psycho would - i watched her patterns.

just days into my psycho mission, i cracked the code: she prepared ahead of time. that was it. no secret superpower, no intense discipline—just small, consistent habits that made her life run smoothly.

she:

• set out her clothes, packed her lunch, and planned her day the night before

• scheduled her meals a week in advance

• maintained a weekly cleaning routine for her home and belongings

so don’t listen when people say you have to choose between fun or having a plan! because Deb proves you can have both… and both in abundance.

ritual 2: get up early

when i get up early, there is no rush - no cortisol spike - first thing in the morning. i can slowly wake my body up and allow myself to enjoy the beautiful things about the morning (coffee, breakfast, & sunrise of course).

this is the time i have to:

• prep whatever i couldn’t the day before

• walk on the treadmill (huge stress reliever & waist is getting snatched)

• look a little cuter for the day

• spend time doing something i love (reading, journaling, self care, etc.)

ritual 3: get ready

every morning, i get ready. this looks different every day.

*nothing linked is sponsored, just the stuff i love

at bare minimum, that means:

• deodorant

• face & lip moisturizer

• brushed eyebrows

on a typical day, i apply:

• deodorant

• tattoo lip liner (say bye-bye to reapplying liner all day)

• bronzer (healthy ingredients)

• concealer (healthy ingredients)

• mascara

• perfume (jo malone’s ‘honeysuckle & davana cologne’)

if you get ready in the morning, i promise you’ll be 10x more energetic & productive.

ritual 4: weekly reset

girls, the power of my sunday reset changes the trajectory of my week ahead.

*nothing linked is sponsored, just the stuff i love

here’s my sunday reset:

• lasoring reduces the amount i need to shave & makes dark armpits disappear

• laminating my eyebrows levels up my look every time

• self tan - the sun is simply not strong enough yet

• whitened teeth brightens the whole face, baby

• natural painted nails - i do two coats of ‘smooth’ & one coat of ‘blueberry’

ritual 5: get a hobby

a hobby is something you look forward to during the week, it makes you more interesting to talk to, and expands on your skills. it requires planning and getting out of your house - it’s going to make you more put together.

i go to dance classes at least once per week. the studio is almost an hour from my house, the price adds up, and often i’m tired by night time when it’s held. however, i’m expanding on my dance experience, i’ve met lovely people, and get to spend quality time with my cousin who comes with me every week. the benefits of investing in a hobby will almost always outweigh the cost.

ideas for hobbies:

• golf - elegant & great for networking

• painting - low cost & low pressure

• running/walking - no cost & keeps you in shape

• writing - boosts cognition & creativity

• hiking - connect with nature & get a workout in

• sewing - super useful skill to have & fun

ritual 5: be healthy

i’m all for going to the gym and lifting heavy. but, if you’re just getting started…

here’s what i recommend:

• drink tons of water (just always have your water bottle on you)

• walk. a lot. this makes me feel & look lighter. why do europeans look so good? they’re walking like 20,000 steps per day…

• i found eating slower helps me know when i’m truly full. i no longer feel heavy or sick after eating because i no longer eat more than what my body needs

• i’m a proponent of going to bed around 9:30 & waking up early, you may find this feels good too

health is simple. let it be.

ritual 6: put the phone down

what’s something you know would be good for you but always feel like you don’t have time for?

here’s a challenge: delete social media from your phone for a week. wake up a little earlier and use that time for whatever you’ve been putting off. i bet you’ll actually get it done.

our phones steal so much time without us even realizing it. you won’t know how much until you step away.

try it—i promise you’ll get more done, free up time, and feel so much better.