No, life is not one long, calm river. Life means change, means transformation. And that's a good thing. The opportunity to constantly reorganize our everyday lives and improve individual things is wonderful. But especially at the beginning of the year, our lives are often characterized by a hectic pace, by our demands on ourselves that put us under pressure. What gives us stability are certain habits that we cultivate. Whether it's breakfast together or a walk after work: even small rituals are enough to make us feel secure, completely in the here and now.
Strengthen bonds and feel the community
When we consciously cultivate certain habits over a longer period of time, it becomes a ritual - derived from the Latin "ritus" for "use", "custom". Whether it's a Sunday afternoon walk or a long breakfast together at the weekend - create these kinds of rituals with your loved ones. They connect you and allow you to become more and more united.
Collect beautiful moments and give them to yourself
How to be happy? Very simple: create your own moments of happiness. Rituals help with this. For several days, make a note of the moments when you are particularly happy, balanced and at peace with yourself. A game night with the whole family? When you surprise your partner with a message of love? Or when you really push yourself to the limit during sport? Then plan moments like these into your everyday life. Make it a ritual that you consciously enjoy. Celebrate what is good for you. Especially now, when it's cold outside and it gets dark early.
Make transitions easier and awaken anticipation for something new
At the start of school there is the school cone, at the end of school there is the graduation ceremony: children and young people go through numerous rituals that herald a new stage in their lives. This makes the transition easier and awakens anticipation for the new. But what happens when we, as adults, have to start a new job or move to a new city? Then we simply take our favorite rituals with us. Taking a fortune cookie to work every Monday, inviting someone to watch "Tatort" every Sunday ...
Giving the day structure and mastering difficult moments
Fixed routines in life prevent unnecessary brooding about your own situation. They create meaning, ensure positive thoughts - and thus help to combat self-doubt. Even in difficult, emotionally stressful times, it is helpful if we can hold on to certain ceremonies. Emotions that we find difficult to put into words are thus given space. With the help of rituals, we lighten our hearts when they are burdened. We find peace and can really let go.
Creating new routines and building a foundation
Is watching "Tatort" every Sunday too boring? The children suddenly don't want to sing at Christmas anymore? Never mind: the nice thing about rituals is that you can always question them and replace them with new ones. After all, rituals are only ever enriching if they are consciously used in such a way that everyone involved enjoys them. Therefore, always try out what works for you: alone, as a couple, as a family. Instead of singing Christmas carols, for example, everyone in the family could light a candle and make a heartfelt wish - for the new year, which is full of possibilities.
5 ideas for everyday life
More self-determined, conscious and fulfilled throughout the week: these suggestions will help you do just that
1 Celebrate the morning: Don't rush off as soon as you wake up, but realize that every new day is a gift.
2 Pause for a moment: If there is too much going on at once, stop what you are doing for a moment and listen to yourself. What is missing?
3 Enjoy consciously: Eating is not "just" essential, it is happiness. If we say a quick thank you before every meal, it tastes twice as good.
4 Allow time for leisure: Breaks are important to ensure harmony and balance: watch the clouds, read something again...
5 Sleep more peacefully: take time in the evening to say goodbye to the day and let it pass. We lie down, put the day behind us and look forward to tomorrow.