Motherhood is a blessing… and it is utterly exhausting.

There are days when we are swept along by a relentless stream of tasks, caught in the cycle of managing everyone else's emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing. And often, our own needs fade into the background.

These are the days that feel like an uphill climb. When expectations don’t quite match up with our children’s energy or needs, it can throw off the whole rhythm. The day runs away from us, and with it, a sense of ease and control.

So how do we come back from that?

We begin by pausing.

By reconnecting with our bodies.
By grounding ourselves in the present moment.
Creating just enough space to observe, to soften, and to take mindful action.

And this is where ritual comes in.

Candle, amethyst crystal, sacred cacao, palo santo

Why Rituals Matter in Motherhood

Rituals can serve as a gentle anchor through the ever-changing tides of mothering. Far from being elaborate or ceremonial, rituals when practised consistently and with intention can help us re-centre, recalibrate, and infuse ordinary moments with meaning.

They allow us to mark time, creating little pockets in the day to return to ourselves. In doing so, rituals offer a path to stability and strength, giving us the emotional nourishment to move forward with intention, presence and love.

As Ashley River Brant writes in Tending to the Sacred:

“Ritual helps us find inner harmony and perspective. It connects us back to what is true and brings us to a sacred space of peace within, beyond the stresses and worries of everyday reality. It enriches our lives, fosters our own inner healer and authority, and ignites a desire to connect to something greater, something sacred.”

Too often, when we feel overwhelmed, we reach for comfort in the form of distraction like our phones, caffeine, sugar, wine, online shopping. But these are quick fixes. Without understanding what we’re really seeking, they often leave us emptier than before.

Ritual, on the other hand, invites us inward. It helps soothe those edges with presence and compassion. It offers a way to care for ourselves, not by escaping, but by rooting.

How to Create Rituals That Truly Stick

We ritualise what we value. Just think of how we celebrate birthdays or weddings with the candles, the cake, the bouquet. These small acts carry meaning. They’re deliberate, sacred in their own way.

So what if we could bring a similar kind of intention to everyday moments?

Let’s explore how to create daily rituals that feel special, meaningful, and sustainable.

1. Define the Why

Commitment always trumps willpower. Knowing why this ritual matters to you taps into your deeper motivation. Ask yourself: Why is this important for me right now? What am I seeking right now? Stillness, energy, connection?

2. Engage the Senses

Rituals that engage the senses are more likely to stay with us. Perhaps it’s a certain scent you burn while meditating, or a piece of music you play while journaling. Over time, the body learns the smell means stillness, the sound brings peace. These associations can become deeply grounding.

3. Make it Manageable

It doesn’t have to be grand. In fact, it shouldn’t be. A few deep breaths. A cup of tea sipped in silence. A stretch before the school run. Small, manageable actions are not only easier to maintain, they’re more likely to have lasting impact. Choose simplicity over spectacle.

4. Make it Special

A ritual becomes something more than a habit when it’s infused with intention, attention and repetition. Take brushing your teeth, usually done on autopilot. But imagine turning it into a mindful moment, noticing sensations, setting intentions for the day ahead. The act doesn’t change but the experience does.

5. Designate a Space

Having a physical space can serve as a powerful visual cue. This might be an altar in the corner of your bedroom, or something as simple as a candle next to the kettle. Let the space remind you even briefly to come back to yourself.

Ready to Begin?

Rituals don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be yours. Rooted in your values, your rhythm, your reality. They are invitations, not obligations. An offering of grace in the middle of the beautiful chaos that is motherhood.

So… what might your first ritual look like?

Let me know!

Further Reading:

Kelsey Klinefelter, Positive Rituals for Motherhood: Pain Points and Practices for Maternal Well-Being (2021), University of Pennsylvania

How to Ritualise Your Mothering Days to Maximise Joy