Six Daily Rituals and Practices for Thriving in 2026

The Transformative Power of Daily Rituals

From Skeptic to Believer

Many of us grow up hearing about the importance of routines and rituals. Yet, for a long time, I was a skeptic about the impact daily rituals could have on my life. The turning point came in the summer of 2025, a time marked by uncertainty as Congressional Republicans voted to defund public media, where I had spent a decade building my career. My job at PBS was at risk, leading to feelings of anger and fear that consumed me.

Time and again, friends and mentors suggested the simplicity of meditation as a way to find solace. However, as a person with yet-undiagnosed ADHD and chronic pain, the thought of sitting still for even a few minutes seemed overwhelmingly daunting. Nevertheless, I decided to start small.

The Genesis of Meditation

My journey into meditation began with bite-sized sessions. I found a quick guided meditation on YouTube and committed to practicing for just five minutes each morning. This manageable approach helped me focus and ease the chaos brewing in my mind, such as the unending lists of daily responsibilities.

To my surprise, within just two weeks, I began to notice a difference. Now, as I gradually increased my meditation to ten minutes a day—combined with some light stretching—I felt my nervous system calming. This relaxation empowered me to better manage my chronic pain and emotional turbulence.

Science Supports the Experience

If you wonder whether my newfound love for meditation was mere coincidence, research supports my experience. Studies have shown that people who meditate exhibit better focus and less anxiety. Anxiety tends to trigger the production of stress hormones, creating a cycle that makes it hard to feel balanced. For individuals like me with ADHD and chronic illness, mindfulness practices can significantly enhance emotional regulation and improve cognitive functions like attention and executive decision-making.

Navigating Turbulent Times

As I reflected on my own struggles, I recognized that many others might be feeling similar turmoil, especially as major societal changes loom on the horizon. In such turbulent times, having strategies to cope becomes crucial. I reached out to colleagues and the broader RNG community to uncover the various rituals that have helped them maintain their sanity.

RNG’s Top Rituals for Well-Being

Reading

Catesby Holmes, our Editorial Director, began to swap her phone for a novel each morning. She found that reading for a few moments while enjoying her coffee provided a much-needed transition into the day, especially amid the barrage of distressing news. By cultivating this simple practice, she not only nourished her love for literature but also regained a sense of calm.

Therapy

For Mallory Johns, our Executive Director, therapy is a cornerstone of her mental health toolkit. By integrating therapeutic practices into her routine, she works to break down the stigma surrounding mental health care in leadership. She openly schedules her therapy sessions, inviting her team to prioritize self-care without shame.

Daily Walks

Natasha Roy, a Staff Editor, reflects on her time as a recent college graduate, feeling listless and unsure. A therapist encouraged her to establish a daily walking routine. That suggestion blossomed into a joyful ritual—a morning walk with her dog paired with coffee that continues to enhance her mood.

Creative Outlets

Emma H. from the RNG community found joy in coloring, inspired by an Instagram account dedicated to cozy activities. She makes time weekly to pick up a large-print coloring book and lose herself in creativity, complemented by the right ambiance from seasonally-themed YouTube videos.

Physical Activity

Cameron Oakes, another Staff Editor, discovered boxing as an expressive outlet for emotions he found challenging to articulate. The physicality of boxing helped him embrace and channel frustration, while also providing a euphoric post-workout boost.

The Case for Rituals and Practices

Rituals extend beyond the realm of personal practices; they historically unite communities in shared experiences, from harvest festivals to spiritual gatherings. Neuroscientific research shows that connection fosters trust and safety, crucial components for emotional well-being. Millions are quietly adopting personal rituals as survival tools to manage their mental health and process emotions, a critical element for those navigating life’s inevitable challenges.

Daily rituals don’t have to be extravagant. Simple actions like yoga or a friendly greeting can release feel-good hormones, contributing to a sense of connection and fulfillment. Even on the toughest days, those fleeting moments of mindfulness can make a significant difference.

It’s important to remember that consistency is key—showing up for your practices, no matter how you feel, transforms rituals into meaningful habits. As you explore what works for you, embrace the idea that progress is more important than perfection. In this year of uncertainty, let’s all find something—no matter how small—to help ground ourselves.