Struggling to find joy in the chaos of daily life? Discover three simple routines designed to bring calm, clarity, and contentment to your mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Imagine if feelings the of joy, linked to peace and contentment, weren't just fleeting emotions, but something you could cultivate intentionally every single day. In a world that pulls us in every direction, joy in particular, can oftentimes feel out of reach, yet it’s easily found in the simplest moments. As The Book of Rituals reminds us; “joy does not simply happen to you. You have to keep choosing it every, single day.” 

Whether it’s through mindful routines, moments of gratitude, or small acts of self-care, joy and contentment is a practice – one we can all embrace. Research backs this up. Studies show that joyful people not only experience greater emotional resilience but also enjoy improved physical health, stronger relationships, and a more optimistic outlook on life. According to Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build Theory, positive emotions like joy broaden our awareness and inspire creative and resourceful thinking.  

So how can we invite more joy into our daily lives? The answer lies in intentional routines, small yet powerful, designed to ground us, inspire us, and remind us of life’s beautiful brighter side. Try our three ready-made routines below, one for morning, evening and the weekend, to help you start cultivating more peace, contentment, and joy. 

1. A morning routine for calm and clarity

The way you begin your day sets the tone for everything that follows. This morning routine is designed to awaken your senses, clear your mind, and prepare you for the day with calm intention. 

Step 1: Start with a gratitude moment (5 minutes) 

Before reaching for your phone or diving into your to-do list, take a moment to sit quietly and think of three things you’re grateful for. Studies show that gratitude can boost happiness levels and reduce stress. 

Step 2: Awaken your senses with a mindful shower (10 minutes) 

Transform your daily shower into a moment of mindfulness. Use The Ritual of Sakura shower foam to envelop yourself in the delicate scent of cherry blossom and rice milk. Focus on the sensation of the water, the lather of the foam, and the fragrance filling the air. 

Step 3: Set an intention for the day (2 minutes) 

Take a deep breath and set one intention for the day – something simple like ‘I will approach today with patience’ or ‘I will find joy in small moments.’ 

Optional addition: Try our short guided meditation for joyful gratitude. 

2. An evening routine for reflection and rest

Evenings offer a chance to unwind, reflect, and prepare both body and mind for restful sleep. This routine focuses on slowing down and creating space for peace. 

Step 1: Digital detox (15 minutes before bed) 

Sleep experts recommend an unwind window before bedtime, where digital screens are avoided, to help improve sleep quality. Instead of scrolling until your eyes feel heavy, be intentional about creating a calming environment with dim lighting and soothing scents. 

Step 2: Indulge in a comforting skincare routine (10 minutes) 

Treat yourself to a relaxing evening skincare routine with an indulgent night cream. To release any tension in your facial muscles, and give your skin a little boost, try some gentle pressure point massage with our easy guide to reflexology for the face. 

Step 3: Reflect on your day (5 minutes) 

Take a moment to journal or mentally reflect on at least one joyful moment from your day, no matter how small. This practice helps train your brain to notice positivity. 

Optional addition: Listen to a sleep-focused guided meditation from our meditation library. 

3. A weekend routine for connection and joy

Weekends are the perfect time to reconnect – with yourself, with loved ones, and with the world around you. This simple routine encourages you to slow down and savour the moment.

Step 1: Start with a joyful breakfast (30 minutes) 

Dedicate time to prepare and enjoy a slow, nourishing breakfast that’ll boost your mind and body. Try our recipe for deliciously warming cherry breakfast rice puddings – a sweet way to kickstart your digestion. 

Step 2: Embrace nature (1 hour) 

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress hormones and boost feelings of happiness. Take a mindful walk in a local park, forest, or even your garden. Leave your phone on silent and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents around you. 

Step 3: Create something (30 minutes) 

Joy often comes from moments of creativity. Whether it’s painting, baking, or arranging flowers, carve out time to create something with your hands. 

Optional addition: Enhance your space with The Ritual of Sakura scented candle to create a serene atmosphere. 

The joy is in the choosing 

Joy isn’t about grand gestures or extraordinary events. It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary, carving out moments of stillness, and embracing routines that nourish your body, mind, and soul. 

As The Book of Rituals notes: “Joy is peace, calm, fulfilment, and contentment. Joy resides in the soul.”  With these simple routines, you’re not just moving through your day, you’re choosing joy, one step at a time.