Ritual vs. Routine: Transform Your Everyday Actions

The idea of transforming your routines into rituals is a great place to start if you’re looking to be more present and mindful. But many people aren’t sure what the difference between ritual and routine is. 

With terms like ‘mindfulness’ having been tossed around by the wellness community for a while now, most people think that a ritual consists of something like sitting down for a 20-minute meditation every single day. While great in theory, this simply isn’t practical for the average person. 

The reality is that you don’t actually need more time to transform your routines into rituals. You just need a different mindset. To understand why, let’s dive into the difference between rituals vs. routines. 

The difference between ritual and routine

What is a routine?

The dictionary defines a routine as “a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.” In other words, it’s something that’s consciouslydone. For example, a skincare routine might involve the conscious thought to wash your face, apply a serum, then moisturize, but that doesn’t make it a meaningful practice. Although you’re aware that you’re doing this routine and you’re aware that you’re doing it for a reason (i.e. skincare results), your mind is not on the activity itself, just the outcome. This makes it easy to do nothing more than just go through the motions. 

What is a ritual?

A ritual is defined as being a “ceremonial act or action.” Take that same routine as above—washing your face, applying a serum, then moisturizing—but this time, you’re mindful and intentional. 

You wash your face, feeling the texture of the facewash on your face and hands.

You apply the serum, appreciating the nourishing benefits it provides as it sinks into your skin.

You moisturize, noticing the soothing coolness of the moisturizer as your hands hug your face.

Ritual involves thinking about the purpose behind the process. Routines may involve a focus on a particular outcome, but rituals focus on the process and purposebehindthe routine. Practicing mindfulness turns routines into rituals, achieving the same tangible outcomes as a routine while adding the benefit of mind-body-soul connection and fostering beauty from the inside out.

What about habits?

When comparing ritual vs. routine vs. habit, habits are the most subconscious act we make. 

• Rituals are done with mindfulness
• Routines are done consciously
• Habits are done unconsciously

Habits are more automatic, something we do without thinking, and are often triggered by a particular cue. Routines and habits both hold the potential to be rituals with a little intentionality. 

Why are rituals important?

As you might expect, the terms ‘ritual’ and ‘routine’ are often used interchangeably, especially in the skincare space. But as you can see, they actually are different—and the difference is important.

Research has shown that a daily ritual can offer several psychological advantages such as helping us stay present, giving us a sense of control, and reducing anxiety. Rituals can enhance your experiences and allow you to approach life as a celebration.

Knowing the difference between ritual vs. routine allows you to incorporate both into your lives where necessary. Not everything can be ritualized, and that’s OK. Sometimes you just need to get stuff done! But when we choose to make something into a ritual, it can help us slow down and find happiness in the small things. 

How to revamp your everyday routines

If you’re looking to revamp your tried-and-true routines and turn them into daily rituals, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Some of the most natural spaces where we can practice rituals occur in the morning and evening, typically when we’re getting ready for the day or winding down before bed. Since we tend to take care of our personal hygiene during that time, skincare is a perfect element of your day to transform from a routine into a ritual.

Skincare ritual examples 

If you find yourself struggling to create your own meaningful practices, try some of AAVRANI’s guided rituals, linked here and below. Note how you feel before and after you complete each one, then incorporate the elements you like into your daily routines until they become rituals! 

1. Mask & Meditate: 

You can use any face mask you’d like, but we recommend the Glow Activating Exfoliator. Try to use all of your senses during this exercise. First, observe your face mask and notice the colors, scent, and textures of your mask. Notice the packaging, feel the weight of the product in your hands. Apply the mask in an even layer while noticing your breath. Pay attention to each inhale and exhale as you feel the sensation of the Jojoba beads gently exfoliating your skin. When you rinse off the mask, bring your awareness to the temperature of the water as it removes the product.  

2. Nourish Skin & Soul: 

We like to use our Balance Restoring Serum or Vitamin C Treatment for this practice, depending on what our skin is craving in the moment. As you go through the ritual of applying your serum, say a few affirmations, either out loud or to yourself. Some of our favorites include:

I have everything within me already 

My potential is infinite

I have the courage to challenge expectations 

3. Moisturize & Move:

 Use your favorite moisturizer, like our Moisturizing Hydra-Cream. Apply your moisturizer and, as you let it settle into your skin, practice a little face yoga. The movements are simple but can help strengthen the muscles on your face, stimulate blood flow, boost collagen production, and delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Harness the power of routines with AAVRANI

Exploring the benefits of ritual vs. routine? Ready to transform your daily actions into something more meaningful? Since skincare is one of the easiest parts of your day to ritualize, it’s not surprising that so many people find skincare therapeutic. 

AAVRANI’s skincare products help provide the perfect combination of an efficient, effective modern-day routine and meaningful, purposeful ancient, all-natural rituals.

Need an easy place to get started? Try our Minimalist Ritual Set, composed of four powerful steps that work together to achieve your most radiant glow.

Find your perfect skincare ritual with AAVRANI. Shop our products or take the Skin Quiz to get started today.