Friday. The day when we wrap up our work obligations and trade stressful moments for moments of calm and connection with the people we love.
Even though I genuinely love what I do, I often look forward to the weekend simply because it gives me more time for my soul and my inner self. I give myself that permission.
But to truly step into my well-earned weekend, every Friday I follow my Friday grounding ritual — one that draws a clear line between my work life and my personal time.
How do I ground myself every Friday?
When I finish my last working day of the week, I shut down my computer, tidy my desk and workspace, and set it up ready for Monday.
But before I close the office door, I take a few moments just for myself.
I put on some calm, meditative music and light a candle, above which I burn the incense that feels right for that moment — whatever I feel I need. This week it will be desert sage, which will help me release the stress from my surroundings and body.
I walk through the office and cleanse the space where I spend most of my time. Then I sit down on the floor, place the incense in a small bowl in front of me, and take a few moments of quiet meditation.
My Friday meditation practice
The first few moments of meditation I dedicate to gratitude. I give thanks for everything that happened during the past week — for all the good moments, and for those that taught me something.
Then I begin to focus on drawing in, with each breath, all the negative feelings and stress that are sitting in my mind and body. With each exhale, I release those feelings outward.
I picture the inhale as a ladle that scoops up all the negativity completely, and the exhale as pouring it away.
When my thoughts are completely empty, when the difficult feelings have left my body, I spend the next few minutes simply breathing and airing out my mind. If a thought sneaks in, I notice it — and let it pass. I give myself the space to breathe. I take time for myself.
As I bring the meditation to a close, I dedicate a few final moments to visualisation. This is how I make sure my body and mind always stay aligned with the goals I want to reach.
Closing with visualisation
When visualising my goals, I try to picture myself in a very specific situation, in a very specific place. With my eyes closed, I transport myself to another time and focus on the emotions I feel as I do so.
When I feel the power of visualisation deep in my core, I begin to slowly bring the meditation to an end.
I thank myself for taking time for me, slowly open my eyes, take a deep breath in and out, and leave my workspace.
In the light of this meditation, my weekend feels peaceful. I gather energy for the week ahead, and because of the visualisation, I begin my Monday with optimism and a full tank of energy.
What does your Friday routine look like?
