Living abroad can be exhilarating, chaotic, beautiful, disorienting, and deeply transformative—often all at once. Mexico City has challenged me, expanded me, and gifted me countless moments of joy. But as anyone who’s uprooted their life knows, staying grounded in a place that isn’t quite “home” (yet) requires intention.
Over the years, I’ve built rituals that help me feel anchored in the middle of the unknown. They’re not elaborate or rigid, but they create a soft structure in my life that brings comfort, clarity, and presence.
Here are some of the daily and weekly rituals that help me stay grounded while living abroad:
Morning Coffee + No-Scroll Time
Before the world floods in, I make a french-press cup of coffee with cinnamon and sit with it—sometimes in silence, sometimes with light music. I try to avoid picking up my phone for at least the first 30 minutes of the day. This gives me space to arrive in the day before responding to anyone else.
Essential Oils + Breathwork
A few drops of oil can completely shift my energy. Frankincense if I’m feeling scattered. Citrus if I need a lift. Lavender if I’m anxious. I often pair oils with a short breathwork practice—something as simple as four-count inhales and exhales.
Movement, Even If It’s Tiny
Dancing in my living room. A walk around the block. Five sun salutations or a yoga class. My body needs to move to feel present, especially in a city as dynamic as CDMX. It doesn’t have to be long or structured—just enough to shift the energy.
Nature Escapes
Mexico City is huge, but there are pockets of green that feel like medicine. Parque México, a tree-lined café patio, even a sunny terrace—these little slices of nature remind me to slow down and breathe.
Journaling + Checking In
Every few days, I open my notebook and let it all spill out: What’s feeling good? What’s overwhelming? What am I craving? It helps me see my inner world more clearly—and reminds me how far I’ve come.
Sunday Re-Set Ritual
Sundays are sacred. I clean my space, grocery shop, wash fruit, change the sheets, and light some incense. I try not to schedule too much. It’s my day to reset my nervous system and prepare for a new week.
Little Altars, Big Meaning
On a shelf in my living room, I keep a few meaningful objects: a photo of my cat and my grandpa, a candle, my favorite crystals, a stick of palo santo. It’s not about religion—it’s about remembering what matters to me.
Why Rituals Matter Abroad
Rituals don’t just make life feel calmer—they help me feel like me, even when everything else is unfamiliar. When I lose my routines, I feel disconnected. But when I come back to these simple practices, I reconnect with myself.
And in the end, that’s what grounding is all about: coming home to yourself, no matter where in the world you are.
If you’re living abroad (or even just feeling ungrounded at home), try building a few tiny rituals into your days. The world feels a lot more navigable when you have an inner compass.
xo,
Nicole
