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My Top 5 Rituals in May

Solo Episode

kickstart your health christiane

Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast by Dr. Christiane Schroeter

Episode 62 | 05/09/2025

TL;DR

This episode isn’t about launch strategy or marketing hacks. It’s about something more foundational: how you care for yourself in the margins of real life. May was full—but not chaotic. These five rituals helped me stay grounded, present, and in motion.

Listen Now:

My Top 5 Rituals in May – Real-Life Tools for Steady Energy

Episode Highlights

  • [00:00:34] A personal update + podcast award nomination
  • [00:01:27] Why small beginnings matter
  • [00:03:01] The psychology behind effective rituals
  • [00:04:15] The Top 5 wellness tools that kept me grounded
  • [00:07:10] Petite Practice vs. performance routines
  • [00:08:02] Final encouragement + award voting link

You don’t need a full routine to feel better. You just need a pause.

A Quiet Win Worth Celebrating

The happy healthy hustle podcast has been nominated for the Women’s Podcasting Awards in the Education category. That still feels surreal to say.

I started this show with no studio, no plan—just a mic and a message recorded between work and parenting. So if you needed a reminder: you don’t need to go big to make a difference.

You just need to start.

The Psychology Behind Rituals That Actually Work

I use a framework called Self-Determination Theory. It shows we thrive when we feel:

  • Autonomy: a sense of agency and choice
  • Competence: clarity and confidence in our routines
  • Connection: to ourselves, our values, and our people

Each ritual in this episode meets at least one of those needs. They aren’t flashy—but they’re dependable. That’s what makes them powerful.

These Top 5 wellness products are my real-life reset buttons. Grab the list on Amazon:

 How to Master our Goals Panel

Self-determination theory means that we thrive when we feel like we’re not just surviving the day but actually driving it.

My Top 5 Rituals That Got Me Through May

1. Flameless LED Candles

I flip them on at dusk as part of my wind-down. No flames, no stress—just soft light that signals my nervous system: the day is done. These little cues matter.

 How to Master our Goals Panel
my top 5 in may 1
my top 5 in may 2

2. Arnica Muscle Soak

This soak marks the close of my workout week. It’s herbal, grounding, and intentional—not a reward, but a reset. Rest is part of the work.

 How to Master our Goals Panel

No, you don’t need a $7 latte or a 5-step morning routine to feel like yourself again. You need a candle, a soak, and a solid reminder that you’re not here to prove. You’re here to live.

3. Vanilla Moisturizer

This one’s more than skincare. It’s calming, lightweight, and meaningful. The founder created it while caring for her mother during cancer treatment, and I carry that intention with me.

 How to Master our Goals Panel
my top 5 in may lotion
my top 5 in may teeth

4. Chewable Mouthwash Tablets

Fresh, portable, mess-free. I use them after walks or between calls. Tiny, yes—but they help me stay present and reset fast.

 How to Master our Goals Panel

5. Rosemary Revitalizing Hair Tonic

A few drops at night. A slow scalp massage. No performance, no pressure. Just a ritual I do for me. I truly believe it’s kept my hair strong, but more importantly, it helps me slow down and tune in.

 How to Master our Goals Panel
my top 5 in may rosemary

You don’t have to do more to be more. You just have to return to yourself.

Final Thoughts: My Top 5 Anchors in May

These Top 5 Rituals aren’t indulgences. They’re integration. Each product is part of my Petite Practice™—tiny, repeatable actions that return me to myself.

When your days are full, what grounds you isn’t more effort. It’s presence. And these rituals gave me that.

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective, I’d love for you to share it with someone who’s navigating a full season of life too. And come say hi on @doctor.christiane—I love hearing your stories.

Want Help Getting Visible – Your Way?

Ready to get visible in a way that feels like you—not some shouty version of you? Apply for 1:1 coaching and start showing up with clarity, confidence, and connection.

Podcast Fan of the Week

Episode Keywords

self-care ritual 

nervous system regulation tools

top wellness products

stress relief

petite practice™ routine

simple daily wellness practice

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Episode Full Transcript

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:00:00]:
Welcome to the Happy Healthy Hustle podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Christiane, and today we are doing something a little bit different. I know—it’s like we’re always up for surprises. We’re not talking about business strategy or growth tactics today. Today, we are actually talking about the small things. The things that ground you, nourish you, and help you move through a full life with clarity and calm.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:00:34]:
I’m going to share my top five favorite products and rituals for May. The little luxuries that have helped me stay grounded and centered in a season that’s been incredibly full. And before we really get into my top five for the month of May, the fifth month, I want to share something that I’m really proud of. Yes, I want to celebrate with you and tell you why awards really matter.

My podcast, Happy Healthy Hustle, has been nominated for the Top Women’s Podcaster Award in Education. I know—I’m incredibly proud, and of course, I’m super thankful for all of you for tuning in. But I also want to say something really important about awards: they don’t even have to be flashy.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:01:27]:
It’s not about ego or applause. It’s about recognition—about taking a moment to truly honor the time, energy, and purpose behind something you build from scratch. When I started this podcast, it was small. It was just me, my microphone, and a message. And sometimes, my message was actually a mess that I experienced. So I made my mess my message. A few quiet episodes recorded in my home office. But I always tried to keep it meaningful.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:02:04]:
And this nomination is proof that when we start with clear intention, that small moment can grow into something really impactful. It’s a powerful reminder: you don’t need a big launch to make a big difference. You just need alignment, consistency, and care.

And that’s exactly what I teach through my work and through what I call the petite practice. It’s my principle for growth—small, intentional actions that are repeatable and meaningful. It’s the kind of action that creates real change and real momentum.

So if this podcast has ever helped you clarify your thinking, feel less alone in your entrepreneurial journey, or simply reminded you that growth can be sustainable—I would be honored if you’d take a moment to vote.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:03:01]:
Vote for me! It takes about ten seconds, and of course, the link is in the show notes.

Let’s talk a little about the psychology of small actions. There’s a psychological concept I think about quite often called Self-Determination Theory. It’s the idea that we thrive when three things are present: autonomy, competence, and connection.

The petite practice actually touches on all three. When I take care of myself in small, meaningful ways—like setting the tone for my day, ending the week with a bath, or simply making space to feel human—I’m building autonomy in how I lead my life.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:03:51]:
I’m building competence in my routines, and I’m staying connected to myself, to others, and to what really matters—my values. That’s why this month’s Top Five Favorites are more than just good products. They’re touch points in a system that supports me. These are the small, petite practice moments.

Let’s get into the May Top Five—small luxuries for big energy.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:04:15]:
Number one: Flameless candles. These LED candles might sound basic, but they are a core part of my evening rhythm. I flick them on automatically, and as the sun goes down, it signals to my nervous system—it’s time to slow down.

There’s a soft flicker, no mess, no flame. Cozy, grounding, and so good for my evening. It’s a visual regulation—and it works.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:04:48]:
Number two: My Arnica muscle soak by the German company Weleda. Love this company. It’s part of my Friday ritual—the bath I take after my final workout of the week. I pour this herbal soak into the tub and give myself a quiet moment of physical and mental release. It marks the end of the workweek—not with another task, but with rest.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:05:27]:
Number three: Luxe Beauty Vanilla Moisturizer. This product is incredible—clean, lightweight, nourishing. And the story behind it makes it even more powerful. The founder created Luxe Beauty while caring for her mother during cancer treatment. That resonates deeply with me. Every bottle is safe, healing, and when I apply it, it’s not just skincare—it’s a reminder that thoughtful values matter.

It’s high quality, and its scent is absolutely amazing.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:06:04]:
Number four: Mouthwash tablets. Yes, chewable mint tablets. I absolutely love them. Great for travel, but also for the car or between meetings. No sink needed, no harsh chemicals. Just quick, clean, and refreshing—and they support oral health.

I use them after walks or before Zoom calls, and they help me feel clear and ready.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:06:36]:
Number five: My absolute favorite—Rosemary Revitalizing Hair Tonic. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes products that quietly does the work. I apply a few drops to my scalp each evening, massage it in, and let it absorb. It’s fresh, herbal, and super lightweight.

You can’t even tell I’m using it—but I truly believe it’s why my hair is so healthy. I love the ritual of it. I give care to something that supports me every day—my hair.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:07:10]:
So here’s what I want to leave with you:
These five products—my Top Five for the fifth month—are part of my petite practice. They’re not indulgences. They’re integration. They help build a life that supports my energy, my creativity, and my ability to serve.

When you do that consistently, recognition matters. Because we all deserve to be reminded: small beginnings handled with intention can become something truly powerful.

So if this podcast has been part of your journey, even in the tiniest way—I would be so grateful if you’d vote for me.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:08:02]:
Please vote for me in the Women Podcasting Awards, Education category. You’ll find the link in the show notes.

And if you want the link to all of my top 25 products for 2025, go to the show notes—I’ve got them there. You can also check out the previous episode where I walk through each one. Or just visit my Amazon storefront. Everything’s linked.

If you have a question, a favorite product, or you just want to say hello—email me. I love hearing from you. It’s info@doctorchristiane.com.

Dr. Christiane Schroeter [00:08:39]:
Take care of yourself first—then go take care of the world. You’ve got this. See you next time on the Happy Healthy Hustle podcast. Thank you.

Your Hostess Christiane [kris-tee-AH-nuh]

Christiane About Speaker Coach Author

Hello there, I am a professor, business coach, and bestselling author whose best ideas come during sticky note-fueled brainstorming sessions with a vanilla latte in hand.

I started this podcast for entrepreneurs and professionals who are done chasing busy and ready to build a business that actually fits their life.

Each episode is short, direct, and packed with practical ideas you can use right away. No fluff. Just real talk to help you grow with clarity and purpose.