Ever heard of “spiritual hygiene”? If your mind just flashed to incense or crystals and you thought, “That’s not for me,” think again. The idea of spiritual hygiene is about more than a daily affirmation or a couple of deep breaths. It’s about how you look after your inner world—the energy you carry, absorb, and share with the people around you. Turns out, it’s as important as brushing your teeth.
What Exactly Is Spiritual Hygiene?
We all know we should shower, eat well, and get enough sleep. But what about cleaning up the energy you collect from a stressful meeting, a tense argument, or just a weird vibe from a crowded room? That’s where spiritual hygiene comes in.
Picture this: You spend time with a friend who unloads all their problems onto you. You might walk away feeling heavy, maybe even a little irritable or drained. You could chalk it up to being empathetic, or maybe you just “picked up their energy.” That sticky feeling hanging around? That’s what spiritual hygiene aims to clear out.
How does it work? It’s about actively tending to your own energy field. It can be as simple as a salt bath or as intentional as an energy clearing practice, like reiki or sage smudging. “Spiritual hygiene is just like taking a shower or brushing your teeth, but you’re caring for your inner body and your energy levels,” explains a coach who blends metaphysical approaches with everyday wisdom.
Why It Matters
If you identify as sensitive, introverted, or someone who absorbs the moods of others, spiritual hygiene can be a game-changer. But really, anyone can benefit. Energy—either light and uplifting or murky and depleting—hangs around after heated debates with your partner, tense exchanges with your boss, or even just being in a room charged with strong emotions.
“Something as simple as taking a shower, adding a little coconut oil and sea salt, and imagining the negative stuff washing away can make a big difference,” says the expert. Regular rituals can help you reset after difficult moments, clear out what isn’t yours, and protect your own peace.
Quick Ways to Cleanse Your Energy (a.k.a. Boost Your Spiritual Hygiene)
1. The Classic Salt Bath:
Drop a handful of sea salt into your bath (or on a washcloth in the shower). Imagine everything heavy or negative dissolving away.
2. Reiki and Energy Clearing:
If you’re into energy work, regular sessions clear out old emotional debris and help you stay grounded.
3. Sage or Smoke Cleansing:
A time-honored tradition—just light a bundle and let the smoke waft around you (or your space) to usher out stagnant energy.
4. Nature Breaks:
Take a walk barefoot in the grass, splash your feet in a creek, or just stand under the sun. Nature naturally resets your “energy bank.”
5. Ritual Showers:
Turn your rinse-off into a mindful act. Imagine negativity sliding off your skin and swirling down the drain.
And here’s an easy one everyone can do: Set boundaries (more on that below).
Setting Boundaries—The Self-Care Power Move for Spiritual Hygiene
Another non-negotiable in your spiritual hygiene routine: boundaries. Not the cold, “nobody-gets-in” variety, but the kind that gently teach others how to treat you. The difference between a boundary and a wall? A boundary says, “I need space to recharge.” A wall says, “Don’t contact me, ever.”
If you find yourself saying yes when you mean no, or responding to work emails at midnight, take a closer look at what needs to shift. Boundaries are for you—not to keep others out, but to honor what you need. “We show people how to treat us,” says the coach. If you keep letting clients text you after hours, you’re training them that’s okay. Decide your off-the-clock hours and stick with it. This boundary isn’t selfish; it’s self-respecting.
Here’s a bright line: If you notice friends have stopped inviting you out, or if you’re feeling isolated because every interaction feels like too much, you might want to reassess. That could be a wall, not a boundary. The trick is to check in with yourself regularly. Do you feel light, free, recharged? Or stuck, misunderstood, cut off?
Beyond the Spa: Real-Life Self-Care for Real People
Forget the Instagram Mable self-care clichés. Spiritual hygiene and boundaries are the everyday tools that keep you grounded. Yes, massages, naps, and face masks are great. But so are getting enough sleep, organizing your finances, and knowing when to say no. “Self-care isn’t just about Manis and pedis,” says our guide. It’s also “making sure that all your t’s are crossed and your i’s are dotted,” even financially.
Spiritual Hygiene for Everyday Life
You don’t have to be a healer or meditation guru to make spiritual hygiene work for you. Even small rituals can change how you move through a day. Next time you feel off, tired, or heavy for no reason, try a quick reset—whether that’s a five-minute walk outside, a bath with salt, or simply saying no to another late-night text. Protecting your energy isn’t woo-woo—it’s a life skill.
So, how clean is your spiritual hygiene? Maybe it’s time to find out.
Want More?
If you’re craving a deeper connection to your intuition and ready to show up big for yourself, consider what “spiritual hygiene” might look like in your life—no sage bundles or fancy crystals required (unless you’re into that). Start with boundaries, throw in a salt bath, and see how it feels. You might just find the energy you’ve been missing.
You cleanse your body and clear your inbox, but what about your energy? It’s time to make spiritual hygiene part of your self-care ritual. Whether you’re navigating stress, shifting seasons, or simply craving clarity, this is your gentle nudge to reset and realign. Ready to feel lighter, more grounded, and deeply connected to yourself? Dive into this guide and the head over to The Gal Project for more soul-nourishing support created just for bold, brilliant women like you.