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This mini article is part of The Unprescribed, a series of reflections on the prescriptions doctors wish they could write, but never do. Shared on Sundays.

By Dr. Maria K. Jimmy

Ever noticed how your mind gets there before you do?

When thoughts rush into plans and worries, your physiology looks for something steady and familiar.

Choose one small, sensory ritual that takes about a minute and do it every morning with full attention.

For me, it’s wearing lipstick.

This everyday self-care ritual has little to do with appearance.

It’s about sensation.

Touch and movement draw you back into your body, creating a small, predictable pocket of calm.

How to make it work

You need an object that makes this sensory grounding practice feel like a reward.

I reach for a lipstick designed for sensory ease:

• A sleek case that rests cool in your palm
• A precise applicator with effortless coverage
• A weightless formula that sinks in, leaving bold, breathable colour

The details matter because the senses do the work here.

How To Use It

Pause. Plant your feet. Take one slow breath.

Feel. Notice the weight and temperature of the case.

Open. The soft twist as the cap loosens. Let it slow you down.

Apply. Focus only on the sensation against your lips, the flexible cushion of the applicator flooding with pigment.

Finish. Twist the cap closed with care. Let the motion signal that this moment is done.

That’s it.

A full minute in the present. A quiet reset.

The Lipstick I Use

The ritual works best when the tool itself feels considered.

I use Blur’s Call Me Daddy liquid lipstick — soft-matte, hydrating, and comfortable on the lips.

Deep Brown most days. Plum when the mood shifts. 

You can find it here.

Gentle note: This post includes a partner link to a product I genuinely use. A small courtesy discount code (MARIAK) is available.