Healing—whether from a medical procedure, Grief, or job loss—falls under the same umbrella: it’s a process that requires time, intention, and care. Buckets, after all, are useful for organizing everything from budgets to sock drawers. Why not use one as a metaphor for healing?

Think of it like a bucket you’ve prepped for a driveway car wash with warm, soapy water. Just as washing your car requires preparation, so does healing from discomfort. While some upsets are sudden and tragic, many times, we sense when a dip is coming and have the chance to prepare.

Unfortunately, it’s easy to turn to numbing behaviors as a quick fix. A DoorDash order, an online shopping spree, or a few glasses of wine can offer temporary relief when we’re sad, disappointed, grieving, or in physical pain. But these vices only work for so long.

Having recovered from two major surgeries in the past two years, I’ve learned to avoid these pitfalls by creating rituals that support slow, intentional healing. This is where the concept of a healing bucket comes in. Like Capital One’s tagline, “What’s in your wallet?” I ask:

What’s in your healing bucket?

Here are a few of my go-to “healing vibes only” essentials:

1. Space

Give yourself permission to decline invites and step away from commitments. Ask for help with tasks like shuttling the kids or walking the dog, so you can prioritize rest. Think about it: we often gave our younger selves more time to recover from a hangover than we give ourselves to heal from something like a job loss or surgery.

2. Non Congegal Visitors (in-person or virtual)

After my first surgery, I avoided visitors because I felt too sick, but I’ve since realized how much connection can lift your spirits. Keeping the visits very short yet meaningful can bring fresh stories and brighten your day. Remember, not every call needs to be a Zoom or FaceTime.

3. A Daily Ritual

For me, a simple shower is transformative. It’s a daily ritual that changes both my attitude and my clothes. When grief or physical recovery has knocked you down, a basic cleanse can lift you higher than yet another Netflix episode.

4. Rest With One Daily Goal

Each day, set one small, manageable goal for yourself—something like reading a chapter, meditating, or sending a thank-you text. Keeping your healing process intentional (without overdoing it) is critical. After all, the human mind loves a sense of accomplishment.

5. A Plan for Sundown

Hospitals and care centers often use the term sundowners to describe the Depression that can set in as night falls, particularly for those who are housebound. Having a plan for sunset can help you avoid sinking into a low mood. Use this time to shower, do a guided Meditation, or light a candle and reflect. Thoughtful evening rituals can also improve your Sleep.

Lynn Mull Holistic Career Coach & Author

Career Coach | Author | WellNess Advisor | Reiki Master
I offer Clarity through Reiki healing sessions, and Holistic Career Coaching and Facilitating Teams to professional wellness. I use various tools and methods to speak, write, and provide 1.1 counsel to move out of the stuck into the actions that help you or your teams reach their goals.I found my way because I had to create it.
As a working parent and a sandwich caregiver in my early 30s, I understand the pressures to keep going, provide for my family and prioritize everyone else’s wellbeing.

I looked in many corners and could not find one coach to break into my inner blockages and move my career until Reiki and a Career Coach got me there. We can be all the things to everyone, but first, we must get aligned and intuitively move forward for our own .