7 Ways to Get More Into the Elul Spirit This Year

In Elul, there’s so much buzz surrounding spiritual and physical High Holiday prep that it’s easy to feel stuck. Sometimes when there’s too much swirling around in my brain, I just freeze and do nothing or generally have no idea where to start. Relatable? Consider this list your un-stuck guide to getting into the zone. Or, if you’re like, “Wait, what, it’s Elul?” use this article as a kickstart.

Now, don’t feel like you need to do everything on this list, of course. If you’re busy and it seems overwhelming, remember that even just taking one tiny step to feel more connected and in tune is amazing and worth it.

1. Make a life “business plan.”

I got this one from a friend a few years back who heard Lori Palatnik speak in her community on Rosh Hashanah. This powerhouse, speaker and founder of Momentum, an organization that helps women and men connect more to Israel and their Jewish roots, explained that a good way to go into a High Holiday service or prayer is to show Hashem how much you want to be in this world and how you’ll use the time He gives you.

Split up your life into categories — work, family, self, spirituality, friendships, community and any others that apply. Write down things you’re proud of in those areas and then note where you’d like to be in the next year. Jot down your goals and any actionable steps that you plan to take to get there. This isn’t a binding document, but it’s a really great way to focus your prayer and headspace and brainstorm ideas on how you can work toward becoming who you want to be, rather than letting life take over.

2. Pick a word of the year.

This one I got from a former boss, actually, who did this every secular new year. She chose just one word and that word became her intention for the year ahead. I’ve tried this for the past few Rosh Hashanahs and loved it.

I think it works so well because it’s simple. It’s just one word you have to choose, yet it usually applies to every area of life. In any situation you feel tested, bring up your word as a mantra to get you through it. It becomes almost like a thread leading you through life with intention, focus and poise.

One year, for example, I chose chesed, which is a type of active kindness. Every time I was torn whether or not to do something for someone else I remembered this word and it brought me back to my goal. Another year I chose confidence. So if I was in a situation where I was feeling insecure, I would have that word flash in front of me and feel a surge of strength. Other words could be: focus, discipline, self-love or impact but really, the possibilities are endless.

When choosing a word, you’ll pick something that is an obvious one you want to work on, so it will almost come up naturally in these testing situations. You can bring it home by putting a post-it of the word on your desk or as a reminder on your phone throughout the day.

3. Sign up for one email or WhatsApp chat that sends out Torah ideas.

My favorite here is Emunah Daily (subscribe here). Every day I get a really digestible, short piece of Torah that is inspiring, insightful and, often, just what I needed to hear. Because it’s short and takes up approximately 30 seconds of reading time (if that), I always open it. No matter what else happened that day, I know I got a boost of Torah that morning or afternoon.

Many organizations and congregations these days also have WhatsApp groups with bite-size Torah pieces. Emunah Daily has a list right here! Rabbi Wildes of Manhattan Jewish Experience also has a 40-Day challenge going on right now on WhatsApp where he sends out a bit of Torah every day (join here!) So if there’s a shul or rabbi you love, reach out and ask if they have something similar.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Start an email or WhatsApp chat with a group of friends. Each day one friend is responsible for sending out a quick piece of Torah. It will bring you all closer and give you something to look forward to every day.

4. Download the meaningful minute app.

The app Meaningful Minute was one of my favorite discoveries lately. It’s styled like Instagram, so you constantly want to keep scrolling, but you’re running through written or broadcasted Torah thoughts from prominent rabbis and speakers. If you learn something amazing and feel compelled to share, you can actually write your own posts, too, and spread the wisdom. In literally just one minute a day you can boost that inspiration and feel closer to Hashem. This is one app you never have to feel guilty spending too much time on.

Plus, they also have podcasts within the app so there’s plenty of Torah wisdom to fuel you as long as you’d like.

5. Say one nice thing to someone every day.

Let’s not lose sight of our goal to boost ahavat Yisrael (love of our fellow Jews) post-Tisha B’Av. One beautiful thing to do each day in Elul is to help stop sinat chinam (baseless hatred) by creating more love. If you send one genuine compliment or loving thought to a friend or family member each day (or, if that’s overwhelming, just once a week before Shabbat), you’re sure to make someone’s day a whole lot better —  imagine how you would feel if you received it! They’ll feel good, you’ll feel good, Hashem will “feel good” and we’re one step closer to building that third and final Beis Hamikdash.

6. Start a journaling practice.

If I was reading this about a week ago, I would scroll right past, but please wait! Lately, I’ve been journaling every morning first thing. As soon as I brush my teeth and get that glass of water, I sit down and write three pages in my journal. (Credit here goes to Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, who coined the term “morning pages.”) By doing it right away, you’re guaranteed to actually do it because it’s now a habit and you’ll be amazed by how much clearer your morning and the rest of the day goes. No matter what other chaotic things happen that day, you’ll feel a bit more centered knowing you started it off like this. Either free-write or try prompts, like writing out your goals, feelings, intentions, frustrations, fears and so on.

7. Try to build a morning routine.

If you’re into this journaling plan, build on it. After I write my three pages, I do a 10-minute meditation. I only need to get up 20 minutes earlier to accomplish both of those things, and the effect they have is more than worth it — I actually look forward to it when I go to sleep and getting up earlier than I have to is not easy for me. It’s okay if I miss it, but I feel the difference and that keeps me motivated.

Insert into the morning routine whatever works for you and helps you start the day more clear-headed. If not journaling or meditation, try yoga or a jog, drinking a cup of coffee in silence, listening to your favorite music or podcast, praying, saying Tehillim, whatever speaks to you. Then, watch the effects unfold.

How do you get into the Elul zone? Let us know in the comments!