31 Days of Self-Care for May

Whether your essential worker or following the stay-at-home restrictions, self-care is vital to your overall health and well-being. Self-care is taking the necessary steps to care for your own health. The process of self-care does not need to be elaborate or expensive. Just remember, take time out for you.

1. Unplug: Simply turn off your cell phone (or set to vibrate), step away from the computer, turn off the news, and relax.
2. Hot Bath: Pamper yourself with a long hot bath or shower. Soaking in a bubble bath is an easy way to relax.
3. Binge-Watch: Spend an evening or the entire day binge-watching your favorite television show or movie series.
4. Get Outdoors: Take your favorite four-legged friend for a walk, go hiking, or just sit in your favorite outdoor chair.
5. Garden: Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables is a great way to unwind. Even if you can only set a container in the kitchen window, enjoy the process of plant growth. Playing in the dirt is always fun.
6. Read: Relax in your favorite comfy chair, grab your reader or book, and just fall into the story. Yes, graphic novels and comic books are perfectly acceptable reading material.
7. Draw or Paint: Art supplies do not need to be expensive. Stop at your local dollar store or order supplies online. Practice drawing or painting. Yes, stick figures drawings and paint by numbers count.
8. Craft: Invest in some craft materials. Or purchase craft kits that have step by step instructions for creating a specific item.
9. Create a Family Tree: If you have ever been interested in your family roots, create a tree. Discovering genealogy is a fun and rewarding activity with many benefits.
10. Happy Mother’s Day: Call your mom. Make a homemade card or have a meal delivered.
11. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
12. Eat Proper Meals: Eating healthy is essential during stressful times.
13. Mediate: Spend some time meditating or praying. Either activity can provide a sense of inner peace.
14. Exercise: Try low-impact yoga or other exercise routines.
15. Give Yourself an In-Home Spa Day: Spending the day focused on you, soak your feet in warm water with lavender. Paint your nails a new color. Give yourself a facial.
16. Go on a Virtual Tour: Many museums, art centers, and other establishments are providing virtual tours. Spend an afternoon touring new places.
17. Make a Bucket List: Write down everything you want to try this summer. Make a local and dream bucket list.
18. Listen to a Podcast: With all types of podcasts available, you can easily find one or several for your listening pleasure.
19. Wash Your Bedding: Wash all of your blankets, sheets, and comforter. The smell of clean linen is a great way to relax.
20. Light a Candle: Purchase a candle in your favorite scent.
21. Play Games: Online games are popular. Find one that matches your interest. Spend an afternoon playing a new game.
22. Clean: Tidying and cleaning your living space can provide a sense of accomplishment.
23. Journal: Write all your thoughts down on paper.
24. Make a Grateful List: Create a list of gratitude. Recognizing all the positive things helps you concentrate on the good.
25. Write an Accomplishment List: Sometimes, you can get too focused on current events, you fail to recognize your accomplishments. Make an accomplishments list. Jot notes by your successes and write future goals.
26. Sleep: Take a long afternoon nap or sleep in. Getting extra rest during stressful times is right for you.
27. Turn Up the Music: Turn on the radio or other listening device. Sing along. Dance. Enjoy yourself as the music plays loudly.
28. Call Friends or Relatives: Is there someone on your mind lately? Take the time to call.
29. Write Letters: Grab your favorite pen and write a letter to a loved one. Or write a thank you note someone from your past that has made a difference in your life.
30. Try a New Recipe: Cooking something new provides a sense of accomplishment.
31. Do Nothing: Yes, sometimes the best you can do for yourself is nothing. Do not be afraid to just relax without any goals for the day.

Author: Rebecca C.

I am just a person who loves to photograph and write about the world around me. View all posts by Rebecca C.