Category: mental health

Self-Care Ideas for June 2023

Are you continuing your commitment to self-care? Or perhaps you are just starting your journey to take time for yourself. Self-care is essential for your overall health and well-being. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for June.

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  1. Make a commitment to self-care. Consider writing out your dedication and place it in a spot where you can see the affirmation every day.
  2. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water or try herbal teas.
  3. Get enough sleep.
  4. Walk away from drama.
  5. Practice saying, “no” to extra work or other commitments you do not want to do.
  6. Spend time with positive people who lift you up and believe in your dreams.
  7. Go on a nature walk (Don’t forget your camera)
  8. Try yoga.
  9. Eat healthier meals.
  10. Read
  11. Write in a journal.
  12. Call an old friend.
  13. Binge-watch your favorite show.
  14. Go hiking.
  15. Try a new recipe.
  16. Join a club.
  17. Learn a new skill.
  18. Go on a picnic.
  19. Take a long warm shower.
  20. Go to an art gallery or museum.
  21. Meditate or pray.
  22. Soak in a warm bubble bath.
  23. Declutter.
  24. Give yourself an in-home spa treatment.
  25. Plant something.
  26. Volunteer.
  27. Make smoothies from fresh fruit.
  28. Turn off your devices.
  29. Create a new playlist.
  30. Set goals.

Have a wonderful month! Take care of yourself.

11 Ways to Honor Your Mom on Mother’s Day After She Is Gone

The day may vary, but each year the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. The annual holiday celebrates and honors all mothers. When your mom passes away, the yearly tradition reminds you of your loss. Finding ways to honor the wonderful woman who cared and prayed for you on every Mother’s Day is possible.

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If you are searching for ways to honor your mom on Mother’s Day after she is gone, check out the following list for inspiration.

Please note: “As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Plant A Tree: If you have yard space, plant a tree in your mom’s memory. Trees are beneficial to the environment. Consider planting fruit trees. After a few years, the tree will provide a yearly harvest.
  2. Plant Your Mom’s Favorite Flower: Do you remember your mom’s favorite flower? Plant flowers near your home to honor her memory. If you do not remember her favorite flower, plant a rose, peony, or other flowers that flourish yearly.
  3. Send Bouquets: Send your mom’s favorite flowers to another motherly figure in your life.  If you cannot think of another person, send flowers to a local nursing home. Ask the delivery to go to someone who may not otherwise get any mail or gifts.
  4. Cook or Bake: Did your mom have a favorite family meal or dessert that she loved serving on a special occasion? Even in her absence, Mother’s Day is still a special occasion.
  5. Host a Lunch or Dinner: Gather your siblings or friends together to celebrate all the moms in your life.
  6. Make a Toast: If you host a dinner, make a toast to all the moms who are no longer at the table. Simple gestures are a comfort.
  7. Light a Candle: Lighting a candle is an easy way to remember your mom on Mother’s Day. What was your mom’s favorite scent? Burn a candle to honor and remember her.
  8. Donate: Did your mom have a favorite charity? If you do not know, donate money in her name to a local food bank, pet rescue, church, or other reputable organization.
  9. Make a Scrapbook: Do you have photos of your mom stored in boxes or on your computer? Create a scrapbook to honor her memory.
  10. Decorate the Gravesite: Take fresh flowers, an outdoor ornament, or other sentimental items to decorate the gravesite.
  11. Say a Prayer or Affirmation: Thank your mom for everything she did in the past.

Celebrating Mother’s Day without your mom is difficult. But with planning, you can still celebrate the annual holiday.

Happy Mother’s Day!

30 Journal Writing Prompts for Easter

Easter is almost here. Are you enjoying yourself? Easter week is a wonderful  time to make extra entries in your journal.  Daily journal entries about Easter are a great way to reflect, express emotions, and enjoy the holiday. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following journal writing prompts for Easter.

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  1. What does Easter mean to you?
  2. How do you celebrate Easter? With your family? With your friends? In the community? School? Work? Go into detail.
  3. How are you going to spend this Easter weekend?
  4. Are you going to participate in any Good Friday services or activities?
  5. Do you send out Easter cards? Why or why not?
  6. How do you plan to spend Easter Sunday? Are you going to church? Sunrise Service? Regular Service? Or skipping?
  7. Describe attending Good Friday or Easter Sunday service. What was your favorite part? What did you dislike? Will you go again?
  8. Do you regularly attend church services? How is Easter time different for your church community?
  9. Did you participate in Lent? What did you give up? Describe the experience.
  10. Why is participating in the Lenten season important to you?
  11. What is your favorite song to hear at Easter? Why does this song mean so much to you?
  12. What is your favorite memory of Easter? Why?
  13. Did you celebrate Easter as a child? What was a typical Easter like for you? Your family? Your friends? 
  14. What is your first memory of Easter at church as a child? 
  15. Did you get Easter baskets as a child? What other traditions did your family do at Easter time?
  16. What was your favorite Easter basket toy, candy, etc.? Why are these items so memorable? 
  17. Do you do any childhood traditions with your family? Why or why not?
  18. Did you create an Easter basket this year for your family? Your friends? Your dog? What did you put in the baskets?
  19. Did you dye Easter eggs as a child? Describe the experience.
  20. Did you dye Easter eggs this year with your friends or family? Describe the experience. Who helped you dye eggs? What colors did you use? 
  21. Did you participate in Easter egg hunts as a child? What do you remember the most about the event?
  22. Are you or did you hide Easter eggs this year? Describe the experience.
  23. As a child, what was your favorite item to find inside of an Easter egg?  Why?
  24. As an adult, what would you like to find inside an Easter egg? Why?
  25.  Do you have a favorite Easter egg? Describe the color, the pattern, and other important attributes.
  26. Are you cooking a traditional Easter meal? What will you serve?
  27. When you were a child, what was your Easter dinner? What was your favorite part of the meal? Do you still cook the same meal today?
  28.  Has the significance of Easter changed for you over the years? Why? 
  29. What was your favorite memory of Easter this year?
  30. What are you going to change for Easter 2024?

Happy Easter!

Self-Care Ideas for February

The first week of February is almost over. Are you taking care of yourself? Self-care is essential to your overall health. If you are looking for inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for February.

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  1. Write down goals or affirmations for your personal growth and self-care.
  2. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water or try herbal teas.
  3. Light your favorite scented candles.
  4. Curl up with your favorite fuzzy blanket and read.
  5. Try yoga or another new exercise routine. (YouTube is a wonderful resource)
  6. Get a massage.
  7. Write in a journal.
  8. Make crafts or host a craft night with your friends.
  9. Meditate or pray.
  10. Make a new playlist.
  11. Reconnect with old friends.
  12. Order take-out from your favorite restaurant.
  13. Sleep in.
  14. Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate!
  15. Organize your living space.
  16. Take a warm bubble bath.
  17. Plan for next month and the rest of 2023. Write goals.
  18. Unplug from your devices for an hour, afternoon, or day.
  19. Volunteer.
  20. Listen to a new podcast.
  21. Go on a winter nature walk.
  22. Binge-watch your favorite television series.
  23. Take yourself out on a date.
  24. Do a Random Act of Kindness.
  25. Draw, color, or pain.
  26. Attend a workshop, conference, or seminar.
  27. Print your photos off your phone and make a scrapbook,
  28. Practice saying no to activities that you do not want to do.

Have a great rest of your month!

Self-Care Ideas for November 2022

A new month is here. November is generally the start of the busy holiday season. The time is perfect to engage in self-care activities. Taking time to focus on yourself promotes healthier physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. If you are searching for self-care ideas for November, keep reading.

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  1. Make a commitment to take care of yourself. If needed, write your intentions down. Tape the note to your computer, refrigerator, or bathroom mirror.
  2. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water or sip on herbal teas.
  3. Create a holiday season bucket list.
  4. Create a gratitude list.
  5. Do a digital detox for an afternoon or an entire day.
  6. Day Light Savings Time Ends—remember to get plenty of sleep.
  7. Light your favorite scented candle. (Holiday-themed candles are already out in stores.)
  8. Remember to vote.
  9. Take yourself out on a lunch date.
  10. Call someone you love.
  11. Veterans Day—Volunteer or write a thank you note to your favorite veteran.
  12. Try a new exercise or stretching routine.
  13. Read inspiring quotes.
  14. Listen to your favorite podcast.
  15. Binge-watch your favorite television program.
  16. Spend a night in a hotel.
  17. Remind yourself, it’s okay to say, “no” to something you do not want to do.
  18. Create a vision board.
  19. Get a massage.
  20. Meditate or pray.
  21. Declutter a drawer or an entire room.
  22. Color in adult coloring books or do crafts.
  23. Go have lunch with friends.
  24. Enjoy Thanksgiving!
  25. Create a scrapbook from photos on your phone.
  26. Create a playlist of your favorite songs.
  27. Try a new recipe or make a family favorite.
  28. Watch motivational TedTalk videos.
  29. Take a long bubble bath. (Try listening to jazz music while soaking.)
  30. Learn a new skill.

Have a great month! Remember to take care of yourself.

Self-Care Ideas for October

 A new month is a perfect time to commit to taking care of yourself. Work, school, family, and other commitments often lead to chaotic schedules. Spending time on yourself is critical for your overall well-being. If you need inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for October.

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  1. Make your monthly commitment or affirmation to take care of yourself. If needed, write out your intention for better self-care to display.
  2. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
  3. Create a fall-inspired playlist.
  4. Write in a journal.
  5. Attend a festival. Try something new.
  6. Burn an aromatherapy candle or essential oils.
  7. Go out to lunch with an old friend.
  8. Declutter
  9. Order take-out on a busy day.
  10. When you feel overwhelmed, take long deep breaths.
  11. Spend an afternoon reading a book.
  12. Practice recognizing toxic situations. Set boundaries when you realize the situation or person is not helping you grow.
  13. Take an online class. Even if you just watch YouTube videos to learn more about something, give yourself permission to grow.
  14. Create a vision board for the future.
  15. Happy Sweetest Day! Spend time with the one you love. Or snuggle under your favorite blanket and binge-watch Netflix.
  16. Volunteer at a local pet shelter or animal rescue. Dog walking is great physical activity. The dogs love the extra attention.
  17. After a long day, give yourself permission to rest and relax.
  18. Meditate or pray.
  19. Workout
  20. Plan a spay day.
  21. Get plenty of sleep. Take a nap, sleep in, or go to bed early.
  22. Limit your screen time.
  23. Go to the library.
  24. Watch YouTube videos.
  25. Take a long drive.
  26. Cook your favorite homemade meal or try a new recipe.
  27. Do crafts.
  28. Go on a long nature walk or try hiking a new trail.
  29. Take steps to improve your diet. Eat healthy foods.
  30. Let out your inner child and carve a pumpkin.
  31. Happy Halloween! Get dressed up or hand out candy.

Self-Care Ideas for September 2022

Welcome to September! The days are growing shorter. The nights are bringing cooler temperatures. The chill in the air ushers in the beautiful autumn season. The changes are a perfect time to make a commitment to yourself for better self-care. If you need inspiration, check out the following ideas for self-care in September.  

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  1. Write daily affirmations in a journal.
  2. Make a cup of herbal tea, and sip slowly, while watching the sunset or sunrise.
  3. Try a new hiking trail. Or start hiking on a beginner’s trail. The fall season is a wonderful time to get outdoors.
  4. Read a book outside of your normal genre.
  5. Happy Labor Day! Enjoy your extra day off. If you’re working, come home and enjoy a long warm shower or bubble bath.
  6. Spend a day or afternoon doing nothing, just relax.
  7. Write out your goals for the day, week, month, and the rest of 2022.
  8. Binge-watch a new series.
  9. Go for a nature walk. Don’t forget your camera.
  10. Do crafts. (Autumn and Halloween items are already available.)
  11. Get extra sleep. Take a nap, go to bed early, or sleep in.
  12. Treat yourself to in-home spay day. Apply a face mask, paint your nails, soak your feet, etc.
  13. Go on a virtual tour.
  14. Spend time meditating or praying.
  15. Drink lots of water.
  16. Call an old friend to chat.
  17. Make your favorite recipe or try a new one. Your local farmer’s market is full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  18. Splurge and order takeout from your favorite restaurant.
  19. Watch YouTube videos. Check out gender reveals, marriage proposals, surprise military homecoming, or pets.
  20. Eat breakfast every day.
  21. Turn up the music. Sing along to your favorite tunes or dance.
  22. The 1st Day of Fall! Enjoy the day!
  23. Declutter a room or closet. Or simply clean off the top of your desk.
  24. Find a new food to try, a different type of fruit or candy bar.
  25. Buy yourself flowers.
  26. Make yourself a warm beverage on a cool night.
  27. Unplug from your devices. Go on a social media detox for a day.
  28. Print out your summer photos and make a scrapbook.
  29. Volunteer. Helping others is great motivation.
  30. Practice yoga or other light stretching exercises. (YouTube has numerous beginner videos).

Have fun, relax, take care of yourself, and enjoy September!

Benefits of Bowling

Did you know today, August 13, 2022, is National Bowling Day? Beginning in Rome and Greece, the sport of bowling is over 4000 years old. Here, in America, bowling is a favorite past-time for millions of people.

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Bowling is a billion-dollar industry with leagues, competitions, and tournaments. But you do not have to bowl a 300 game to enjoy the sport. The overall health benefits of bowling may surprise you.

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  • Weight Loss: Bowling requires lifting, bending, and other movements to get the ball down the lane. Every time, you step up to bowl, you use your arms, shoulders, wrists, and leg movements to hopefully get a strike. When you bowl on a regular basis, the amount of exercise increases your chances to lose weight and gain muscle strength.
  • Reduce Health Risks: Failing to exercise on a regular basis poses numerous health risks. Regular exercise lowers your risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart failure. Bowling and other regular exercise routines increase bone density and help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure. If you bowl once a week in combination with other forms of exercise routines, you gain optimal health benefits.
  • Eye-Hand Coordination: Bowling requires eye-hand coordination and large motor skills. The sport requires focus, concentration, and the ability to strategize your bowling technique.
  • Family Oriented: Bowling is an easy sport to learn. Modern bowling alleys have automatic scoring systems that display overhead. The new computerized scoring allows everyone to focus on the game. 
  • Socialization: Whether you join a league or participate in “open bowl”, bowling is a social sport. Put away your electronic devices and phones. Soon, you will be cheering the strikes, and laughing at the gutter balls. Being with friends or family members is a great stress reliever.

 Many bowling alleys offer pizza and other snacks which is perfect for family night, date night, or just out with friends.

Self-Care Ideas for August

Are you taking care of yourself? Self-care should be part of your daily schedule. Committing to your own physical, mental, and spiritual well-being is essential. If you are looking for inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for August.

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  1. Make a commitment to yourself to walk away from anything or anyone that doesn’t bring you inner peace. (Yes, this may take a while or repeat efforts.)
  2. Meditate or pray for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water or try different herbal teas.
  4. Keep a journal.
  5. Say no to any extra workload that feels overwhelming.
  6. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed early or take a nap.
  7. Enjoy a long bubble bath. (Play soft music or light candles to set a relaxing mood)
  8. Visit a local farmers market to get fresh fruit and vegetables.
  9. Create a vision board.
  10. Declutter.
  11. Create a bucket list.
  12. Write goals for the remaining months of 2022.
  13. Light a favorite candle.
  14. Read
  15. Volunteer
  16. Go on a picnic.
  17. Buy yourself something.
  18. Get outdoors. Try Geocaching, hiking, or go on a nature walk.
  19. Go for a drive to just see the scenery.
  20. Listen to uplifting podcasts or YouTube videos.
  21. Try a new workout routine.
  22. Learn a new skill.
  23. Update your resume. Write your career goals for the next year and five years.
  24. Dip your favorite beverage and watch the sunset.
  25. Go stargazing.
  26. Do crafts.
  27. Go out to lunch.
  28. Cook/bake a homemade meal.
  29. Check in with your friends.
  30. Be yourself.
  31. Your choice.

Have a great month! Stay healthy!

Journal Writing Prompts for July

Journal writing is a wonderful way to express emotions, relieve stress, and document daily events. The practice is easy to start. Take 15 or 20 minutes every night to write down your thoughts in a journal. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following journal writing prompts for July.

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  1. How did June go for you? Your family? Work? School? Community? List highs and lows for last month.
  2. What does Independence Day mean to you?
  3. How did you celebrate the 4th of July as a child? Did you have any traditions? Do you still carry on those traditions today? Why or why not?
  4. Happy Independence Day! How did you spend your holiday?
  5. What are you excited to do in the upcoming months? Why?
  6. Free write for at least 15 minutes.
  7. If you wrote a book, who would be your main character? Describe.
  8. What made you smile today? Write about that moment.
  9. Write 10 realistic goals for the remaining months of 2022.
  10. Write a restaurant review. (Yes, fast food does count. And no, you do not have to post your answer).
  11. When was the last time you felt adventurous? What were you doing?
  12. Who is the biggest inspiration in your life right now? Why?
  13. What are the top 3 things hold you back from living your dream life? What steps can you do to reach your goal?
  14. What do you do just for yourself? Self-care is essential.
  15. Write about your favorite summer vacation.
  16. Describe the view through your window right now?
  17. What qualities do you admire in others? Why?
  18. What is weighing heavily on your mind this week? Why?
  19. Write 10 words to describe yourself. Why did you pick these words?
  20. Make a “worry list”. Put your fear on paper to recognize them.
  21. Create travel bucket lists. Make one a local list, state list, and country list.
  22. Write a letter to someone who has helped you in the past.
  23. Write a letter to yourself to forgive past mistakes. Encourage future ventures.
  24. What changes scare you the most?
  25. Write about your day including mood, activities, feelings, etc.
  26. What do you need right now to give yourself peace? Why?
  27. In your opinion what is the name of the best restaurant, café, pizza place, or eatery in your town? Why?
  28. Finish the thought. “On bad days, I take a deep breath and remember__________.”  Write at least one paragraph.
  29. What is your favorite song? Why?
  30. How have grown in the past month? Year? Five Years? Why?
  31. Writer’s Choice

Happy Writing! Have a great month!

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