Category: Health

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Most people associate the first day of summer with the 3-day Memorial weekend. But technically this year, on June 20, 2020, the northern hemisphere will officially begin the first day of summer. Staying light longer, the sun will finally reach the furthest northern point in the sky. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. After the summer solstice, the days will begin to lose light.

Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Different cultures have a wide range of traditions to welcome the summer. Unfortunately, due to recent health mandates, social distancing, and stay at home guidelines, many festivals and celebrations are canceled this year. But do not let all the restrictions keep you from celebrating the summer solstice.

  • Go Hiking: Numerous parks are open to the public. Yes, social distancing still applies to the trails, but you still can enjoy the great outdoors. Hike a new trail. Spend an extra hour outdoors. Hiking is good for the entire family. Even young children can enjoy easy trails. Of course, don’t forget your dog.
  • Go for a Walk: A simple walk around the block can be refreshing. Walk to your local park. The playground equipment may still be inaccessible. But enjoy the different paths throughout the park. If you are working, go for a short walk on your lunch break.
  • Enjoy Nature: Take a leisurely stroll in your local park to enjoy nature. Take along binoculars and a camera to capture your view. If you are allowed, pick wildflowers, collect rocks, and other nature items to use for craft projects later.
  • Meditate or Pray: Sitting outside in nature is the perfect time to reflect. Give yourself time to meditate or pray.
  • Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Taking a moment out of your day to simply watch the sunrise or set, gives you a chance to relax and destress.
  • Cook a Feast: Okay, a simple BBQ or a picnic will do the trick. But cooking a meal and enjoying the celebration as a family is a great way to honor the changing season.
  • Host a Bonfire: If you haven’t used your fire pit this year yet, the summer solstice is the perfect day to start. Build a small fire, watch the sunset, and marvel at the stars. Oh, and don’t forget the chocolatey, marshmallow goodness of S’mores.
  • Celebrate Virtual: Due to restrictions, many popular sites, including Stonehenge, are celebrating the summer solstice online. Watch the sunrise or set, listen to music, or watch an event.

Regardless of the way you celebrate the solstice, enjoy the summer day. Summer goes by quickly. Soon, the cold weather will return.

30 Days of Self-Care for June

Self-care is essential for your physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. Whether you are working full time, practicing social distancing, or staying at home, you must take the time for yourself. If you would like some inspiration on self-care ideas, check out the following for June.

  1. Go for a Hike: Check out a new trail, get outdoors, and do not forget to take along your favorite 4-legged companion.
  2. Photograph Nature: You do not need a fancy camera to snap a picture of the sunrise or sunset. Spend some time enjoying nature. Photograph your journey.
  3. Video Chat with Friends or Family Members on Zoom
  4. Take a Long, Bubble Bath: Soaking in a warm tub with lots of bubbles is a great way to relax.
  5. Write a Letter: Put pen to paper and write a traditional letter.
  6. Buy Yourself Flowers or Chocolate
  7. Turn Up the Music and Sing
  8. Binge-Watch Something New
  9. Draw or Paint
  10. Try a New Craft
  11. Meditate or Pray
  12. Try a New Recipe
  13. Start a Journal
  14. Read a Book: Step outside of your usual reading genre and find something new to read. Yes, comic books and manga count as reading material.
  15. Listen to a New Podcast
  16. Clean, Declutter, and Reorganize Your Living Space
  17. Take a Long Nap or Sleep In
  18. Listen to an Audio Book
  19. Call a Friend from School
  20. Listen to the Sounds of Nature: If you cannot open your window to hear nature, find a live cam on YouTube or other platforms. Turn up the volume and just listen.
  21. Watch YouTube Videos
  22. Make a Video of Your Pet
  23. Do an In-Home Spa Day: Paint your nails, soak your feet, do a facial, and hot oil treatment for your hair.
  24. Sip a Cup of Hot Tea, Coffee, or Cocoa
  25. Birdwatch
  26. Print Photos from Your Phone: Make a photo scrapbook, buy frames to hang photos on the wall, or send prints to friends and family members.
  27. Go for a Nature Walk: Collect rocks, pine cones, or other material for crafts. Paint the rocks and hide around your neighborhood. For example, paint thank you or quotes on the rock and place in front of the hospital or other medical facility.
  28. Get Take Out: Whether you order a meal for yourself or your family, take a break from cooking. Yes, pizza does count.
  29. Burn a Nice Smelling Candle
  30. Spend an Evening Looking at the Stars

Baking Soda: A Versatile Household Staple

When most people think of baking soda, recipes of cookies, bread, or other delicious treats come to mind. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an everyday household staple. Yet, many do not realize baking soda has various other uses beyond cooking. Some of the typical applications may actually surprise you.

Cleaning

When using baking soda as a cleaner, simply form a paste with warm water and apply the mixture to the object. Rinse and dry. Acting as a soft scrub, the mixture works on all sorts of everyday household appliances, including the microwave silver. The other ways to use baking soda when cleaning include:

  • Unclog a Drain: When you mix baking soda with a cup of cider, you have the perfect mixture to unclog a drain.
  • Laundry: Adding a small amount of baking soda generally about a ½ cup to your wash, helps to refresh your clothes without harsh chemicals.
  • Flooring: Add about a ½ cup to your mop water. Baking soda can actually brighten your floors.
  • Remove Stickers: Mixing baking soda with water to form a paste, the mixture will clean the residue off from stickers or labels.
  • Stain Remover: Use baking soda to scrub the inside of plastic bowls or your coffer cup to remove unwanted stains.

Deodorizing

Sprinkling on various types of surfaces, baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. From outdoor furniture to pet bedding, use baking soda to refresh odor-producing areas. If you want to try baking soda in other areas for deodorizing check out the following:

  • Carpets: Sprinkle baking soda on your indoor carpets or inside your car. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 30 minutes, and then vacuum as usual.
  • Furniture: Baking soda is suitable for various soft surfaces. Evenly sprinkle the baking soda on couches or chairs, let set. Then, vacuum off.
  • Kitty Litter Box: When changing your kitty litter box, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom to help combat smells.
  • Tennis Shoes: Sprinkle lightly inside shoes to absorb orders.
  • Bathroom: Sprinkle baking soda in the tub, toilet, and sink. Let stand for at least 15 minutes, clean, and rinse. The baking soda can help remove unpleasant odors.
  • Refrigerator: Place an opened box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb unpleasant smells.

Personal Health

Use baking soda for your personal health.

  • Toothpaste: Even though the taste may not be up to your liking, you can use baking soda as toothpaste. Simply, dip your toothbrush into a small amount of the baking soda, brush, and rinse.
  • Antacid: Mixing around a teaspoon baking soda with a glass of water can reduce heartburn.
  • Relieve Pain of Insect Bites: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the thick mixture to the area of bee or insect bite. Leave directly on the inflicted spot for around 20 minutes to stop the pain.

In addition to the list above, baking soda combats weeds. Sprinkle baking soda in between patio blocks to keep the weeds from regrown.

The low cost is the best part of using baking soda in your household. The next time, you are shopping and a box or two to your cart to help with everyday cleaning and more.

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.

Celebrating Easter at Home

Celebrating Easter at home may not have been your original plan. Yes, the big family gatherings will not happen this year. Canceled Easter Egg hunts, church services, and other events are inevitable. The pandemic brings changes to protect your health.  But there are still numerous ways to make Easter special.

Start by turning off the news. Unplug from your devices. Set your cell phone to vibrate. Simply enjoy the quality time with the ones you love.

Make a Family Meal

Dust off your baking skills and cook a homemade family meal to enjoy together. Do not forget dessert. Bake some cookies or other special treats to celebrate Easter. When baking, ask your children to help. Even younger children can help pour, measure, or stir the batter. The quality time will turn into a lasting memory. For added fun, decorate the table together.

Do you want to do something different than a traditional Easter meal?

  • Pull out the grill and BBQ for Easter.
  • If the weather is warm, consider an outdoor picnic. Or set up a picnic in your living room.
  • Order from a local restaurant. Many food establishments are still open for delivery and curbside pickup.

Dress Up for a Family Photo

Most cameras come with a self-timer, which is perfect for a family photo. Dress up in your Sunday best. Yes, you can take off your good clothes after the picture. The photo will be a lasting reminder of celebrating Easter at home.

Set Up a Photo Booth

 Using a sheet, tablecloth, or bare spot on the wall for background creates an instant photo booth. Pull out hats, scarves, beaded jewelry, and other accessories to add to the fun. Use a poster board, index cards, or construction paper to make photo props. Bunny ears, an Easter 2020 sign, mustache, big smiles, or glasses are easy to make. Place your prop cut-outs on wooden dowels, popsicle sticks, or hold with a clip clothespin.

Dye Easter Eggs

Even if you do not have any Easter dye, you still can color eggs. Use food coloring, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and boiling water to make a color mixture of your choice. Stir the solution, allow the contents to cool, and dye your eggs.

Listen to a Church Service

Numerous churches are hosting services online. Listen to an Easter service before starting your day. The words may bring you comfort and joy this Easter season.

Do Easter Crafts

Spend the afternoon, crafting as a family. Do not know where to start? Pinterest has numerous ideas for Easter crafting.

  • Paint or Draw an Easter scene
  • Cut out Easter eggs from construction paper or plain paper to design.
  • Make collages out of everyday materials, including cotton balls, magazine pictures, cloth scraps, etc.
  • Paint Easter eggs.
  • Make placemats for your meal.

Call Loved Ones

Easter is definitely different this year with social distancing and self-isolating. But, you still can keep in touch with loved ones. Call, text, message, or video chat with friends and family.

 

Self-Care at Home

Whether you are self-isolating, quarantined, social distancing, or just an introvert that does not leave the house, self-care is essential to your well-being. Check out the following for self-care activities to do at home.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water.
  • Sleep: Leave the alarm off, sleep in for an extra half hour, or take an afternoon nap. The extra rest is good for you.
  • Read a Book: Dive into that stack of unread books. Or take the time to read a book to your family.
  • Bake: Make a homemade meal, bake cookies, or special dessert.
  • Unplug: Yes, stay informed during the crisis. But do not spend all day on the Internet or social media. Give yourself a break from the steady bombardment of information.
  • Take a Virtual Tour: Numerous museums, art galleries, nature parks, and zoos are offering free virtual tours or live cams. Spend some time touring a place that you may not normally get to see in person.
  • Burn a Scented Candle: Light your favorite scented candle to bring a new aroma to your home.
  • Declutter and Organize: Is there a particular area in your home that you have been neglecting? Spend some time decluttering, organizing, and rearranging your space to fit your needs.
  • Write in a Journal: The journal can simply be pieces of notebook paper. But, taking the time to write out your feelings, fears, or everyday frustrations can be liberating.
  • Listen to a Podcast: From movies to daily news, podcasts offer different perspectives on subjects of interest.
  • Play Musical Loudly: Turn up your favorite music. Listening to music is a stress reliever. Singing along is just added fun.
  • Workout: Try a new workout routine, yoga, or stretching exercises. YouTube has numerous videos at all fitness levels.
  • Stay in Your Pajamas: Alright, just be comfy. Stay in your pajamas, lounge pants, or sweat pants. Just spend the day being comfortable.
  • Take a Hot Bubble Bath: Relax in a hot bubble bath or take a long shower.
  • Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Stepping outdoors for a few minutes or watching through a window, sunsets, and sunrises are magical to watch.
  • Text, Message, Call, or Video Chat: Use your devices to contact old friends or relatives. Being at home for long periods is perfect for safely reconnecting with people.
  • Do Crafts: Pull out your hoard of craft supplies and finish a project.
  • Snuggle With Your Dog: While binge-watching your favorite show, spend some quality time with your dog.

Now, take a deep breath. Spending time away from others is beneficial to everyone. Use the time to implement different self-care activities.  Make your efforts family-oriented activities.

March Journal Writing Prompts

Keeping a daily journal has numerous benefits. You can write about your fears, concerns, and memories. The creative outlet provides a way to rid your daily stress. Journal writing offers valuable insight.

Journal Writing Prompts for March

  1. What do you have planned for March? Did you accomplish everything from last month?
  2. If you could enter into any fictional world, where would you go? Why?
  3. What are you doing to take care of yourself? List all the self-care activities.
  4. What is an unforgettable memory from your childhood? Your teen years? A recent one?
  5. Look at your camera or phone. What was the last photo you took? Describe the picture in great detail.
  6. When you were a child or teen, who was your role model? Why was this person important to you?
  7. Who is your role model now?
  8. Happy Daylight Savings Time! Does the extra hour of light affect your mood? Why or why not?
  9. When asked for a book recommendation, what one do you tell people to read? Why?
  10. Write about anything for approximately 15 minutes. Freewriting is a wonderful creative outlet.
  11. What was the best part of your day?
  12. What were you doing at 9am? Noon? 4pm?
  13. Happy Friday the 13th? Are you superstitious?
  14. What can you do to make the rest of the weekend special? For yourself? For your family?
  15. What is one activity you would like to try? What is stopping you?
  16. What is one goal you can achieve by the end of the month?
  17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Did you do anything to celebrate the holiday?
  18. If you could meet any of your ancestors, who would you pick? Why?
  19. Happy First Day of Spring! Create a spring bucket list for yourself, your family, or friends.
  20. What spring-themed recipe would you like to try? Why?
  21. If you were given a superpower, what would it be? Why is this power vital to you?
  22. Write, in detail, about your last vacation or day trip include your favorite or least favorite parts.
  23. Write a local review of a restaurant or cafe.
  24. Draw a picture of a fantasy creature. (No, the drawing does not have to be perfect.) Write a short story about the creature’s life.
  25. Write 3 good things about your day.
  26. Write a list of upcoming movies you want to watch.
  27. What is your favorite song that is out right now? What were your past favorite songs?
  28. Write about a challenging time in your life? How did you work through it?
  29. What is your earliest memory? Why is that memory so vivid for you?
  30. Write about your current feelings.
  31. The third month of 2020 is almost over. What do you plan to accomplish in the remaining months?

Self-Care on Valentine’s Day

No date for Valentine’s Day? Don’t let the holiday get you down. Enjoy your free time. Take a moment to relax and recharge. Self-care is essential for your mind, body, and spirit. Do you need ideas for self-care on Valentine’s Day? Check out the list below.

Get Outdoors

Unplug from your devices and skip social media for the day.

  • Go for a long walk.
  • Take your dog for a walk or to the dog park.
  • Go for a hike.
  • Eat lunch outdoors.
  • Grab your camera and go for a nature walk.

Even if the weather is cold, a 15-minute stroll around the block can be invigorating.

Start a Journal

Getting your thoughts on paper can be a refreshing experience.

  • Write down your feelings.
  • Describe past experiences.
  • Write about your childhood.
  • Create a gratitude list.
  • Write a letter to your future or past self.
  • Write a story.

Volunteer

 Check out local organizations for a list of volunteer opportunities. For example, numerous animal shelters or rescues ask for volunteer dog walkers. Who knows, you may even meet your next four-legged friend.

Pamper Yourself

Spend some time on yourself.

  • Get a massage.
  • Get a new haircut.
  • Get your nails done by a professional.
  • Take a long nap.
  • Read a book.
  • Go to a museum or art gallery.
  • Take a hot bubble bath.
  • Binge-watch your favorite movie or television show.
  • Order take-out.
  • Make your favorite homemade meal.
  • Buy your own flowers or candy.
  • Go to your favorite café.

Do Arts and Crafts

Let your creative self out on Valentine’s Day. Stop at your local art and crafts store. Pick up some supplies and let your creativity shine. Draw, paint, or do a craft.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect way to indulge. Pamper yourself and enjoy the holiday.

Self-Care Ideas for the Holiday Season

Christmas parties, baking, shopping, planned activities, and other commitments can easily make the holidays a stressful time. Self-care is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Taking a few moments out of the day to regroup and relax will help you enjoy the holiday season.

Ideas for Self-Care During the Christmas Season

Engaging in regular self-care activities can improve your overall mood and reduce anxiety. Consider the following list to help you engage in routine self-care.

  1. Spend some alone time at the library or bookstore
  2. Read a book
  3. Make a playlist
  4. Listen to music loudly and sing along
  5. Go for a nature walk
  6. Go hiking
  7. Take a long, hot bubble bath
  8. Keep a journal
  9. Paint your fingernails
  10. Do crafts
  11. Meditate
  12. Do yoga
  13. Workout
  14. Bake your favorite recipe
  15. Volunteer
  16. Sleep in or take a nap
  17. Unplug from your devices
  18. Call up an old classmate just to catch up
  19. Binge-watch your favorite series
  20. Try a new hobby
  21. Paint
  22. Slowly sip hot tea, coffee, mulled apple cider or hot cocoa
  23. Take a class, workshop, seminar, or attend a conference that is not work-related
  24. Visit your local art gallery, museum, historical place, or other tourist attraction
  25. Watch the sunrise or sunset
  26. Indulge just this one time: eat a piece of cake or candy bar
  27. Invite a friend to lunch
  28. Purchase a lovely smelling candle to light at home
  29. Go to your favorite cafe
  30. Buy yourself a gift (does not have to be a large one, just something special to you)

The holidays will be more enjoyable if you set aside time for yourself.

 

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Celebrating Sweetest Day on a Budget

Did you know today, October 19th is Sweetest Day? Did you plan ahead? Are you scrambling to find the perfect date within your budget? Celebrating Sweetest Day does not require a lot of money. In fact, with a little creativity and planning, many activities can be free or cost very little. 

Low-Cost Ideas for Sweetest Day

  • Picnic: Pack a lunch and head out to your local park for a picnic. If the weather is too cold, have a picnic inside. When eating indoors, you can also have candles and music to set the mood. 
  • Go for a Walk: Autumn brings bright colored leaves, harvest, pumpkins, and more. Get outdoors, go for a walk to view the changing colors. Head out to the nearest pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Enjoy the day together. Hold hands. Drink warm cider. Buy a pumpkin for Halloween. 
  • Go Hiking: Hit your favorite trail. Do not forget to bring your dog along. Hiking is a great way to spend time together. Being outdoors is beneficial to your physical and mental health. Your dog will be happy to be part of the celebration. 
  • Be a Local Tourist: Check out your local tourists’ sites. When was the last time you went to the hometown art gallery, museum, historical landmark, brewery tour, apple orchard, cider mill, or other tourist destination? Spend time exploring your town.
  • Make a Card: Remember getting a note with the words, do you like me? Check yes or no. Get creative. Make a Sweetest Day card. Write a poem or include a special memory. 
  • Make a PlayList: Put all of the songs that are special to your relationship on a playlist. 
  • Make a YouTube Video: Okay, it’s not what you think. Video the place you first met, your first kiss, your wedding location, or other memorable locales. Take the video pieces and create a documentary about the two of you. 
  • Make a Meal Together: Cook together to make the perfect meal or dessert. 
  • Movie Night: Cuddle on the couch, make popcorn, and binge-watch your favorite movie series. 
  • Unplug for the Day: Turn your phone to vibrate, step away from your computer, and just spend the day together.