Category: Self-care

Benefits of Unplugging From Your Electronic Devices

Did you know today, March 4th is National Day of Unplugging? Modern technology is a major part of daily life. From smartphones to household appliances, the world is connected through a wide range of devices.

At a push of a button or a swipe sideways, a user connects instantly with family, friends, school, work, or other commitments. Staring at a digital screen for hours increases the chances of negative effects on your physical and mental health. Unplugging from your electronic devices is beneficial to your overall well-being.

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The Benefits of Unplugging

  1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Reducing your screentime allows your brain and body to rest from continuous information. Being online all the time can create low self-esteem as a result of cyberbullying or inappriopitate messages. Turn off your devices to lower the chances of unhealthy interactions.  
  2. Sleep Better: Turn your unimportant notifications off at night. All the different notifications interrupt your nightly sleep. Unplugging helps your body recharge by getting enough rest.
  3. Extra Time: Stepping away from the computer frees up your time for other activities. When you give yourself permission to engage in other activities, you learn to focus better.
  4. Physical Well-Being: Sitting in one position, hunched over your keyboard, or starring at your phone is not good for your physical health. Take a break. Get outside. Go for walk. Go hiking. Go to the gym.
  5. Face to Face Communication: Unplugging for an afternoon provides you with the chance to interact with others. When you use texts, emails, or social media, your conversation lacks emotional connection. Call a friend for coffee at your favorite café. Go out to dinner.
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In today’s modern world, unplugging completely is not a realistic option. Daily commitments require screen time. Remember to take the time to focus on other aspects of your life. Be aware of your screen time. When necessary, do a digital detox for a hour, an afternoon, or an entire day.

Self-Care Ideas for March

Are you looking for ways to take better care of yourself? Engaging in daily self0care activities is beneficial to your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If you are looking for inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for March.

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  1. Accomplish one small goal today. Clean out your closet, mop your floor, or rearrange your room.
  2.  Commit to daily entries in a journal. Try writing in different locations. Go to your favorite café or sit outdoors.
  3. It’s World Wildlife Day! Grab your camera and spend time outdoors.
  4. Read quotes for inspiration. Copy your favorites to hang on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator door.
  5. Make hot cocoa or tea. Sip slowly and watch the sunset.
  6. Go to your favorite local bookstore or library. Browse the books to find a new favorite read.
  7. Wear your best dress clothes for no reason.
  8. Create a vision board.
  9. Spend time meditating or praying.
  10. Hang eucalyptus before taking a long, hot shower.
  11. Drink plenty of water. Remember at least 8 glasses daily.
  12. Stay off social media for a day. Unplug and enjoy.
  13. Daylight Savings Time begins. Create a local bucket list for spring.
  14. Enjoy a slow stroll through your favorite museum or art gallery.
  15. Grab a friend and take a dance class.
  16. Turn on your diffuser with your favorite scent to fill the room. Next, play classical music and enjoy the atmosphere.
  17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Wear your favorite green shirt! Buy yourself a St. Patrick’s Day themed cookie, donut, or dessert from your local bakery.
  18. Try cardio drumming or other new workout routine.
  19. Listen to TED Talks or other inspirational videos on YouTube.
  20. It’s the first official day of Spring! Get outdoors! Go for walk or hike!
  21. Try a new craft. Pinterest has wonderful ideas for spring crafts.
  22. Order your favorite take-out food.
  23. Commit to breaking a bad habit.
  24. Spend an afternoon binge-watching your favorite movie or series.
  25. Go on an impromptu day trip.
  26. Go for a ride, turn up the radio, and sing to your favorite tunes.
  27. Create a playlist of songs from your high school days.
  28. Sort, print, and create a scrapbook with photos on your phone or memory card.
  29. Volunteer
  30. Write a letter to a friend.
  31. Get plenty of sleep, go to bed early, sleep in , or take an afternoon nap.

Self-Care Ideas for February

The winter months are a perfect time to engage in self-care. Take time for yourself. Self-care activities reduce stress and increase happiness. Engaging in a regular self-care routine improves your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If you need some inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for February.

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  1. Get outdoors-go for a walk or hike.
  2. Walk around a bookstore or library to find your perfect new read.
  3. Listen to a new podcast.
  4. Paint or draw
  5. Write in a journal
  6. Take a nap or sleep in
  7. Stay offline for an afternoon or the entire day.
  8. Spend an afternoon reading.
  9. Create a new playlist
  10. Go for an afternoon drive
  11. Learn breathing exercises
  12. Pray or meditate
  13. Try a new fruit smoothie
  14. Happy Valentine’s Day
  15. Try a at-home facial
  16. Create a vision board
  17. Buy yourself flowers
  18. Get a new hair style
  19. Organize a room
  20. Try a new craft
  21. Join a fun Facebook group
  22. Say “no” to something that you really do not want to do.
  23. Listen to an audio book.
  24. Visit an art gallery or museum
  25. Write letters or note cards to friends.
  26. Eat by candlelight
  27. Create a bucket list for the rest of the year.
  28. Binge watch your favorite series or watch funny YouTube videos.

31 Self-Care Ideas for January

Are you ready to start 2022? A new year is a great time to make a commitment to self-care. If you are looking for inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for January.

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  1. Happy New Year’s Day! Go ahead and make a firm commitment to self-care. Enjoy your day!
  2. Organize your wardrobe. (Donate items that you no longer wear.)
  3. Commit 30 minutes a day with no screen time.
  4. Make a list of obtainable goals for 2022.
  5. Make an inspirational playlist for 2022.
  6. Stay hydrated. Drink 8 glasses of water a day!
  7. Go for a winter walk.
  8. Try a new workout routine.
  9. Start a 2022 daily journal.
  10. Make junk journals.
  11. Do a sugar detox.
  12. Create a monthly budget.
  13. Create a bucket list for the year.
  14. Declutter, organize, and clean your living space.
  15. Create a scrapbook of your holiday photos.
  16. Try a new recipe.
  17. Build a snowman.
  18. Commit to less time on social media.
  19. Make a 2022 vision board.
  20. Meditate or pray.
  21. Get a new haircut.
  22. Try new a new vegetable or fruit
  23. Do an in-home spa regiment.
  24. Take a long afternoon nap or sleep in.
  25. Soak in a warm bubble bath.
  26. Go to an art museum.
  27. Try a new hobby.
  28. Spend a day doing nothing, just relax.
  29. Binge-watch your favorite series.
  30. Go to the library or bookstore. Get a book that is outside of your normal reading genre.
  31. Reach out to an old friend, go out for lunch, or agree to do a monthly zoom call.

Happy January!

Self-Care Ideas for December

December is a busy month. The holiday season always adds extra commitments to your busy schedule. Remember to take time for yourself. Engaging in self-care is a necessity for your overall well-being. If you need suggestions, check out the following list for self-care ideas for December.

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  1. Make a commitment to yourself for a stress-free month.
  2. Make a holiday planner (Staying organized is a great way to reduce stress).
  3. Give yourself permission for a lazy afternoon.
  4. Write in a journal
  5. Buy yourself something warm and fuzzy, a blanket or a pair of socks
  6. Make a play list of your favorite holiday songs.
  7. Curl up with a cozy warm blanket and a good Christmas themed book.
  8. Invest in a good moisturizer for the winter months.
  9. Bake something delicious.
  10. Get plenty of sleep. Take a nap or sleep in.
  11. Take a warm bubble bath or a long hot shower.
  12. Light a scented candle, meditate or pray.
  13. Listen to your favorite podcast while giving yourself a facial.
  14. Eat a meal by candlelight.
  15. Get creative, make your own Christmas decorations or ornaments.
  16. Go to a festive community event.
  17. Get outdoors, go for a walk or a hike.
  18. Call an old friend to chat.
  19. Spend an afternoon at the library, search for books, and enjoy the quiet.
  20. Buy flannel sheets.
  21. First official day of winter! Find a new hobby for the winter months.
  22. Start feeding the wild birds.
  23. Binge watch your favorite Christmas movies.
  24. Christmas Eve! Watch It’s a Wonderful Life.
  25. Christmas Day! Merry Christmas! Enjoy your day!
  26. Make a fruit smoothie.
  27. Try a new soup recipe.
  28. Order take-out.
  29. Visit a new local shop or café.
  30. Try a new dessert recipe.
  31. New Year’s Eve! Celebrate you made it through 2021!

15 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day

Did you know November 13th is World Kindness Day? Started in 1998, the annual international holiday promotes all acts of kindness, no matter how small. Are you ready to spread kindness in your small area of the world? Here’s a list of ideas for inspiration. Simple acts of kinds create a ripple effect, never underestimate the power of a smile or small gesture.

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  1. Hold the Door: When going into the bank, restaurant, or other business, hold the door for the person behind you.
  2. Offer to Help: Is there an elderly person or someone holding a baby standing in line behind you at the checkout? Offer to help unload the grocery cart.
  3. Pay at the Drive Thru: Buy the person’s order behind you in the line at the drive thru.
  4. Pay the Tab: Do you notice a young family with children, a person in uniform, or an elderly person sitting along at a restaurant? Pick up their tab.
  5. Pay for Someone’s Gas: When paying for your gas, pay for another customer’s gas too. This is a great gesture of kindness with the gas prices continuing to rise.
  6. Go to Lunch: Offer to take an elderly neighbor out to lunch or to the grocery store.
  7. Buy Flowers: Pass out flowers to neighbors, co-workers, teachers, friends, or family members.
  8. Volunteer: Offer to be a dog walker at your local pet rescue. Or help at your neighborhood women’s shelter or baby pantry.
  9. Donate Groceries: Buy a bag of groceries to donate at your local food bank.
  10. Start Cooking: Do you know a person or family who could use a home cooked meal? Cook a healthy meal for a neighbor, relative, or a friend.
  11. Bake: Pass out cookies or other treats.
  12. Call: Reach out to a family member or an old friend just to say hello.
  13. Extra Wash: Tape quarters (place in plastic bag first) under a lid at the laundry mat to give someone a free wash.
  14. Be Kind to Yourself: Engage in self-care to focus on your spiritual, physical, and mental well-being.
  15. Write Thank You Notes: Has someone recently made a kind gesture toward you? Write a thank you note to show appreciation.

Just smile! When out in public, a simple smile goes a long way in brightening the world around you. Happy World Kindness Day!

November Self-Care Ideas

Many consider the first day of November the start of the holiday season. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. The holidays always require extra commitments. When your schedule is full, take time for yourself. Self-care is essential for your overall physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  

Self-Care Ideas for November

  1. Start of gratitude journal.
  2. Stay hydrated drink plenty of water.
  3. Give yourself an in-home spa treatment.
  4. Take a long afternoon nap or sleep in. Even an extra 15 minutes can feel refreshing.
  5. Make your favorite meal.
  6. Take a long hot shower.
  7. Order pizza or other take out.
  8. Light your favorite candle.
  9. Go to your favorite café, sip coffee, and write in your journal.
  10. Go on a social media detox.
  11. Binge watch your favorite series.
  12. Try a new recipe.
  13. Watch the sunrise or sunset.
  14. Go for a hike.
  15. Take yourself out to dinner.
  16. Practice saying, no to extra commitments.
  17. Go on an adventure. Take a long car ride or train ride to a new destination.
  18. Practice deep breathing exercises.
  19. Be a hometown tourist. Get out to see a new historical site or museum.
  20. Go to church.
  21. Make your weekly schedule.
  22. Go to the library. Browse the books. Bring home something new to read.
  23. Make a new playlist.
  24. Text (not call) an old friend.
  25. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your day!
  26. Just spend a day doing nothing.
  27. Declutter
  28. Volunteer
  29. Make lists to help you stay organized.
  30. Try a new exercise routine.

Enjoy your November! Happy Thanksgiving!

Self-Care Tips for Autumn

Autumn is a perfect time to commit to taking care of yourself. Keep in mind; self-care is not being selfish. Work, school, family, friends, and other commitments can easily fill up your daily schedule. Yes, finding a moment to yourself in a challenging schedule is difficult.

The truth is self-care helps you maintain a healthy balance between your commitments and personal well-being. Find a way to make self-care a daily habit. If needed, put your self-care into your daily planner.

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Self-Care Ideas for Fall

  1. Rest: Sounds easy, but in a demanding schedule getting enough sleep is difficult. Go to bed early, take an afternoon nap, or sleep in. Getting enough sleep is critical to your health.
  2. Relax: Spend time doing nothing. Take a long hot bath. Read a book. Curl up under your favorite blanket and watch a movie.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Dink plenty of water. Try a hot tea or mulled cider. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
  4. Eat Healthy: Along with staying hydrated, eating healthy is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Go to your local farmer’s market to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables
  5. Learn to Say No: Extra activities decrease time to yourself. Practice saying no.
  6. Get Outdoors: Go for a hike. Go on a nature walk. Or just sit outdoors on your lunch break. Being outdoors can improve mental clarity, increase creativity, improve concentration, and raise your Vitamin D intake.
  7. Get an Exercise Routine: If being outdoors isn’t for you, find a new exercise routine indoors. Ride a stationary bike. Take an exercise class. Learn yoga or other stretching exercise. If you are uncertain where to start, look up beginner’s exercise videos on YouTube.
  8. Write in a Journal: A journal is a wonderful outlet for your emotions. Record your private thoughts, fears, and feelings about the world around you. Writing can reduce stress.

Remember, self-care takes practice.

Self-Care Ideas for October

October is a great month to concentrate on self-care. Committing to taking care of yourself is critical to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Do you need inspiration for October self-care ideas? Check out the following list.

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  1. Make a commitment to take care of yourself. Announce your dedication. Post it on social media. Let everyone know you plan to take time out for yourself.
  2. Eat outside on a fall day to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the fall crisp air.
  3. Read
  4. Take a long hot bath.
  5. Take the time to listen to your favorite podcast. Yes, listen to the whole podcast at one time.
  6. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Try mulled cider or herbal teas.
  7. Create a playlist for fall.
  8. Declutter your living space.
  9. Go stargazing.
  10. Write or draw in a journal.
  11. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or pet rescue.
  12. Listen to inspirational videos. (TedTalk)
  13. Go on a day trip with your besties.
  14. Step away from social media for an afternoon or entire day.
  15. Learn breathing techniques to reduce stress.
  16. Watch the sunrise or sunset.
  17. Learn meditation exercises or guided prayer.
  18. Cook your favorite meal.
  19. Call an old friend to chat. Yes, call not text.
  20. Get outdoors! Go hiking or take a nature walk. Don’t forget your camera.
  21. Create something. Draw, paint, or do a craft.
  22. Get extra sleep.
  23. Buy yourself something.
  24. Go out to the movies.
  25. Treat yourself with in-home spa treatment.
  26. Create a vision board. Use Pinterest. Or go old school and decorate a poster board.
  27. Get a library card to check out new books.
  28. Watch funny videos on YouTube.
  29. Go on a solo date. Take yourself out to dinner.
  30. Light a scented candle.
  31. Happy Halloween! Dress up, act like a kid, pass out candy, or attend a community event.

Enjoy your October!

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30 Self-Care Ideas for September

September brings the start of Autumn, cooler weather, and multiple chances to engage in self-care. Check out the following ideas for self-care in September.

30 Days of Self-Care for September

  1. Commit to Healthier Choices
  2. Go to the Farmer’s Market for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
  3. Get Your Annual Physical
  4. Keep a Daily Mood Tracker
  5. Write a Gratitude List
  6. Hike a New Trail
  7. Join a Support Group
  8. Spend Time in Prayer or Meditation
  9. Keep a Journal
  10. Go for a Nature Walk
  11. Spend a Day Doing Nothing
  12. Go to Church
  13. Stay Hydrated (Commit to 8-10 Glasses of Water a Day)
  14. Create a Weekly Fitness Routine
  15. Create a Playlist
  16. Make a Meatless Dinner
  17. Go on a Social Media Detox
  18. Make a Healthy Smoothie
  19. Take a Long Nap
  20. Grab Your Favorite Book, Wrap Up in a Fuzzy Blanket, and Spend an Afternoon Reading
  21. Go to a Fall Community Event
  22. First Official Day of Fall! Get Outdoors!
  23. Try Yoga or Other Stretching Exercises
  24. Order Take Out
  25. Bake Cookies and Share
  26. Create a Vision Board
  27. Volunteer
  28. Get Organized
  29. Create
  30. Figure Out What Brings You Peace and Do More of That Activity

Remember be kind to yourself.

As an Amazon affiliate, “I earn income on qualifying purchases.”