Category: walking

31 Self-Care Ideas for July

Self-care is being aware of your own needs and taking the necessary steps to meet them. The demands of work, parenthood, and other commitments often lead to stress. With the added health crisis, social media, and daily news, you may quickly be overwhelmed. Take a step back, breath, and remember to take time for yourself. Do you need ideas for self-care? Check out the following list for July.

  1. Hydrate: Staying hydrated is essential for your health, especially in the summer. No, you don’t need to give up your morning coffee, just remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  2. Don’t Forget Your Fruits and Veggies: Often, in the summertime, quick meals lead to unhealthy choices. Remember to get your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
  3. Go Outdoors: Yes, social distancing and other restrictions are still in place but even get outside. Go for a hike, walk around the block, stroll through the city park, or take an extra trip to the dog park. Being outdoors, even for an additional hour, is good for your well-being.
  4. Happy Independence Day, USA! Watch the fireworks. Due to the coronavirus, many events have restrictions or canceled. Watching fireworks from your own vehicle is a safe way to enjoy the holiday. If you do not want to leave home, many PBS stations host 4th of July concerts with fireworks. Enjoy the show from your own couch.
  5. Make a Summer Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
  6. Start a Journal
  7. Create a Vision Board: Fill your board with anything that personally inspires or motivates you. Then, take the necessary steps to transform your goals into reality.
  8. Unplug: Step away from your computer, cell phone, or other electronic devices. Turn off the news. Unplugging for an hour, an afternoon, or a day can positively impact your mood.
  9. Buy Yourself Flowers
  10. Declutter Your Closet
  11. Take a Long Bubble Bath
  12. Give Yourself an In-Home Spa Treatment
  13. Make Your Favorite Meal: Yes, it can be a dessert.
  14. Call a Friend
  15. Meditate or Pray
  16. Do Morning Yoga or Stretching Exercises
  17. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
  18. Take a Long Afternoon Nap
  19. Go on a Picnic: If the weather is uncooperative, host a picnic in your living room.
  20. Read a Book
  21. Go to the Farmer’s Market: Great place to get your fruits and veggies while supporting your community.
  22. Go for a Ride: Fill up your car and just drive.
  23. Set Goals for the Second Half of 2020
  24. Do Crafts on a Rainy Day
  25. Learn to Say, “No”: Too many commitments can lead to added stress.
  26. Spend an Evening (or Entire Weekend) Binge-Watching: Re-watch your favorite television series or discover something new.
  27. Paint or Draw: Bringing out your inner artists does not have to break the bank. Head to your local dollar store and buy some necessary supplies.
  28. Listen to a New Podcast
  29. Buy Yourself Something New: Treating yourself can be as simple as trying a new type of cracker to purchasing an entire outfit. Just do something new for yourself.
  30. Send a Friend or Family Member a Letter: Or join a pen pal organization and write to someone new.
  31. Make a Goal List for August

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

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.

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.

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.

Benefits of Apple Picking

Noticeable signs of the start of the fall season are all around. Warmer days turn into cool, crisp nights. Leaves are slowly beginning to transform into bright, bursting colors. The official start date of autumn will be here in a couple of weeks. Even though garden harvests are coming to an end, apple season is just beginning. Many orchards allow apple picking. The benefits of apple picking go beyond delicious fruit. 

Get Outdoors

Back to school activities, sports, work, and other commitments quickly take time out of your week. Set aside a day or afternoon to venture out into an apple orchard. Enjoy the sunshine. Walk around the orchard. Being outdoors is good for your physical and mental health. 

Unplug

Going to an apple orchard gives you and your loved ones a chance to step away from electronic devices. Walking through an orchard can provide a nostalgic feeling. Orchards are a connection to the past. Old apple trees, apple picking, and cider pressing give a glimpse of past generations. 

Valuable Lesson

Picking apples is a useful lesson for children. The activity shows how the fruit is grown. The apple picking outing allows the fruit to go from the tree to your table. 

Best Fruit

Picking your own apples provides you with the opportunity to find the best fruit for you and your family. 

Enjoy Other Activities

Apple orchards may offer different activities for you and your family to enjoy. Wagon rides, cider pressing, corn mazes, and other hosted events turn apple picking into a memorable adventure. 

Apple varieties become ripe at different times throughout the fall season. Calling ahead or checking your local orchard’s website is ideal. Make plans for a family outing. The best benefit of apple picking is eating your harvest.

Self-Care Ideas for August

What is self-care? School schedules, work, home, and other commitments keep you busy. Setting aside time for you may seem impossible. Engaging in small self-care moments is a necessity for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Practicing self-care is good for your overall health.

Do you need some ideas for self-care? Consider the following for August.

  • Keep a journal to express your feelings, goals, or recap of your daily routine.
  • Read a book.
  • Listen to music, sing along loudly to your favorite song.
  • Exercise, join a gym, go for a walk, or try yoga.
  • Paint or engage in other forms of crafting.
  • Skip being on social media for a day or a week.
  • Have a spa day. (At home or professional, spend an entire day pampering yourself).
  • Spend time in nature.
  • Take a relaxing bubble bath or a hot shower.
  • Take an afternoon nap.
  • Cook your favorite meal or dessert.
  • Write a letter to a friend or relative.
  • Watch the sunset or sunrise.
  • Spend an afternoon at the library or bookstore.
  • Learn a new hobby.
  • Take the afternoon off to go to the movies.
  • Buy yourself a new outfit. (Yes, thrift store finds count).
  • Go on a day trip.
  • Try meditation, prayer, or listening to nature sounds.
  • Go hiking with your dog.
  • Relax with Netflix and popcorn.
  • Write 5 reasons why you are grateful. (Feel free to write more than 5).
  • Take steps to stop comparing yourself to others. Your journey is yours alone.
  • Call an old friend.
  • Learn to say to tell people no.

Self-care takes practice. Learn to set aside a little time each day or week to care for you.

Low Cost (or Free) Activities for Family Summer Fun

The school year is finally winding down. Warmer weather is the perfect time to engage in family activities. Do you need ideas for summer family fun for both sunny and rainy days? Check out the following list.

Rainy Day Activity Ideas

Rainy days do not need to be boring. Checking the weather ahead of time will help you plan for your rainy day fun.

  • Family Movie Night: Pick a movie, make pizza, or make popcorn.
  • Board Game Night: Video games are fun. But for a night, unplug from technology and host a board game night. Make snacks, make root beer floats, and enjoy each others’ conversation as you play games.
  • Go to Your Local Library: Check out the latest summer books, movies or other media. Most libraries host summer reading clubs or other events. Participating in a group is the perfect way to meet new friends while learning.
  • Craft Day: Check out Pinterest for summer craft ideas. Many craft supplies may be found at your local dollar store. Picking up a wide variety of craft items is a low-cost alternative for a rainy day.
  • Summer Journal: Summers go by fast. Set aside time to write. Even a local stop can easily turn into a page in your scrapbook. Jot down information about the place. Add pictures, stickers, and other memorabilia to your summer scrapbook. On a rainy day, relax and relieve the memory.
  • Summer Bucket List: Create a summer bucket list. Write down all the activities for you and family to enjoy over the warmer months.

Outdoor Activities 

Unplugging from your electrical devices may be necessary to recharge. Keep in mind; switching your mobile device is advisable. You may never know when an emergency may arise.

  • Nature Walk: Go for a nature walk. Look for summer birds, flowers blooming, and other wildlife. Take pictures. Just simply enjoy the sights and sounds of being outdoors.
  • Go Hiking: State and national parks have hiking trails available for the beginner to the expert hiker. Many trails are pet-friendly. Your dog will enjoy the change of scenery.
  • Go Geocaching: Geocaching is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Host a BBQ: Invite friends or extended family members to a BBQ.
  • Bonfire Night: Sitting around a bonfire is a great way to spend a summer evening. Make s’mores. Look at the stars. Chase fireflies.
  • Go Dog Walking: Walking your dog is a perfect exercise for both of you. If you do not have a dog of your own, many local dog rescues or shelters need volunteers to walk adoptable dogs. Who knows maybe you will find your new best friend.
  • Local Tourist: Be a hometown tourist for a day. When was the last time, you visited your local museum, art gallery, or other tourist sites?
  • Go to the Splash Park:  Splash parks or splash pads are a great activity to beat the summer heat. Pack a lunch and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.
  • Attend a Free Outdoor Concert/Movie Night: Many communities host numerous community events in the summer. Make an outdoor concert or a movie in the park part of your weekend fun.

Summertime activities can easily turn into long-lasting memories for your family or friends. Enjoy your time together.

 

Your Dog’s Summer Bucket List

Bucket lists do not need to be grand scale adventures or limited to family activities. Bucket lists are all about trying something new. For most individuals, pets are a valuable family member. Including your furry companion in activities is a great way to spend the summer. Create a bucket list for you and your dog.

Bucket List Ideas for You and Your Dog

Prior to heading out to any destination, ensure the place is pet-friendly. Simply call or research the rules and guidelines for bringing along your faithful companion. Many travel areas strive to include family pets. Others may have specific restrictions in place. By knowing the rules ahead of time, you will not disappoint your fur baby.

Go Hiking

After a long work week or hectic schedule, both you and your pet will need some outdoor time. Hit the trails. Pack the essentials for you and dog, and spend a day exploring the natural world.

Go Camping

Many campgrounds cater to pets by adding dog runs and other play areas. Finding the best campground for you and your dog may take some research. Being outdoors for a weekend is a great way for you to unplug. Not to mention, time for you and your dog explore.

Visit a Dog Park

Dog parks are an excellent way for socialization and play. Try to visit the dog park regularly. Consider going to a variety of dog parks in your city. Different play areas provide new adventures for your dog.

Go to a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Need a relaxing getaway. Consider going to a pet-friendly hotel. Many hotels strive to include pets in their accommodations. Order room service. Enjoy a night of relaxation with your fur baby.

BBQ a Special Meal

Cook a steak on the BBQ for you and your pet to enjoy. Or host a party for friends and their pets.

Go to the Lake

If your dog loves to swim, head to the lake. Pack a picnic. Enjoy your day.

Create a Pet-Friendly Backyard

Redesign your backyard space with your dog in mind.

  • Dog activity area with ramps for running
  • Swimming spot (child’s wading pool works well)
  • Watering station
  • Shade area
  • Relaxation area
  • Dog run

Get a Professional Photo

As a pet owner, you probably have hundreds (or thousands) of photos or selfies with your pet. Perhaps the time has come for a professional portrait of you and your fur baby.

A Night In

Perhaps, the best activity is a night at home. Watching videos, sitting on your couch, and cuddling with your pet may be the perfect way to spend an evening.

Regardless of the activity, your dog will love the extra attention.Yo