Tag: May

Self-Care Ideas for May

May is here! For many the new month brings warmer weather, flowers, and lots of sunshine. Whether you are still staying home or starting to get back to a normal routine, engaging in self-care should always be a top priority. Do you need self-care ideas for May? Check out the following list.

  1. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  2. Take a long hot bath.
  3. Make a delicious homemade meal.
  4. Go for a long nature walk. (Do not forget your camera)
  5. Write in a journal.
  6. Get up early just to watch the sunrise.
  7. Sit outside at night to gaze at the stars.
  8. Burn a scented candle.
  9. Try yoga.
  10. Mediate or pray to calming music.
  11. Try a new craft. (Many local dollar stores have inexpensive crafty supplies to get you started.)
  12. Fill up your vehicle with gas and go for a line drive.
  13.  Bake cookies for yourself. Then, bake another batch to give away.
  14. Go on a picnic in the park.
  15.  Go to bed early, sleep in, or take a long afternoon nap.
  16. Spend an afternoon at an art museum or gallery.      
  17. Listen to a new podcast.
  18. Play the radio, sing loudly, and dance around to your favorite songs.
  19. Buy a magazine to read all afternoon. (A cup of hot tea or hot chocolate is great companion to this task.)
  20. Binge watch your favorite series. (Do not forget the popcorn.)
  21. Order take-out from a new restaurant.
  22. Unplug from your devices and just relax.
  23. Give yourself a pedicure, manicure, or homemade face mask.
  24. Go to your local library. Wander through the stacks of books to find your next read.
  25. Watch YouTube videos.
  26. Wear an extravagant outfit just for fun.
  27. Make a mood board.
  28. Plan your dream vacation.
  29. Call in an old friend just to chat.
  30. Volunteer
  31. Practice saying, “no” to extra work.                         

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.

May Photo Prompts

For many, May still brings stay-at-home requests and social distancing. Even with these mandates in place, you still can have fun with photos. Grab your cell phone or favorite camera to see the world through the lens. You may find your interpretations of the world around you completely fascinating. Do you need some photo prompts for inspiration? Check out the following list for May:

  1. Selfie (Start the month with a new selfie)
  2. Morning
  3. Paper
  4. Green
  5. Flowers
  6. Favorite View
  7. Reflection
  8. Smile
  9. Beverage
  10. Mother’s Day (US)
  11. Happy
  12. Grateful
  13. Black and White
  14. Up Close
  15. Clouds
  16. Green
  17. Shadows
  18. To the Right
  19. To the Left
  20. Shapes
  21. Meal
  22. Nature
  23. Shiny
  24. Down Low
  25. Memorial Day (US)
  26. Motion
  27. Weather
  28. Photo of Another Photo
  29. Group of 3
  30. Peace
  31. Stepping Through a Door

Hopefully, the May photo prompts will inspire you to post photos on social media. Or print the photos to hang on your wall.

Journal Writing Prompts for May

Writing your feelings down is a perfect way to handle everyday stresses. Right now, with social distancing and self-isolating, getting is an ideal time to start a journal. If you need some daily inspiration on writing topics, check out the following list of May journal writing prompts.

  1. What is the most significant change for you during this pandemic?
  2. Write a paragraph describing your new routine with social distancing and self-isolation?
  3. When the mandates are lifted, what is the first thing you want to do? Why?
  4. Create a summer bucket list. Have the items changed on your list since the start of the pandemic?
  5. Fill a page or two in your journal with your favorite quotes, poems, or Bible verses.
  6. Free write for 15 minutes. Simply write whatever comes to your mind.
  7. Write about your latest dream in detail. What do you think the dream means?
  8. If you could have one superpower, what would your gift be? Why?
  9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
  10. Happy Mother’s Day! (US) Write about being a mother. What is your most significant moment? Or write about your mother. Write about your favorite childhood moment with just you and your mom.
  11. Write a gratitude list. Strive for at least 5 items on your list.
  12. What is one development in your life that is causing you the most anxiety? Can you change it? Or can a different approach help you deal with the issue better?
  13. What are the three things you accomplished today? Go into detail. (Even if one is just binge-watching Netflix.)
  14. Make a list of your top 5 strongest qualities.
  15. Write about a happy moment from today.
  16. How have you changed in the last month? Six months? Year? 5 Years? 10 Years? Go into detail.
  17. If you could have a dinner party with any 5 people (past or present), who would you pick to sit at your table? Why?
  18. Name a person who made the most significant impact on you this week?
  19. Write about your day from your pet’s point of view. Go into detail.
  20. What would you like to tell your future self about this past week?
  21. Write down 5 of your favorite childhood memories.
  22. What would you do if you did not have to worry about money?
  23. List 10 facts about yourself, your spouse, your children, or your pet.
  24. What is the best childhood memory of Memorial Day weekend? Did you travel? Stay home? Have a cookout? Planted flowers on gravesites?
  25. Happy Memorial Day! How did you spend your day?
  26. How do you think other people describe you? How do you describe yourself?
  27. Interview a family member.
  28. What is your biggest regret from your school years, adulthood, relationships, or current situation? How did the situation make you grow?
  29. List 5 things you want to change about yourself, your family, your finances, your job, etc.
  30. Write about something that you love about this particular time in your life right now.
  31. What are you looking forward to in June?
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