The Self-Care of Hygge

February 28 is International Hygge Day! Hygge (prounounced: hyoo-guh) is the Danish term for an important part of their culture that prioritizes the value of cozy, restorative self-care. Much about the hygge lifestyle involves maintaining a healthy work/life balance, creating close bonds with friends and family members and incorporating mindfulness in everyday activities.  Hygge can get you through the last cold days of winter, but it’s a lifestyle that can be part of your year-round routines. It can involve

• Spending quality time with your friends, pets and family at home and in the outdoors in a happy, positive and calm way. Going out for coffee or brunch. Enjoying concerts, street fairs and other community events.
• Making home-cooked meals and baked items from scratch.
• Creating a cozy, well-organized home. Adding touches like handcrafted items, string lights, candles and plants. Fireplaces.
• Unplugging from social media, the news and TV. Embracing simplicity and turning away from consumerism.
• Wearing warm, thick socks and soft, over-sized knit sweaters.
• Snuggling with cushy throw blankets, sofas and pillows.
• Enjoying comfort foods, such as over-sized mugs of steaming tea, coffee or hot chocolate and coffee cake.
• Reading, writing letters, crafting, knitting, DIY, hobbies. 

What to wear on a cruise

Have you ever looked in your closet and moaned, “I have nothing to wear!” 

Well, that was my situation when I was getting ready to get on my first cruise in more than 25 years. It’s challenging to pack for a cruise!

There are so many wardrobe changes. Morning – nice, casual looks for trivia, ports and lunch in the main dining room. Pool deck – a flattering swimsuit, footwear and a nice coverup. Evening – dressing for dinner, formal night, tropical night and maybe 70s and 80s nights! Plus clothing for the gym…and nightwear…and just relaxing…it all seems rather daunting when you have to pack. And I didn’t have a big budget for new clothes or a model-perfect body.  

But I wanted to look nice! I was able to pull together some clothes that made me feel good and were easy to pack. 

Budget Tips

I was able to find most of what I needed for my son and myself at Walmart (including shoes!). I tend to buy cotton and those cotton knit, drawstring pants are among my favorite things to wear. They are certainly the most comfortable. I have them in three colors.

There are some ways to save money at Walmart. In August, or sometimes even earlier, swimsuits and coverups go on sale. I have bought good swimsuits for less than $10 that way. Dresses also go on clearance sale pretty often.

However, there are some things you should snap up as soon as you see them. These would include the mesh swim shoes and any clothing in the men’s department. As soon as spring and summer men’s clothing comes out (which should be any day now), snap it up. It goes really fast! These shirts are from Walmart…I love the seahorses!

You’ll want collared polos and cotton dress shirts for the main dining room for the man in your life, as well as swimsuits, cotton dress pants, shorts and t-shirts. And mesh swim shoes!

I also bought a few, very lightweight and easy to pack items at Shein that looked well on my plus-size frame. In addition to being inexpensive, they don’t wrinkle very much.

I was happy to find a big suitcase at a thrift store for $12. However, one of the porters broke the handle beyond repair. So I bought a new one at Marshall’s. Expect to pay between $80 and $110 for a rolling suitcase there.

Do you overpack?

As mentioned, I had a terrible habit of over-packing. I think it is more stressful to have too much rather than too little, now. And there are some items available for sale on cruise ships that are not too expensive, such as cover ups and t-shirts (when they have sales). So, I developed some rules of thumb for myself so I don’t overpack for my cruise vacations.

Mary’s Cruise Packing Rules of Thumb

1. Bring one and only one checked suitcase (rolling), plus a purse, backpack or tote bag (per person). Anything more than that is too much to handle in airports, on rideshares and when walking on the gang plank. I tried two suitcases once. It was misery. It was even more awful when the porters broke the handle on my bag and I couldn’t roll it. Never again!
2. For a weekend or four-day cruise, get by with just a carry-on bag 22″ or less in height, plus a purse, backpack or tote bag. 
3. The tote bag or back pack should ideally have a sleeve on the back that allows it to slip over the handle of your rolling bag. I bought my quilted black backpack at Walmart (about $25, Time and Tru).
4. For a 5 to 7 day cruise, pack enough clothes for that week, factoring in that you may be able to wear a dress or dressy shirt twice for dinner, but that t-shirts may be a one and done deal.
5. For cruises in excess of 7 days, pack a week’s worth of clothes and purchase shipboard laundry services.
6. On the plane, wear your coat, raincoat or jacket and bulkiest shoes – typically, your fitness shoes.
7. Don’t pack heels. High heels are pretty but ships sway and decks can be slippery. After dinner, you’ll want to step out on the deck. In addition, there’s a great deal of walking and stair climbing on a ship. So, it’s better to leave those kinds of shoes at home.
8. I tend to roll my clothing to pack it and if it appears wrinkled, I buy pressing services the first day, since, of course, you can’t bring an iron on a cruise. A bag full of clothes can be pressed for about $18. I can generally get both mine and my son’s items in the bag. A perk is that it returns on hangers, so I don’t have to bug my room steward for extra hangers, and everything looks so neat and new! I don’t like the smell of Downy wrinkle release and don’t feel it works that well, so I don’t use it.

Clothes I pack for a week-long or longer cruise in the Caribbean

• One fine knit cardigan ($15, Target) for chilly evenings or mornings
• Two pairs of cotton knit long pants in black and navy, (Athletic brand $10, Walmart). These are great pants that can be dressed up or dressed down and are the right weight for cruising in the Bahamas or Caribbean.
• Two pairs of cotton knit shorts in black and magenta (Time and Tru, $12, Walmart)
• Five-six assorted cotton t-shirts and sleeveless swing tops in colors, stripes and designs that go with the pants and shorts (Walmart, Roaman’s, one worn on plane)
• Two over-sized cotton t-shirts for sleeping and gym. One is an 80s tshirt for 80s night (Walmart)
• One pair of leggings for yoga and stretch classses (Walmart; worn on plane).
• Two lightweight, dressy tops in tropical patterns (Shein)
  

  
• Three lightweight dresses in tropical patterns (Shein)
  

  

  
• Two one-piece swimsuits (Walmart)
• A dress that doubles as a cover-up at the beach or pool
• One pair of slip on, mesh swim shoes (Walmart, indispensable at the beach! Some of those beaches are very rocky. The best item I bought!)
• One pair of metallic, flat sandals (Ross)
• One pair of dressy black flats (Ross)
• One pair of white fitness shoes (Walmart, I wear them on the plane)
• Bras, underwear and socks 
• Costume jewelry: earrings, bracelets and a couple of pendants
• Sunglasses and a hat or visor, scrunchies and pony tail holders
• A small, zipped cross body bag for exploring ports (Dollar Tree, $1.25), a small, cross body bag for evening (Target Dollar Spot, $3) and a mesh bag for pool and beach.

For my next cruise, I plan to add one of those long-sleeved swim shirts that acts like sunscreen. If you run or go to the gym everyday, you’ll probably want more items of fitness clothes. If you plan to tackle the Flowrider or water slides (and you are a woman), you might want that swim shirt and some swim shorts for coverage. If you’re going to try the climbing wall, you’ll need closed toe shoes, and from what I observed, shoes with a flatter sole seemed to work better.

Clothes I pack for a week-long or longer cruise to Canada and New England.

• Similar amounts of items as above but with longer sleeves; fall looks
•  A very dressy dress (Shein, black with metallic gold stars) for formal night
• A lightweight, longer black raincoat with hood that I wear on the plane, it’s like windbreaker fabric (Walmart).
• A zip up, Time and Tru hoodie ($15, Walmart)
• One or two pair of jeans (Walmart)
• Leggings instead of the shorts
• Two or three sweaters

See my post on how to make your cabin cozy for non-clothes items I also pack, along with my passport, cruise documents, chargers, planner and coloring materials. Happy cruising!

How to Cozy Up A Cruise Cabin

Welcome to Plan a Vacation Week. Taking vacations is a form of self-care. Everything, from the planning process to meeting new people, trying new foods and seeing new places, is good for your brain health. A change of scenery can do wonders for your perspective and emotional wellbeing. And of course, vacations can be relaxing. They may also help you be more active in the beautiful outdoors.

And as vacations go, is there anything more indulgent than a sea cruise? Of course, cruise vacations are expensive and one way to save money is to pick the least expensive cabin, which is usually small. But that doesn’t follow that the cabin has to be uncomfortable or unappealing. In fact, your home away from home can be a restful retreat. Here are some ways to organize and cozy up a cruise cabin with lightweight items you can easily pack in your suitcase.

What to Pack for Your Stateroom/Cruise Cabin

First things first, get things clean! The attendants do a pretty good job, but they have cut back staff on cruise ships and the cabins we occupied all benefited (visibly) from a wipe down. Bring some disinfecting wipes and wipe down all the surfaces of the room, including the phone, remote control and drawer interiors, before you unpack. The cabin will be extra clean.

Splurge on the water beverage package. You’ll drink more and feel more hydrated and healthy if the water is in your room. You can drink the tap water, of course.

Cruises provide some toiletries, like hand soap and body wash. I like to upgrade to Bath and Body Works pump soap. On a cruise, you are washing your hands constantly. I have found that this soap does not dry out my hands. You can also bring mini bottles of Bath and Body bodywash, if you like that, or your favorite brand. I’d also recommend bringing your own shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

A mesh, pop-up laundry hamper stows dirty laundry inside of the closet. Trust me, it’s so much better than a laundry bag! Find one for $6.50 at Family Dollar. Another tip: pay for wash and fold services (about $30/bag) before you leave. It makes a big difference to go home with a suitcase full of clean clothes, instead of dirty ones.

A couple of attractive organizers help corral loose items, like toiletries in the bathroom and accessories, sunglasses and lanyards in the bedroom. Dollar Tree sells canvas mini-bins that are perfect for this. They unfold so you pack them flat in your suitcase. Put one in your closet, too.

Is your bed too firm? Ask your room steward for a padded mattress cover. In a pinch, you can layer a blanket on the mattress. Check under the beds for extra linens. You can also ask for more or cushier pillows and extra towels and hangers — typically provided at no extra charge.

Make a small cabin seem larger by having the bed divided into two twin beds. It really makes a big difference! You can ask your travel agent or the cruise line to do this in advance, but if you find the beds are together, the cabin steward will separate them for you.

The more items you stow away, the larger the room will appear. Store luggage under the bed or in the closet. Keep shoes in the closet. Some people hang items on hooks around the room, such as hats, coats and organizers. I think that makes the room look cluttered and chaotic. If you want a restful retreat, keeping a cabin looking neat and organized is a must and it only takes a few minutes. Anything you wear, put it in the closet. Never leave clothes or towels lying around on the bed or furniture. Just get in the habit of deciding where everything goes and putting them there and encourage your family to do the same. There’s plenty of storage space in cruise cabins, including desk space for documents. You don’t have to have everything out in plain view.

Bring a cruise-safe outlet device and use it to power a mini fan — it will really help circulate the air and keep the cabin comfortable, especially if you have a room without a balcony. I find it also helps me sleep!

The morning sun may sneak in when you don’t want it too. Do the cruise line a favor and don’t poke holes n the curtains with a safety pin. Bring binder clips or clothes pins to keep the drapes closed and have a more restful sleep.

You can’t bring wick candles on a cruise ship. But you can bring a battery powered candle, battery powered tea lights or battery powered string lights to add a soft and romantic ambiance to your stateroom.

Upholstered furniture (on chairs and sofas) in cruise cabins can look dingy and stained. Just looking at it can bring down the way you feel about the cabin. Plus…let’s face it…if it hasn’t been steam cleaned recently, it’s probably really dirty and it’s hard to relax on dirty furniture. Bring a spare sheet or 2 yards of a light fabric (sold at Wal-Mart in the sewing department) or even a colorful jersey sheet or throw blanket to drape over the sofa or chair in the room (look for images online to make sure the color and pattern matches the interior).

Speaking of blankets, a small throw blanket or two ($5 at Dollar Tree or Walmart) will warm up the bed when it’s cool at night and add some color to you room. We’ve used nautical designs and Christmas designs! They are also also nice to have on hand if you choose to watch an outdoor movie on the pool deck or want to look at the stars at night from your balcony.

Pack a small stuffed teddy or other stuffed animal to welcome you when you come into the cabin. Not a stuffed animal person? Bring a tiny faux plant or other small, homey touch.

Noise on a cruise ship can be an issue at night. Sometimes, ships just creak. If you’re in the rear of the ship, there will be some engine noise. So, we bring a small, battery-powered white noise machine (Homedics). The gentle hum keeps us asleep at night.

So, those are some of the items we bring along. What do you bring to cozy up your cruise cabin?

How to Make Friends on a Cruise

It’s Plan a Vacation Week, so maybe you are considering going on a cruise sometime this year. Well, that’s a great idea, because travel is an important form of self-care. And another form of self-care is social interaction — it challenges your brain, reinforces your values and sense of self and is good for your overall well being.

In everyday life, I’m practically a recluse. But something about being on a cruise makes me want to meet and talk to other people. Not everyone feels that way, of course. Some people who go on cruises really just want to interact with their traveling partner or group most of the time.

It’s normal to feel shy around people you don’t know well.  But plenty of cruise passengers are open to friendly chats. You may even make a life-long friend! Here are some ways you can make friends on a cruise, at least for the cruise’s duration.

Finding a cruise that is actually relaxing

It’s Plan a Vacation Week! Do you have dreams of taking a cruise? Of course, a cruise can be relaxing and fun. But, let’s be honest. Some cruises are not. Some cruises bring too much drama and trauma! You’ll hear people say, they’ll never take cruise again, because their experience was a real let-down.  Well, that doesn’t have to be you. Read on for tips on picking a cruise that is just right for you.

Enjoying Your Best Life on a Cruise, Affordably

It’s Plan a Vacation Week…and my question for you is: have you tried a cruise? As you know, travel and enjoying novel experiences is good for your brain and is a form of self-care. But…it costs money, too. If you plan it right, cruises can be an affordable and rewarding vacation.

Sea hair, don’t care!

This article is for you if you like the idea of relaxing and fun cruising, but not so much the  partying and boozing and spending tons of money! Read on for tips on how to find a cruise that fits your style and budget.

March: 31 Days of Lucky Self-Care

The spring renewal month of March is the perfect time to re-dedicate yourself to daily self-care. So, let’s do it!

Here’s a printable March self-care tracker you can print and download: March self care challenge 2023. There are links below for some of the activities, like workouts. Do the activities in any order you choose and color in  a shamrock for each one you complete.

1. Happy March! Since it is Workout Wednesday, start the month off right with this weights workout.

2 Most green crystals are associated with good luck, especially green aventurine. Display your crystals on your desk or in your living room.

3 Today is World Book Day. Reading for 20 minutes is good for your brain.

4 Today, you will find a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria, VA, as well as in some other communities. Fresh air is good for you!

5 Take some time to socialize with an interest group today.

6 List 3 ways you are lucky.

7 Gaze at the full moon tonight. Alina Alive has ideas for making the most out of this special day.

8 Today is International Women’s Day! Take some time to learn about the life of one of your heroines and be inspired today.

9 Time for a full-body stretch on Workout Wednesday.

10 Try a scalp rinse with green tea. Lukewarm, of course! It is good for your scalp and supposedly helps prevent excessive hair loss.

11 Sort out your spring wardrobe. Donate anything that doesn’t work for you anymore and organize your closet.

12 On Daylight Savings Time Day, get some extra rest, perhaps take a short nap after you you set your clocks one hour ahead. This truly is a time to ramp up your self-care because this adjustment has shown to have several negative health effects, as well as increasing the likelihood of car accidents. You can help your inner clock adjust by increasing the sunlight you get and gradually changing the time you get up and go to sleep before the 12th.

13 Time to say the affirmation of the month!

14 Try a new sheet pan recipe today.

15 Try this Irish yoga workout that is gentle and easy for beginners.

16 Schedule a routine health exam today, such as an annual physical, mammogram, dental cleaning, eye exam or colonoscopy.

17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Be sure to wear green today so you don’t get pinched!

18 Attend a class or workshop in your community. Check Meetup.com, Eventbrite.com and your local library for free or low-cost workshops, book clubs, crafts classes and presentations to attend. Learning new things is good for your brain and mood.

19 It’s almost spring. Time to make your spring bucket list. There are lots of good ideas on Pinterest. Here’s an example.

20 Try a mindful Spring meditation.

21 Have a healthy oatmeal breakfast.

22 Today is World Water Day. Make a pitcher of “spa” water with lemons, cucumbers, watermelon or your favorite ingredient.

23 Take some time today to relax and do whatever you feel like doing.

24 Love your feet and legs by giving them a massage with lotion. If you can find minty lotion, you will love the circulation-boosting tingle!

25 Devote some time today to spring cleaning and decluttering your home, or just part of your home.

26 Today is Self-Confidence Day! Here are some easy ways to quickly boost your self-confidence:

• Make an effort to look your best (sit up straight, wear your favorite colors, put on a fragrance you love).
• Accomplish a small task you can begin and finish in less than an hour (a whole crossword puzzle, one load of laundry only, cleaning off your desk).
• Do something that is good for you or helps you reach your goal (walk or exercise for 20 minutes, meditate, take deep breaths, eat some vegetables, move a little money into your savings account).
• Fake it until you make it (carry a tiger eye stone for confidence, smile at yourself in the mirror and say “I’m ready!” out loud, imagine yourself as a great success).
• Increase your competency (use a checklist for a day, learn or practice a skill, watch a webinar or online class, learn the meaning of new words, or work on a hobby, for example).
• Give yourself credit for your achievements. (Make a list of ten things you are great at, write down 3 positive things you each day in your daily planner or journal, keep a binder of thank you letters you receive at work, take pictures of your projects).

27 Mindfully relax while coloring a beautiful Celtic knot. Creativity is a form of self-care!

28 Eat some green veggies today. I can eat broccoli if I put a little lemon juice or salad dressing on it 🙂

29 It’s Mermaid Day today!  Relax in a bath with a cup of sea salt – it won’t be exactly like the ocean, but it will do!

30 Today is Take A Walk in the Park Day. Enough said!

31 Celebrate your self-care journey today! Tally up your shamrocks and see how you did! (P.S.  You can squeeze a few more in today, too!) Congratulations on taking excellent care of you!

31 Days of Novel Self-Care in July

Happy July! Welcome to another self-care challenge. Self-care is a healthy practice that results in improved emotional and physical health, as well as increased interpersonal effectiveness and spiritual wellbeing. International Self-Care Day is this month on July 24 – but here at Best Life workshop, everyday is self-care day!

Download the free Self-Care Challenge printable: July Self Care Challenge 2022  The theme this month is about embracing mood-boosting novelty in your self-care. Trying new things helps alleviate boredom and is good for your cognition. Read on for self-care suggestions for every day of the month. As usual, feel free to complete the challenges in any order you choose.

Photo by rovenimages.com on Pexels.com

1 If you cool off in a swimming pool, did you know that you need to take care of your skin afterwards? The longer the chlorine stays on your skin and hair the more damage it does. Wet your hair in the shower before getting in the pool; it helps protect it from chlorine. Coconut oil or a swim cap can help keep your scalp and hair from being over-dried by chlorine; it’s also good for dry cuticles around your nails. Use a hydrating bodywash and shower and shampoo, plus conditioner, as soon as you can, then moisturize your skin.

2 Your brain needs novelty to be healthy — and create new neural pathways. Today, explore a part of town or a nearby town you have always wanted to see.

3 Do a creative craft today. You can make a flag keychain for free at Michael’s today.

4 Happy Birthday, America! On Mindfulness Monday, reflect on what personal freedom means to you. How can you embrace freedom in your lifestyle? How can your hobbies, past-times and travel plans help you feel more free in life?

5 Summer is a great time to indulge in healthy salads. Experiment with a new combination of ingredients or salad dressing recipe. Here is one to try.

6 For Workout Wednesday, walk a mile…indoors! Here is a workout you can do in your air-conditioned home.

7 Today is Global Forgiveness Day. Letting go of past hurts is a form of self-care that renews your spirit. Who or what can you forgive today? Do you need to forgive yourself? Write a letter of forgiveness and burn it to send your intentions to the Universe.

8 Do you have any mushy blueberries? Don’t throw them out! For dry hair, First Magazine recommends mashing a 1/4 cup of blueberries with 1 Tbsp of honey. Put this mask on your hair for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

9 Sign up for a class or workshop with your library or parks and recreation department and learn something new, like astronomy, geocaching, Tai Chi or origami.

10 Are your Sundays the same? Visit a garden, museum or historic site you have never been to before.

11 For Mindfulness Monday, make a vision board, Pinterest board or bucket list of places you would like to visit or hobbies you would like to try.

12 Dine at a restaurant you have never been to before. Bonus points for trying a new dish or cuisine!

13 For Workout Wednesday, work on your abs using this standing abs workout with dumbbell weights.

14  Embrace discomfort…sounds a little off? Actually, researchers found that when study participants looked at discomfort or awkwardness as positive signs of taking healthy risks, they were more motivated and successful, especially when trying new things or tackling unfamiliar situations. Think of it as an indicator of personal growth!

15  Do  you have any too-ripe bananas? Don’t trash them, put them on your head! First Magazine recommends mashing 1 cup of banana with 3/4 cup of sugar to rub on your scalp for one minute to stave off dandruff.

16 Grab a blanket or folding chair and listen to a free outdoor concert in your community.

17 Try rearranging your furniture in a room or switching around paintings, photos or knick-knacks in your home. These small changes keep your brain alert and healthy.

18 Meditation is a form of mindfulness. Take some time to meditate today. If you find it difficult to focus, try a guided meditation. Here is one with a summer them.

19 It’s Tasty Tuesday! Shop for a vegetable or fruit you have never tried before, perhaps a Dragon Fruit or bok choy.

20 For Workout Wednesday, burn fat with a ten-minute HITT workout beginners can do.

21  Expressing appreciation is a form of self-care that makes you feel good about yourself. Aunt and Uncle Day is on July 26, so today would be a good day to send a card to your relatives and tell them how much you care about them.

22 Avocadoes going brown? Use them for conditioner! First Magazine recommends mashing half an avocado with 1 tsp of olive oil. Apply to damp hair for ten minutes to moisturize frizzy hair.

23 Do you need more excitement in your life? Do something exciting you enjoy. Visit a county fair, carnival or amusement park and go on a safe-for-you ride, or go down a water slide. Bet on a horse race (live) or watch a baseball game in person.

24  Happy International Self-Care Day! Find some time to relax and do one of your favorite healthy self-care activities, such as reading for 20 minutes for brain health.

25  For Mindfulness Monday, let’s say an affirmation about our travel and hobby goals, such as “My interests, hobbies and adventures help me live my life to the fullest.”  As you focus on this intention, try holding a Moonstone, the “Traveler’s Stone.”

26 Explore an ethnic food market or international section of your grocery store and take home some new foods, herbs, spices or teas to try.

27 For Workout Wednesday, try this balance-enhancing Pilates workout. I have never tried Pilates so this will be new for me! (Most of the YouTube workouts I post are targeted to older women, but I believe the beginning level and pacing can help beginners of any age or gender accomplish the moves).

28 Gratitude is a form of self-care. Today, make a gratitude list for the month of July. What were you grateful for this month? What new things did you try? Write it in your planner or gratitude journal.

29 Put out a blanket and stargaze tonight. The Delta Aquarid meteor showers will be a their peak. 

30 Build in the element of surprise during routine days. For example, write down tasks and draw one out of bowl to do. Close your eyes and wear what you hand touches in your closet. Listen to music on shuffle or that Alexa picks out for you.

31 Play an outdoor summer game – badminton, horseshoes, mini golf, croquet, frisbee golf, volleyball, etc.

Tip: I use many YouTube videos in the self-care challenges. I encourage you to consider investing in YouTube Premium so that your workouts and meditation sessions are not interrupted by advertisements. I love it!

30 Days of Beachy Self-Care in June

During the beautiful summer month of June, let’s focus on achieving our fitness goals, just as we did last June. This month, I am dedicating our self-care path to the ocean. Here are 30 self-care ideas for the 30 days of June. Track your progress with the downloadable file June 2022 Self Care Challenge

Complete the activities in any order you please. You may do more than one activity a day. The goal is to complete as many activities as you can by June 30.

Tip: Turn this blog post into a self-care package for someone you love (including yourself!) Just add some of the products below, a copy of the challenge, the coloring page and your own little touches and treats.

1.  For Workout Wednesday, workout with weights! I found this short exercise video, set on the beach, so get out your hand weights for stronger arms.
2.  Make a summer bucket list for yourself today. Having something to look forward to is a form of self-care. Download this summer bucket list template. 
3. Have an ocean-themed beauty night with clean beauty products from Pacifica.
   1. Moisturize your face with an After Sun Cool & Glow facial mask. ($4.00)
   2. Hydrate your hair with a Coconut Super Power hair mask. ($3.50)
   3. Paint your toenails with “Mermaid Tail” Pacifica nail polish. ($10)
   4. Smooth on Island Vanilla Body Butter ($15).
4. Today is National Trails Day. Take a walk on a hike or trail and enjoy the outdoors. If you’d like to hike near the beach in Virginia, state parks with trails near the Atlantic Ocean include
   • Kiptopeke State Park
   • First Landing State Park
   • and False Cape State Park.
   • And here is an Ocean_Life_Word_Search.
5. Relax on Sunday with beachy scents that relieve stress, anxiety and depression. For mood improvement, try  Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang in essential oils, incense, candles and soaps. Some products I like…
   • Incense by Escential Essences (Sandalwood).
   • Soaps and candles by Bath and Body Works  (Bergamot Blue Waters; Fiji White Sands) .
   • Sprouts “South of France” soap with organic shea butter (Blooming Jasmine).
6. For Mindfulness Monday, let’s try a fitness visualization.
   1. Close your eyes and imagine yourself completing a simple workout, walk, swim or other form of exercise from beginning to end.
   2. Imagine enjoying feelings of satisfaction, relief from stress, vitality or whatever feeling you choose.
   3. Then, do the exercise. Did visualizing the process first make it easier or more enjoyable for you to complete?
7. For Tasty Tuesday, make a flavorful pineapple smoothie with a beachy vibe.  Save the oceans and use a paper or re-usable straw. I use my Mainstays single-serving smoothie blender daily! (It’s $12.88 at Wal-Mart).  Blend:
   1. Chunks of frozen, fresh or canned pineapple (I used canned).
   2. 6-8 frozen coconut water cubes (they will be a little mushy)
   3. Additional pineapple juice from can, water or coconut water.
   4. Squeeze of lime juice and/or lime zest.
   5. Pinch of ground ginger or 1/4 tsp. fresh minced ginger.
   6. If desired, add 1/2 cup of yogurt.
8. Today is World Oceans Day. Do your part to keep the ocean clean by commititng to reducing your usage of single-use plastics. Here are 14 other things you can do to save the oceans and marine wildlife. Good works are good self-care!
9. Turn your shower into a sensory experience with Suave Ocean Breeze body wash (with sea kelp, about $2) and Pacifica Sea Foam facial wash ($5 for the mini).  But skip using a loofah in the shower.
10. Today is National Iced Tea Day! I like the Tazo Iced Tea concentrate. The packaging takes up less space because it is concentrated (you add your own water) and it is sold in an UHF package, instead of a plastic bottle. That is better for the ocean.
11. Today is Make Life Beautiful Day. Find a beautiful place to be today that restores your soul. Some ideas…
    • Browse fruit, vegetables and flowers at your farmer’s market.
    • Take a walk on the beach
    • Peruse the flowers at your grocery store or garden center.
    • Spend some time at your local art museum or art gallery.
12. Sunday is a great day to relax and be creative. Download, print and color a beachy picture from Crayola.
13. For Mindfulness Monday, let’s state a self-validating affirmation. Positive self-talk is a form of self-care. Look in the mirror and the say an affirmation out loud today. Saying “I take care of the miracle that is my body” is empowering!
14. Today is the Strawberry Full Moon and it is a Super Moon! Moon gazing is a form of mindful self-care. Enjoy some Vitamin-C packed strawberries today.
    
15. For Workout Wednesday, let’s work on our core strength. A strong core can help you avoid back pain. Here are three core exercises most people can perform to strengthen their core muscles.
      Try planks, too!
16. Thursdays are a good day for gratitude. Today, write down 10 things you are grateful for about the miracle that is your body. Then read them out loud. Handwriting and reading out loud is good for your brain and memory. Of course, gratitude is a form of self care. Here is a gratitude template you can download and print: Floral 10-item Gratitude List
17. Today is Eat Your Vegetables Day. Even incorporating some plant-based meals in your diet is healthful. Researchers have found that a whole foods, plant-based diet is the most healthful way to
    • Lose weight.
    • Lower blood pressure.
    • Stabilize blood sugar.
    • Lower risk of dementia.
    • Reduce your risk of stroke.
    • Have a healthy heart.
18. Today is National Picnic Day!  If you can find a rose garden, they should be in bloom in June. My local favorite is Bon Air Rose Garden in Arlington, Virginia.
19. If the weather is nice, buy a ticket and go for a tour boat ride! Relax and let your thoughts drift on the water.
20. For Mindfulness Monday, mindfully wash fish or other aquatic life swim.
    • Visit an aquarium.
    • Check out your local pond or creek.
    • Watch koi fish at a garden center or outdoor foundtain.
    • Watch “My Octopus Teacher” on Netflix.
    • Play a soothing aquatic ambient video from YouTube.
      
21. Happy First Day of Summer! Today is also the International Day of Yoga. Here is a  yoga workout from Adriene by the sea.
    
    
    
    
22. It’s time to get your heart-rate up for Workout Wednesday! If your body is not swimsuit-ready yet, try this 30-minute HITT workout with low-impact and high-impact options, from Fabulous 50s…
    
23. Today is National Hydration Day.  When you think of hydration, you probably think of water. But milk, orange juice and tea can be more hydrating than water. The best time to drink water is before or with a meal. Water hydrates more effectively when taken with food. Add a little juice to your post-exercise water  or enjoy a cup of afternoon tea.
24. Relax with a mermaid movie, like Aquaman, The King’s Daughter or Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid. Snack on dark chocolate with sea salt or seaweed-wrapped veggie sushi.
    
25. Take a relaxing “ocean” bath with 1/4 cup of sea salt. A box of natural sea salt at the grocery store is about $3; add a few drops of essential oil, if you wish. Sea salt is rich in minerals and sea salt baths can improve circulation and relieve arthritis and certain skin conditions. 
26. Today is Forgiveness Day. Maybe this is a good day to forgive yourself if you haven’t been exercising the way you wish.  It’s always a good time for a fresh start.
27. Today is National Sunglasses Day! Did  you know that wearing sunglasses protects your eye health? Choose sunglasses marked UV 400 or 100% protection from UV and UVB. For boating or the beach, choose a polarized pair. It is also National Pineapple Day 🙂
28. Tonight is the New Moon. It is an opportune time to set intentions. The crystal of the month is Aquamarine, also known as the “Mermaid Stone.” Sailors in antiquity carried this lovely stone to protect them from rough seas. Consider holding an aquamarine while you meditate.
29. Let’s work on our abs for Workout Wednesday. This is a short work-out from Fabulous 50s…and it’s on the beach, too. Do it with me!
    
30. Today is Beach Day. Can’t make it to the beach? Here is a guided meditation with a beach walk theme that is the next best thing.

This post is dedicated to the memory of my  💙 Aunt Beverly 💙 who loved the beach and the ocean. She was vaccinated but became infected with Covid, and she died last month. Please wear a mask in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings. It’s a small act of caring that makes a big difference, especially for medically vulnerable populations. 

 

31 Days of Rejuvenating Self-Care in May

Welcome to the lovely spring month of May! The theme this month is rejuvenating self-care to improve your wellbeing.  Try the self-care challenge this month with me!  Print and download the free self-care tracker and do the activities in any order you choose.*

Download: May 2022 self care challenge

1  Today is National Lemonade Day! Hydrate with less sugar by making your own — fresh-squeezed lemonade will energize you.

2  Today is officially Melanoma Monday. Here is a video from the American Academy of Dermatology that shows you how to check your skin for early signs of skin cancer.

3 Today is Garden Meditation Day. Find a flowery spot and relax….

4  It’s Workout Wednesday! Since it’s almost Mother’s Day, here is a 30 minute strengthening and cardio workout video you can do with (or without) your Mom that is beginner level and does not require equipment…

5 May is a month to be grateful for people in our lives (starting with Mom!) and people who have sacrificed (Memorial Day). Today, make a gratitude list of people you are thankful for in your life.

6 Today, plan a trip or adventure. Taking trips rejuvenates neural pathways in your brain and planning something enjoyable lifts your spirits.

7 When was the last time you walked barefoot? Mindfully walking barefoot on grass, sand or dirt for 20 minutes is a form of “grounding” your energy that can boost your immune system and lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Try it on a nice day!

8 Happy Mother’s Day! If you are a mom, reflect on all you have accomplished and be proud! Perhaps, you could journal about that. Otherwise, honor the woman or women who have nurtured you.

9  Say an affirmation out loud to rejuvenate your confidence. Hold an emerald, the crystal of the month, if you like. Unlike the pricier gems, tumbled and raw emeralds are inexpensive. Emeralds, the birthstone for the spring month of May, symbolize rejuvenation.

10  Make a plant-based meal of pasta prima vera with fresh spring veggies for lunch or dinner.

11 Here is a 30-minute workout that includes 5000 steps! Can it be true? Try it on Workout Wednesday.

12 According to the Farmer’s Almanac, today and tomorrow are considered to be good days to have your hair cut! Rejuvenate your look with a new style.

13 Here is a template from Project Me that can help you plan a fun and productive weekend. Download the template: Design-My-Weekend-2020.

14  Today is National Mini Golf Day!  See you on the green!

15  It is true that if you relax every day, you will live longer. Get a double brain-healthy benefit by relaxing with a book or magazine you enjoy for no less than 20 minutes a day.

16 Today is National Hug a Tree Day! According to Woman’s World, touching a tree’s bark slows down your heart rate, instantly relaxing you and sitting beneath a tree for just ten minutes will boost your energy (based on scientific studies). And, who knows, maybe that tree will appreciate the hug! 🙂 Spending time in nature also lowers your blood pressure and rejuvenates your immunity and wellbeing.

17  Make a raspberry smoothie today. Add yogurt, if you like. I use this single-serve blender nearly every morning and it is less than $15! 

18 Rejuvenate your energy with this “spring clean” Yoga class…

19  Someone in your life deserves a thank you note. Maybe they aren’t around anymore but you can still write to them (and not send the letter). Gratitude is a form of self-care.

20 Did you know that castor oil is a rejuvenating beauty tool? It is good for dry lips, moisturizing skin (mix with olive oil) and de-puffing eye bags. Some people say it can help lengthen your lashes — wipe it along the lash line with a cotton swab. According to Women’s World, it can also help you soften callouses on your heels. Smooth on the dry skin, put on some socks, and buff and rinse off the dead skin and oil in the morning for rejuvenated, sandal-ready skin.

21 Today is Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day! Since it is also Saturday, why  not visit a farmer’s market? Here is a list of produce in season.

22 Time to relax! Soak in the tub or take a rest with  your feet and listen to some spring-inspired classical music.

23  For Mindfulness Monday, here is a free flower mandala adult coloring page from Crayola you can download, print and color.

24 Order take-out for dinner, but make it a plant-based meal.

25 It’s the last Workout Wednesday of May! Here is a low-impact HITT workout for beginners. (If you need the video to slow down, you can reduce the speed of the video by clicking on the “gear” button on YouTube).

26 Commit today to rejuvenating your inner life by following a high vibration life-style. First, eliminate or reduce low-vibration thoughts and activities from your daily life, such as complaining, judging, blaming and resentment, using profanity, frequently getting into fights or arguments, watching the news too much, watching violent TV shows or movies and playing violent video games. Next, raise your vibration by lessening your exposure to toxic situations and people and letting go of past hurts and disappointiments. Now that you have cleared away low vibrations, you have room for positive ones!  Adopt healthy habits such as meditating, yoga, gratitude, nature walks and creativity — basically, self-care! If you want to try one small step, just try not complaining or grumbling for a whole day. Then see how you feel! Lighter, right?

27 Today is National Sunscreen Day! Buy yourself a fresh bottle of sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. But don’t leave it in the car or the sun because the heat will break down the ingredients. You need about 1 oz of sunscreen (the amount in a shot glass) to cover your body at the pool or beach. A regular size bottle of sunscreen has about 4 oz. of product. You could put a plastic shot glass in your beach bag or pool bag!

28 I rejuvenated my kitchen on a budget and you can, too! After decluttering, I explored YouTube videos for trendy kitchen makeover ideas. My inexpensive upgrades included swapping my dish sponge for a neutral, beige color one, buying eco-friendly, colorless dishwashing liquid, “papering” my backsplash with removable paper ($12, Lowe’s), swapping my old cooking and measuring utensils for new ones in spring colors ($15, Walmart), adding a throw rug ($5, Five Below) and a drapey faux plant in a macrame holder ($15, Michael’s). I added a little lamp I already had to the kitchen counter, and voila! A kitchen that feels “new” to me.

29  Take a stroll outside, going at a leisurely to moderate pace.

30  Happy National Creativity Day! Hopefully, you have the day off for Memorial Day. Do something creative that lifts your spirits. Here is a craft that helps you get in touch with your dreams from Soul & Spirit Magazine.

31 The first of May was National Laughter Day, but funnily enough, we are celebrating it on the last day of May! Laughter is so good for you. Find something that makes you laugh today.

*If you prefer, complete last year’s May Self-Care Challenge, which focused on family relationships and self-care.