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. 

 

30 days of refreshing self-care in April

Welcome to the refreshing self-care month of April! The self-care theme of April is renewal. Spring is  perfect time for fresh starts, including re-dedicating ourselves to fun and healthy habits that restore our physical, mental and spiritual energy.  These habits include

• Eating healthfully and mindfully.
• Hydrating throughout the day.
• Exercise.
• Getting good quality sleep.
• Working out your brain.
• Setting aside time for spirtual and emotional fulfillment.
• Healthy boundaries in relationships, situations and with  yourself.
• And having fun!

Feel free to do these activities in any order you choose…and alter them for your needs. You can also squeeze more than one self-care activity in one day or repeat your favorites.. I often find myself playing catch-up at the end of the month. The more self-care activities I complete, the happier and more effective I feel.

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Is self-care at work a challenge for you?

If so, then take on last April’s on-the-job self-care challenge instead.

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Hint: The chart technique really works! The simple key is really the printable self-care challenge chart. When you print the chart and put it somewhere you will see it everyday, such as in your bathroom, kitchen or over your desk, you will be reminded to take small steps toward your best quality of life. Most of these activities take less than a half hour to do. I find that coloring in the chart is motivating. Download the free PDF here  April 2022 Self Care Challenge

31 Days of Immunity-Boosting Self-Care in March

Temperatures are warming up…daffodils are blooming…Spring is around the corner! Time to take care of yourself! This month, I am proposing several immunity-boosting self-care activities. The spring renewal month of March is a great opportunity to re-dedicate effort to self-care.

Here’s a printable March self-care tracker.

• March self care challenge 2022

Do the activities in any order you choose and color in  a shamrock for each one you complete. The simple act of coloring them in is really motivating! I find the more I do, the better I feel.

1 Celebrate Mardi Gras!  Celebrating stress-free special days like Mardi Gras, which is all about having fun, boosts your immune system. Pleasurable events and activities can keep boosting your immune system 2 days after the event, according to a SUNY study.  Check out my recipe blog for this delicious Mardi Gras salad recipe. You can make an easy King Cake by placing refrigerated cinnamon roll dough in a ring, and baking and icing per directions, and sprinkling on some bands of colored sugar – purple for justice, green for peace and gold for royalty.

2. The New Moon is a time to set intentions for the upcoming days of the lunar cycle. What do you hope to achieve in the next weeks? Set aside some time today to meditate in a quiet and sacred space, perhaps with a green aventurine (or any green stone) for growth and abundance and a white candle for hope. Use the inspired, guided meditation from Alina below, if you like.

3 Today, list 3 reasons why you feel lucky. Acts of gratitude boost your immune system and sense of well-being.

4 Combine 2 teaspoons of sage (fresh or dried) with 4 cups of boiling water in a bowl, drape a towel over your head and safely lean over for  5 minutes for glowing skin (Women’s World, Feburary 28, 2022).

5 Explore ways to socialize routinely with others, either in-person or online. Taking steps to prevent social isolation is one of the best ways to keep healthy and prevent memory loss as you grow older. A great way to do this is to find people who share one of your interests and to get together with them on a regular basis, e.g., weekly. Explore online groups, Facebook groups, Meetup groups, classes, gym workouts, church groups, meditation groups, family get-togethers and volunteer work.

6 Relax in a sea kelp bath. The minerals in seaweed and sea kelp have been a self-care bath remedy for the Irish. There are many brands on the market but Mr. Teal’s Deep Marine Sea Kelp bath gel and bath salts are highly reviewed and cost less than $5 at Walgreens. And it is Pisces season, after all!

7 Meditating regularly has been show to strengthen your immune system. Here is a guided meditation.

8 Prepare a rainbow meal for lunch or dinner to get the antioxidants you need for a healthy immune system. Aim for five different colors of fruits or vegetables of the rainbow — red, orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo or violet.

9 Here is a beginning-level Irish Yoga session with an Irish instructor for the month of March.

10 Mail St. Patrick’s Day greeting cards to connect with your loved ones. Not a holiday you celebrate? Send cheerful cards to just say hello.

11 Restore the health of your hair with this DIY avocado hair mask: mash 1 avocado with 2 tablespoons of oil oil, apply to damp hair from roots to ends. Rinse after 20 minutes. (First Magazine, February 14, 2022).

12 Read for at least 20 minutes to boost your brain power and feel less lonely. The trick is to read fiction or a biography — reading nonfiction will still help your brain but it may not make you feel less connected, according to a study.

13  Get some extra rest today as you adjust to the new schedule of daylight savings time to prevent accidents.

14 The affirmation of the month focuses on success, luck and prosperity.

15 Have a cup of Irish Breakfast tea and lower your blood pressure. Black tea, green tea and oolong tea contain compounds that relax blood vessels. Black tea also contains flavonoids which can reduce plaque in your arteries, reducing stress on your heart.

16 Strolling outside or just 15 minutes can improve your immunity to diseases and improve your health. For a change, try walking a labryinth — there are many public sites where you can try this walking form of meditation.

17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so wear green!

18 Massage your feet and legs with minty lotion to relieve fatigue.

19  Let’s Laugh Day is a special recognition day that was created by Laffy Taffy (the candy features jokes on the wrappers).  According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter can rev up your immune system, relieve stress and pain, and, of course, make you happier! Find something to make you laugh today. Here’s a scene from the Irish comedy, Derry Girls.

20 Happy First Day of Spring! Today is also the International Day of Happiness. That works out well, because our bodies produce more serotonin in the spring and summer, causing us to be happier! Today, come up with a spring bucket list of things you’ll do to be happy between now and June 20.

21 Visualization is a positive mindset practice that has been shown to increase your health and lifespan. It simply involves imagining succeeding at any challenge before you perform it. For example, if you are bowling, visualize the ball going straight and knocking down the pins. Try visualization while driving, exercising or performing every day tasks.

22 Try this 15-minute walking workout today.

23 Today is National Chia Seed Day! Chia seeds are a superfood that is rich in nutrients and fiber. Try adding a tablespoon to yogurt, water, juice or other foods.

24 While you are spring cleaning, donate unwanted clothes and household items to Goodwill or other good cause thrift store.

25 This green tea hair rinse clears up dandruff. Steep 2 bags of green tea in 2 cups of hot water and let cool. Pour tea on scalp and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

26 Today is Self-Confidence Day! Here are 4 easy ways to quickly boost your self-confidence:

• Sit up and stand up straight.
• Carry a tiger eye stone or other lucky charm.
• Smile at yourself in the mirror and say “I’m ready!” out loud.
• Make a list of ten things you are great at.

27  Elevate your feet and relax tonight and watch the Academy Awards. Watching a little TV  now and then can reduce stress and be good for your health if the content is light and you go to bed at a reasonable hour.

28 Start your day with oatmeal. Beta glucan fiber stimulates the body to produce white blood cells which fight infections and strengthen your immune system. The richest sources of this beneficial fiber is oatmeal and barley.

29 Gargling with salt water (use sea salt) after you brush soothes ouchy gums and helps prevent respiratory illnesses. Try flossing before you brush for best gum health.

30 Get stronger with this strength training workout.

31 Take stock of your good deeds on the last day of the month. Looking back at your planner, (you do use a planner, right?) 🙂  write down all the good things you did for others this month for a super boost of self-esteem and give yourself a pat on the back!

28 Days of Self-Love in February

February is all about the love! This month, I’ve incorporated plenty of activities to show yourself some self-love. Download the self-care tracker: February self care challenge 2022 and complete as many as you can!

1 Today is the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Tiger – and the New Moon. Relax and set positive intentions with this calming meditation.

2 Too cold to walk outside? Here is a 30-minute indoor walking workout from Fabulous 50s that will lift your mood AND your heart rate! 💗

3 Tart cherry juice is rich in sleep-promoting melatonin. It also reduces inflammation and can help painful joints. 💗 Swap it for red wine.

4  Relax and be creative 💗 with this Valentine coloring page, free to print from Crayola 

5 I love roses — but honestly, when I put them in my apartment, they make me sneeze! So, I take photographs of them. Snap some photos of roses and valentine decorations to share on social media with your friends.

6 Take a tea and gratitude break with rosy herbal tea. Rose hip and hibiscus teas are rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients and taste delicious without sweeteners. Rose hips are good for your immune system and can help alleviate arthritis, while hibiscus can lower your blood pressure. Journal about what you are grateful this month as you sip. 💗

7 Today is Send a Card to a Friend Day. And Valentine’s Day is in a week…so, perfect timing! After you select your Valentines for friends and famimly, pick up some of the 2022 “LOVE” stamps from the post office. Doing caring things for others is an important element of self-care, because it makes you feel good, too. 💗 And, yes, you can mail a valentine to yourself!

8 Rose-scented Jergen’s Rose Body Butter is less than $10 and is great to smooth on winter-dry skin. That’s a nice Valentine’s Day treat that has no calories! ❤

9 Today is National Pizza Day! Make your own pizza for a fraction of the cost of delivery with ready-made pizza shells and sauce.  Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, an antixoidant which is good for your heart. ❤

10 Make chocolate-covered strawberries! It’s easy. Wash and dry strawberries well. Mix a cup (8 oz) of chocolate or white chocolate chips with 1 Tbsp of Crisco. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and microwave again for 15 to 30 seconds. Dip berries and let dry on waxed paper or parchment paper. The only hitch is that they really are only good the same day. 

11 Rose quartz is a light pink semi-precious crystal that is associated with romantic love, friendship, platonic love and self-love. Make a rose quartz bracelet and carry that good energy around with you. You can find rose quartz beads and .5mm StretchMagic at craft stores. Or set a rose quartz crystal on your desk or night table.

12 Do you know what’s trendy right now? The 90s! Here’s a Valentine’s Day ❤ episode of The Nanny featuring Fran Drescher to make you smile 🙂

13 Show yourself some self-love today and move your body to this 30 minute Zumba Valentine’s Day workout.

14 Happy Valentine’s Day! Try saying some self-love affirmations in the mirror today — it’s a powerful exercise in self-love and acceptance! Here are some ideas.

15 Are you getting enough morning sunlight? It’s important for your immune system and for health-restoring rest at night. Today, commit to daily, brief sessions of sunlight before 9 a.m. Watch this video about its importance to your health.

16  Here is a Rose Yoga workout from Adriene to keep you limber this month. 💗

17 Rosy red grapefruit is in season and eating it daily can lower your LDL cholesterol by 20% and help block fat absorption. Jarred grapefruit is nutrient-rich and convenient. Add segments to a leafy green salad.

18 Complete a crossword puzzle for brain health. 

19 Self-care while you sleep? Sure! A satin pillowcase helps reduce skin creasing and “bed head” hair and can help you sleep more peacefully.

20 Take 10 minutes to strengthen your core with this Fabulous 50s workout.

21 Bubble baths are the ultimate in self-care. Take a pampering bath or shower with affordable, rose-scented Suave Aloe and Rosewater moisturizing bodywash.

22 There are many ways to approach intermitttent fasting but the simplest way may be not eating at night. If  you skip meals and snacks between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. the next day, that gives your digestion system 14 hours off. This may help with weight loss and stave off diabetes.

23 Here is a 10-minute leg workout from Fabulous 50s.

24 Strengthen your connection with your closest loved ones by focusing more on what they do and say right then what they do wrong. If you think you might be overly critical, try keeping an index card in your pocket and making a tally mark every time you say something negative, complain or criticize for a day or two. It can help you be more mindful about your words. 

25  Do you use positive self-talk? Learn how to shift the negative statements you make about yourself into more effective and positive ones. The free Woebot app is good for busting cognitive distortions and other downers. You’ve got this! 💗 

26 Fans of rose quartz face rolling say it drains lymphatic system, reduces eye circles and minimizes fine lines, while relaxing tension.

27 Try this rosy color breakfast of plain yogurt with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of honey. Raspberries are low-glycemic so they do not raise your blood sugar as quickly as some other fruits and the protein will keep  you satiated through lunch time.

28 Today is International Hygge Day! That is the Danish term for an important part of their culture that is truly the ultimate form of cozy self-care. Hygge can get you through the last cold days of winter. It can involve

• Quality time with your friends and family (or if alone, a pet or soft blanket)
• Maintaining healthy work/life balance
• Mindfulness
• Less of an emphasis on “things”
• Deplugging from social media and TV
• Soft lighting: string lights, candles and fireplaces
• Warm, fuzzy socks and soft, oversized knit sweaters
• Snuggling with cushy throw blankets, sofas and pillows
• Comfort foods and oversized mugs of steaming tea, coffee or hot chocolate
• Having a leisurely coffee break or  brunch
• Favorite books, crafts, knitting, etc.

31 Days of Restful Self-Care in January 2022

Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

Happy New Year! Did you resolve to take good care of yourself in 2022? If self-care is going to be a priority for you in the New Year, you may want to check out this month’s self-care challenge. Here are 31 ways to take care of yourself in January. Every self care challenge includes ideas and links to mindfulness activities, easy workouts, fun days to celebrate and more.

This month, I put in a lot of “sleep” related self-care ideas because I know getting more sleep or better quality sleep is a goal for many of us.

You can track your progress by downloading the January 2022 new self care challenge tracker. Color in a snowflake for every activity you complete. Feel free to do more than one a day and don’t worry if you don’t complete them all. You can do them in any order you choose or substitute your own, preferred activities.

1. Start the New Year on a good foot by taking a winter walk outdoors.

2. Choose a phrase or word of the year to motivate you to achieve your resolutions or goals.

3. Fill your new planner with 2022 events. Planners with weekly sections give you space to journal, make gratitude lists and note self-care!

4. Make a batch of home-made chili or soup.

5. This mindful Yoga workout will prepare you for a good night’s rest.

6. Write a gratitude list with a twist: the theme is rest or sleep.

7. Upgrade your sleep experience with a lavender scented mask, satin pillowcase or white noise machine.

8. Make a Vision Board about your New Year’s goals, just one goal or a way you want to feel in 2022.

9. Read a book or magazine for twenty minutes a day to improve brain function and memory. At least, try it today.

10. Relax mindfully with this guided sleep meditation.

11. Take everything off your desk and give it a good cleaning (at home and at work, if you work at a desk), since it is Clean Your Desk Day. While you’re at it, disinfect your keyboards and cell phone. If you work at a desk everyday, make cleaning it a weekly habit. You’ll feel more organized and you may catch fewer colds!

12. Did you resolve to exercise in 2022? Try this upper arm workout.

13. Feed the birds or do another good deed: contributions are a form of self-care.

14. Relax in a bath with fragrant bath salts or epsom salts.

15. Make a self-care box for your use at work or home.

16. Take time to be creative today: sew, craft, color, play an instrument or do a DIY project. It’s good for your spirit and your brain health. Here’s an easy one to do that takes advantage of the January freezing temperatures..

17. Tonight is the night of the Wolf Moon, the full moon of January. Take some time tonight to gaze at the beauty of the moon. Alina has some horoscopes and journaling prompts, if you are so inclined!

18. Do you have trouble sleeping or do you feel down in the winter months?  Try a light therapy lamp in the mornings for 20-30 minutes. They start at about $20. I use one and it makes a big difference.

19. Too much Netflix? Try this easy body weight workout.

20. The pandemic has been hard on everyone. Today, check in on a friend and offer the support of a listening ear, if he or she needs it. This mini-clip shows how to listen with empathy…

21. Dry winter skin? Moisturize your legs and feet with rich lotion. If your skin is really dry, I recommend Palmer’s Cocoa Butter products, especially the stick for dry heels.

22. You’ll rest better if your bedroom is a peaceful oasis. Take some time to declutter and organize your bedroom.

23. Scientists say people who retire for bed routinely between no later than 10:30 pm are healthier. Particularly, they have better mental health.. If you go to bed later than midnight, evidently, no amount of catch up sleep is quite as good quality. Something to consider as a goal for 2022.

24. Today is National Compliment Day! Compliment someone and make their day.

25. If you the air is dry in your bedroom, you might not rest as well and it makes you more susceptible to viruses (dry throat). Consider a humidifier (I use distilled water in mine to reduce scale build up).

26. Try this workout with weights or use resistance bands to strengthen those muscles!

27. Do you say affirmations? Try saying them in the mirror while looking at yourself. It’s powerful!

28. Treat yourself to a yummy and emollient lip balm or lip gloss. The smell of mint will help improve your mood.

29. Today is National Puzzle Day! Solving puzzles is good for your brain.

30. If you go somewhere today, try taking a different route home. Mixing up routes occasionally keeps your brain active, like any novelty.

31. Today is the last day of January and it is Hot Chocolate Day. You’ve earned it (and cocoa is rich in flavonoids, so it’s good for you!). Tally up your self-care activities and pat yourself on the back. Well done!

31 Days of Festive Self-Care in December

December is a wonderful time for family traditions and giving. But it can also be a hectic and stressful month. That means that devoting time to your self-care is more important than ever.

The December Self-Care Challenge features 31 days of self-care ideas. Now, no pressure! I have been doing these challenges for more than a year and I have never yet completed ALL of them. You can do the challenges in any order you wish or complete more than one a day. Feel free to alter them to your preferences or traditions. Download the December self-care challenge 2021.

1. Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar. This is a digital calendar you download that is perfect for Anglophiles. It costs $5 and you can buy additional copies to send to friends. The theme for 2021 is London. There are fun little games and activities for each day between December 1 and 25. It’s a sweet way to celebrate everyday and the puzzles are good for exercising your brain 🙂 so it is an affordable form of self care. Besides, it’s nice to have something to look forward to each day. Today is also Mistletoe Day and Christmas Lights Day.

2. Make a donation. Giving is a form of self-care because it makes you feel good about yourself. And one of the easiest ways to give is to put some cash in the Salvation Army Kettle! Did you know the song, Silver Bells, is about that?

3. Decorate! Whatever winter holiday you celebrate, go all out and decorate your home with seasonal touches, like cosy throws, pillows and decorations. Don’t forget white mini lights — they are inexpensive (less than $3 for a string of 100 lights) and they give your spirits a lift as the days grow shorter. I have them strung around my bedroom for a cozy glow. Today is also Make A Gift Day.

4. Get some fresh air. Today is Ice Skating Day – does it get any more delightfully old-fashioned than watching people glide across the ice (or taking a spin, yourself?) Visit an outdoor rink or holiday village and soak up some analog atmosphere. It is also Cookie Day today.

5. Light a yummy candle.Tonight is the 2nd Sunday in Advent, a time to light candles and reflect. Whether you celebrate this tradition or not, lighting a candle on Sunday evening is a wonderful way to relax ahead of a busy week. I like this single wick candle from Bath and Body Works in Hot Cocoa and Cream. It makes my whole apartment smell delicious!

6. Play Santa Claus. Today is St. Nicholas Day (also known as Santa Claus). Donate a new unwrapped toy to the Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys for Tots. Check the website for drop-off locations and needs.

7. Mindfully meditate. Meditation is good for relieving stress and enhancing your cognition. Here is a guided meditation that is perfect for December.

8. Watch a holiday classic movie. Escape the worries of life and watch a feel-good movie. Many are free to watch on TubiTV and other streaming services. Some of my favorites: A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Bishop’s Wife, A Christmas Carol, Rudolph, and newer ones like A Grumpy Cat Christmas, Mistletoe and Menorahs, A Christmas Movie Christmas, Holiday Engagement and Love at the Christmas Table. Today is also Christmas Tree Day and Brownie Day.

9. Send holiday greeting cards. Social connection is an important form of self-care. Today is Christmas Card Day so it is the perfect day to mail cards to your loved ones and even the President! If Christmas is not your holiday, there are other holiday cards, as well as New Year’s cards, which everyone celebrates. I worked at Hallmark for years, so I think they have the best ones but remember you can buy also buy Hallmark cards at Dollar Tree, nice ones, for a fraction of the cost.

10. Work that body! Start out this self-care month with an easy, holiday-themed workout that takes just 15 minutes to complete. Nothing dispels stress and boosts your immune system like movement.

11. Make a self-care stocking for yourself. Stores are loaded this year with facial masks, foot masks, bath gels, bath bombs, soaps, lotions, fragrant oils and candles, lip balms, aloe-infused spa socks, exfoliating gloves, makeup kits and brushes, sparkly nail polish, hair accessories, car fragrances, journals and pens for good prices. And of course, chocolate! Buy some to enjoy now and some to put under your Christmas tree. Today is also Reindeer Day.

12. Mindful holiday coloring or crafting. Being creative is a form of self-expression and self-care. Pick something fun to do today, maybe while enjoying this relaxing ambient video. Today is also the 3rd Sunday in Advent, Poinsettia Day and Gingerbread House Day.

Here is a coloring page from Crayola that is free to download and print of a cabin in the snow.

Photo by Nadi Lindsay on Pexels.com

13. Today is Cocoa Day! Fortunately, cocoa is loaded with antioxidants so it is good for you. Today, combine the goodness of a hot cup of cocoa with some down time making a list of things you are grateful for today. It’s a self-care twofer! Add a candy cane or whipped cream for extra cheer.

14. Blue Christmas service and support. For many people, the holiday season can bring up memories of loss, grief or loneliness. Here are some hotlines, warmlines and texts services that are free to call, if you need it. The Washington National Cathedral is airing a Blue Christmas service online on December 14 and confidential support from chaplains through Zoom. If you need support, don’t be afraid to reach out. Here is the 2020 program in case you can’t make the live service or if you are curious about the service.

15. Today is International Tea Day! It’s a perfect day for brewing a cup of hot tea and curling up with a book. Some recommendations: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Miraculous Staircase by Arthur Gordon, the Gospel according to Luke and As Ye Sow by Dorothy Canfield. My favorite seasonal teas include Winter Spice herbal tea by Twinings, Constant Comment by Bigelow and Peppermint herbal tea by Celestial Seasonings.

 

16. Here is a cozy yoga workout to relieve stress and increase your flexibility.

17. Celebrate or create family traditions. The holidays are all about traditions. Today, take some time to curate your traditions. Which traditions will you customize or leave behind? Which will you continue and cherish? Which traditions will you begin this year? Some seasonal traditions include the Italian Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, Secret Santa, Christmas crackers, sending cards, making handmade gifts, Elf on the Shelf, lighting Advent candles, wearing family pyjamas, hanging a pickle ornament, cutting down a live tree, reading The Night Before Christmas or other Christmas story, roasting chestnuts, hanging mistletoe, participating in a cookie exchange, etc. Today is also Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.

18. Today is Bake Cookies Day. Bake your favorites to eat or give away.

19. The Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday favorite. You can watch on the big screen in movie theaters today at 1 pm performed by the Bolshoi Ballet (about $25) or you can watch this free, film version on YouTube. Today is also the fourth Sunday in Advent and Holly Day, and the Full Moon.

20. Today is Go Caroling Day. Not too many people go caroling anymore but you can still sing your favorite songs at home or in the car. Singing is an excellent and free form of self-care. It is very good for your lungs and mental health. Read about the health benefits of singing. Just remember, we are still in a pandemic so avoid crowds while singing to reduce viral spread.

21. Today is the Winter Solstice, Yule, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. Take a brisk walk outdoors during the day to enjoy nature in her winter phase. Tonight, relax by a real or virtual Yule log.

22. Drive around to see holiday lights in your neighborhood or others that put on a good show.

23. Rub your feet and legs with a peppermint lotion and raise your feet above your heart to improve your vein health.

Photo by Du01b0u01a1ng Nhu00e2n on Pexels.com

24. To celebrate Christmas Eve, have a special candlelight dinner at home.

25. Merry Christmas! Have a joyful and meaningful day.

26. Take a winter walk today and really appreciate nature. The day after Christmas can be a let down for some people. Walking outdoors can help dispel blues and tension. It can also give you some much needed space (or quiet) and can be a good form of self-care.

27. Buy a 2022 planner and some calendar stickers. Fed Ex, Wal-Mart, Staples and Target have good planners and you can also find stickers at Dollar Tree. Look for a planner that has space to write goals, track self-care and jot gratitude lists. These features added greatly to my self-care practice in 2021 and made a real difference in my attitude and well-being. If you can’t find a calendar you like with those features, consider using the Mintgreen Wellness Journal ($10, Walmart.com).

28. Create a vision board of 2022 goals. Maybe the theme of your board (which can be a collage on a small or large sheet of white poster board) will be self-care! Incorporate favorite photos, stickers, motivational quotes (you can print from Pinterest), affirmations and goals. The vision board can reflect how you want to feel in the new year. I kept mine up all year and it always gave me a lift to look at it. Plus – it really helped keep me focused on only a few, very specific goals.

29. Write down your resolutions and 2022 bucket list.

30. Devote time on the day before New Year’s Eve to pampering. I think it’s a good practice to go into the New Year looking and feeling your best. Break out the products from your self-care stocking and give your face, body, feet and hair beauty treatments and set aside time for relaxation.

31. Celebrate New Year’s Eve! Whether you are out or at home, alone or with friends, make it a special night. At the very least, prepare something nice to eat, have something bubbly to drink (non-alcoholic is fine, that’s what I do) and stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year.

30 Days of Grateful Self-Care in November

Welcome to the self-care month of November! This month, we focus on the self-care themes of gratitude and abundance, setting aside time to think about what you are grateful in life, express appreciation and give back. An intentional gratitude practice can promote your contentment, emotional well-being, self-esteem and sense of connection. It can help you connect deeply to your values and what you consider really important in life.  That’s why gratitude practices are an important form of self-care.

Download the November Self-Care Tracker (.pdf): November Self Care 2021

Complete the suggested daily self-care activities in any order you choose. You can do more than one a day or you can make up your own activities to complete. Try to do as many as you can this month and color in a lot of turkeys on your printable tracker!

Self-care is a healthy habit that takes time to develop into a routine but if your experience is like mine, doing these monthly self-care challenges will change the way you take care of yourself and meet your needs. A self-care practice results in all kinds of good benefits, including improved mental, emotional, cognitve and physical health, a sense of spiritual wellbeing and connection and better relationships.

Each monthly self-care tracker includes a variety of self-care activities, including mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, gratitude and contributions, pampering, adventures, social time and recharging. Explore this month’s activities!

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

1  Start your day with a half-hour to hour-long walk before breakfast. You can listen to a podcast while you walk (e.g., the SiriusJoy daily Pep Talk). You will burn more calories throughout the day this way. Later, wait until you feel hungry. Extending your fast is another way to lose weight.

2 You can amplify the health benefits of your meals by adding herbs or spices to your meals. Try it with soup, oatmeal, sandwiches and frozen meals. Even in their dried form, herbs and spices have the power to fight inflammation, lower blood sugar and provide cardiovascular benefits, in addition to other properties.

3  Today is Stress Awareness Day. Where do you feel stress in your body? Yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress while improving flexibility. Try this workout.

4  Today is the New Moon, an excellent time to set intentions or the next two weeks. Begin by writing down everything you can think of that you are grateful for in your life and in November, in general. Write down your November gratitude list and add to it as the month progresses toward Thanksgiving.

5 To keep your brain healthy, you must exercise it. Playing cards, chess, checkers, board games, solitaire or working on puzzles will work out your brain and help keep you sharp.

6 Make holiday plans, alone or with your family. Planning your special times gives you something to look forward to…which can help you feel content in life.

7 Daylight savings time ends today, so set your clocks back an hour. It’s an adjustment so plan on getting extra rest today.

8 Meditation is a mindful form of self-care. Here is a guided meditation to develop your ability to focus mindfully.

9  Contribution to others is a form of self-care and a November theme for your Best Life this month. Mailing cards is a sweet thing to do and people appreciate receiving them even when they don’t send them. Sending a card says “you matter to me.” You can get lovely Hallmark Thanksgiving greeting cards, 2/$1 at Dollar Tree.

10 This upper body workout will strengthen your back.

11 Donate canned food to your local food bank today.

12 Call or Zoom call a friend or relative and ask them how they are doing.

13 Clean and organize the fridge in preparation for Thanksgiving stuffing!

14 Relax today with a good book. Reading for 20 minutes a day is good for your brain. Longer books are even better because they force you to recall what you read before.

15 No matter what your income, you can feel rich if you believe your life is abundant. Say these abundance affirmations out loud today — or create your own.

I am grateful and content. My life is abundant with blessings. 

16  Did you ever receive a care package while you were in college? Surprise someone with a care package today. It can be baked treats, packaged snacks, Thanksgiving crafts or something you know they’ll just love.

17  Here is a workout to tone your arms and have you ready for all the stirring and cooking you will be doing later this month!

18   One Warm Coat accepts new and gently used, donated winter coats to distribute to those in need. Donate a coat and you’ll feel warm all winter! You can drop it off at J. Crew or another location near you (see website for map of dropoff locations).

19 Tonight is the full moon. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful November sky.

20 The season of giving is nearly upon us. Do yourself a favor and wrap up your holiday shopping before Black Friday while stores are well stocked and parking lots are less crowded.

21 Relax with a playlist of tunes about gratitude you make yourself or listen to this playlist I’ve created for Thanksgiving gathering.

22 Tap into your creative side with a Thanksgiving craft or coloring today.

23 I think your inner child wants to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving tonight!

24 Time for a pre-Turkey Day workout!

25 Happy Thanksgiving! How will you express your gratitude today?

26 Our Watch Party movie of the week is While You Were Sleeping (2005) with Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. You can rent it on YouTube or Amazon Prime.

27 Make a recipe from scratch and fill your home with the smell of baking.

28 Light some candles and relax, hygge-style, with tea and warm socks or fuzzy slippers.

29 Snow is in the forecast next month! Take stock of your boots, mittens and hats. Replenish your supply, as needed.

30 Today is Giving Tuesday. Make a donation to your favorite charity to end our month of gratitude and contributions.

31 days of spooky self-care in October

Have a Self-Care October! Here are 31 pumpkin-perfect self-care ideas. Are you ready for the challenge? How many will you complete? No pressure, I never finish all 31 myself! Feel free to as few or many as you like, in any order you choose. Download the Spooky Self Care Tracker  and color in a pumpkin for every challenge you complete.

1 Enjoy a pumpkin spice latte on Pumpkin Spice Day.

2 Visit a farmer’s market early in the day and buy fresh fall produce. In season: pears, apples, figs, grapes, greens and squash.

3 Pumpkin workout! Take these exercises slowly and use a pumpkin that is the right weight for you (a faux pumpkin counts!). Repeat each exercise 10 to 15 times, then repeat the circuit.

4  Today is National Taco Day. Here is a Hello Fresh recipe for black bean and sweet potato tacos I have made that I really like. It features a lime-infused avocado crema that it is a cinch to make and adds so much flavor. And did you know that cilantro is good for you?  The black and orange colors are just right for the Halloween month of October.

5  Unplug from screens for a while and relax with a fall-scented candle, maybe outdoors, if you have a yard, deck, balcony or patio.

6 Today is the New Moon, which is taking place in the relationships-loving sign of Libra. Foster positive, harmonious high vibrational energy in yourself and your relationships by creating a space of honor in your home on  a bookcase or mantel. Decorate it with photos of your loved ones, living and passed, autumn leaves you find, flowers, fall-colored candles or crystals, pumpkins or Halloween decorations. Whatever makes your  heart happy!

7 Just as trees let go of their leaves, fall is a good time to let things go in your life that no longer serve your needs. Spring is for organizing but fall is for decluttering. Here is excellent advice on how to do it. Decluttering a kitchen would be a smart move the month before Thanksgiving.

8 Sew or buy a fall-themed face mask to wear in all the public indoor places you go. You can wear them over your surgical mask or N95 mask for more protection with panache.

9 Learn the name of a constellation and locate it in the sky tonight on Astronomy Day.

10 Make pumpkin pancakes for Sunday breakfast. Just add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar and cinnamon to pancake mix.

11 Eat dinner by 6 p.m. and take an after-dinner walk for 30 minutes Monday – Friday to fall asleep faster and stay asleep.

12 Tighten your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles by doing Kegel exercises and belly rolls/contractions during red lights while driving.

13 Mindfully color a Halloween picture.

14  Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Get rid of allergens that hitch a ride on your hair! If you are out and about or raking leaves, wear a hat (and a mask) to minimize getting pollen on you. Wash your face and brush your hair before bed to remove pollen.

15 Extend the time you spend outdoors in cool weather by cozying up to an outdoor fire pit or campfire. Check with your local park authority for campfire nights.

16 Visit a pumpkin patch or garden center.

17 October gratitude list! Light a candle and make a list of all the things, events and people you are grateful for in October.

18 Try a Halloween-themed Yoga workout for Mindfulness Monday.

 

19 Make a pumpkin smoothie. Pumpkin is a low-calorie food that is full of nutrients, including vitamins C and A. Here’s a recipe. In a blender, add

• 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup of plain yogurt (or substitute coconut milk or oat milk if you are don’t use dairy)
• A big dash of cinnamon
• A small dash each of nutmeg, ground ginger and ground cloves
• 1/2 cap of vanilla extract (pour extract into cap to measure)
• A splash of apple juice or water
• 6 ice cubes
• Sweetener to taste: 1 to 2 tsp honey, brown sugar, maple syrup or regular sugar
• If desired, add a little turmeric to boost anti-inflammatory power (careful, it stains)

Blend until smooth and pour into glass. If desired, top with whipped cream (from a can) and a drizzle of Hershey’s caramel syrup or extra shake of cinnamon.

20 Take a moonlight stroll. Because is there anything bewitching than the full moon in October? If after-dark walks aren’t your thing, take a daylight stroll; fall leaf color should be at its peak now.

21 Mail Halloween greetings to children, family and friends.

 

22  Have a “Pumpkin Spa Night.” Place some drinking water, “spa water” (wth cucumber or lemon) or herbal tea in a non-breakable cup or container to hydrate during your bath. Draw a bath (Bath and Body Works has lots of seasonal fragranced products if you life fragrant bubbles). Add some Epsom Salts for healing and calming magnesium and set a few water-safe crystal buddies (quartz, carnelian, citrine) along the edge of your bath. Six drops each of red and yellow food coloring turns the bathwater pumpkin orange!  Light a Pumpkin Chai candle ($1, Dollar Tree). Listen to music, ambient sounds or a guided meditation while you relax in your candle-lit bath for about 20 minutes. Or try one of these homemade pumpkin mask or scrub recipes.

23 Relax with an autumn guided meditation.

24 Take a haunted walking tour. Don’t have one near you? Here is a virtual one to enjoy.

25 Make a Drip Art Pumpkin on Art Day.

26  Today is National Pumpkin Day. Watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” 

27  Throughout history, many women (and some men) who were healers or just a little different were accused of being witches. Stories and movies about witches often explore themes about power, wisdom, age and the less than conventional choices some women make. What do you think? Watch a witchy movie today, like Practical Magic, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch , episodes of Charmed, Hocus Pocus, Mistress of Spices, The Witch, Witches of Eastwick, Bell, Book and Candle, Stardust, Worst Witch, Harry Potter or The Witches. Black hat optional.

28 Pile in the car and go on a “Spooky House Tour.” That’s when you drive around and check out the Halloween jack-0-lanterns, lawn decorations and lights in the neighborhood.

29  Stretch like a cat on National Cat Day.

30 Reading for 20 minutes a day is good for your brain function and your memory. Curl up with a spooky story tonight.

31 Happy Halloween!  Devote some time today to catch up on any self-care challengesy you’ve been meaning to do. Here is a playlist of jazzy, vintage Halloween songs to accompany your celebrations this evening.