September!
Kids back in school. Leaves starting to change from summer-green to fall oranges and reds and yellows. Evenings cooling down, even if it's still blistering hot during the day.
With winter on its way, now is a good time to do some self-reflection and put a plan into place to give yourself a little daily TLC, because September is National Self-Care Awareness Month!
It doesn't have to be difficult.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Clean. It can be the entire house if you're particularly ambitious (Why wait for Spring to wash those windows?), or single room in your home, or even just a drawer that's been collecting odds and ends for too long. Decluttering gives a sense of accomplishment and clears the mind as much as it clears the clutter.
- Unplug. Give yourself a weekend, a day, or even a few hours unplugged from social media, television, the computer. It can be hard for some of us, but also a good opportunity to evaluate how hooked we are. For some, tech can be a drug of sorts. Cutting back and reconnecting with the real world is good for us.
- Go outside. It's still warm outside through much of September. Go for a hike, or just a walk around the neighborhood. Look to see what flowers are blooming right now. Head to a Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning. If you're particularly adventurous or need a mental reset, head to a playground and swing like you did when you were eight, full of heady exuberance and drinking in the wind as your hair flies. Go for a drive into the countryside, then pull over and look around, breathe in the fresh air, pick up an interesting rock and hold it in your hand. Stop at a roadside stand and buy a fresh peach or tomato. Eat it. Right there. Let the juices run all over your hands.
- Read. You know that book you've been wanting to read? Give yourself an hour to finally start reading it. Something totally escapist or indulgent would be ideal. Do you have a secret love of cheesy romance or elf/wizard/dragon fantasy? Go for it!
- Reach out. Call an old friend. Go to lunch with your sister. Stop to chat with your neighbor over the fence. Start up a conversation with a co-worker you've been wanting to get to know.
- Take care of your body. Schedule that colonoscopy. Make that dentist appointment you've been putting off. Make a single choice to improve your diet--like switching from white to whole wheat bread, or replacing candy and cookies with fruit. Drink more water.
- Practice Gratitude. Keep a notebook and pen on your bedside table. Every night (or every morning) make a list of five things you're grateful for.
- Take a nap. Have you heard of micro naps? 20 to 30 minutes of rest. Even if you don't sleep, a short break from mental and physical stimulation when you're feeling overwhelmed or tired can be a valuable way to reset.
- Look in to Mindfulness. Sure, there's an element of meditation to Mindfulness, but mostly it's about being mindful--aware--and appreciative of your surroundings and daily (even mundane) experiences.
- Be creative. Studies have shown (we're talking Mayo Clinic, here) that coloring can help promote mindfulness, relieve stress, help us embrace our imperfection, and give a sense of accomplishment.
Coloring? We can help with that!
Here's a link to our FREE MANDALA COLORING PAGE.
Enjoy! Take care of yourself! And Namaste!