Self-Care Day 15

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Purge Your Social Media

A little different than just taking a break from social media, this is taking a serious look at your “friends” and who/what you follow on social media (think Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc…) and asking yourself if it really brings you anything positive. Maybe you don’t have to completely unfriend or unfollow people or pages, but just turn off notifications.

Life is stressful enough these days and social media doesn’t help, at least not for me. I’ve gotten better at filtering out things that give me stress and focusing on posts by friends and family and sites that are funny or uplifting, or just photos of friends and family I haven’t seen in ages.

On Facebook, you can “snooze” a person or page for 30 days or unfollow them outright. On TikTok, you can look at your profile, who you’re following, and unfollow or turn on/off notifications (there may be other things you can do, but I am mostly just a lurker there). On Instagram, click on a post you don’t want to see and choose “hide” or “unfollow”.

You’re the curator of your social media experience. Think about making a place that brings you smiles and memories.

Self-Care Day 14

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Start a Journal

I think that journaling can seem a little intimidating because you feel like you need to commit to journaling every single day, or you need to write something profound, or you need to have a special journal and a special pen *coughcough~me~coughcough* But all you really need is a cheap notebook, some looseleaf paper, or a file on your computer to make it happen.

And you don’t really need to write anything deep and prophetic. You can write “today sucked” and leave it at that. Or maybe you can elaborate about why today sucked. I did some searching on the interwebs and found that there are even journaling prompts you can use for mental health, creativity, inspiration, whatever you like.

You don’t need to write every day. I love to journal and don’t do it as much as I’d like, but one of my favorite things to do is to sit down and freehand write about a problem or idea that I’m trying to work out. I might just say blah, blah, blah… ramble on about bad ideas, or list out options. I don’t worry about paragraphs or punctuations, just sort of brain dump onto the paper. It’s surprisingly helpful.

Whatever method you choose to try, it may be a great way for you to sort out that chatter in your head!

Self-Care Day 13

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Write Down 3 Things You’re Grateful For

While I sometimes feel like this one is a little overdone, there is also some value to taking a moment to pause and think about it.

You don’t need to share a post a day about what you’re grateful for. You don’t even need to tell us here in social media land what you’re grateful for.

BUT, if you’re feeling low, it doesn’t hurt to take a moment, grab a Post-It note or the back of an envelope, or the notes app on your phone, and jot down three things that make you glad you’re here today.

Self-Care Day 12

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Take a Long Bath or Shower

OMG I miss having a bathtub so much. Long soaks are among my favorite things. More often than not I’m just taking a quick “get ready for work” shower, but every now and then I appreciate a nice long shower.

Warm water eases muscle tension and gets your circulation going, but did you know you can wash away more than grime? If you’ve had a rough day, hop in the shower! Visualize washing away negative emotions, angry words, or any of the crud people flung at you that day.

All that and you can sneak in a few minutes of alone time! (maybe… minus pets and small noisy humans). Enjoy!

Self-Care Day 11

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Doodle or Color

This is one of my personal favorite self-care tools. I definitely see a difference in my stress levels when I haven’t done anything creative in a while. I have done a few different coloring books over the last couple of years. As many of you know, I am also an artist and regularly doodle or create art.

I recommend treating yourself to a big box of markers and your favorite themed coloring book. There are some funny swear word ones out there. I have a dragon one, and one with general abstract, swirly designs. You can also just grab a pencil and an inexpensive sketchbook.

What’s your favorite creative outlet?

Self-Care Day 10

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Take a Social Media Break

If you’re like me, it’s a little challenging to escape social media for a whole day when it’s part of running your business or doing your job. Sometimes, what I do is just what I need to for my business, but avoid my personal pages.

Other options include making your evening social media free for a few days or taking a weekend off. Just log out of those apps that inevitably show you something that gets you all agitated. You might (not) be surprised at the benefit to your blood pressure!

Self-Care Day 9

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Schedule Something Fun

You know that ‘all work and no play’ thing? It’s easy to get on the work, work, work routine and forget to take a little time out for fun.

Schedule a movie night or a game night with friends. Rent skis or snowshoes and take a little winter adventure. Make a snowman. Plan a day trip somewhere you haven’t been yet. Or just do something fun you used to love and haven’t done in ages.

A little lighthearted fun and laughter can do wonders for your well-being.

Self-Care Day 8

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Take a Walk Alone

Finding alone time can be a challenge, and walks in the winter are a tad challenging. But, if you can find a time this month to go outside for a walk alone, I highly recommend it.

When you’re not paying attention to what the people with you are saying or doing, you get a chance to pay more attention to your surroundings. You might notice more birds, interesting patterns in the ice, or critter tracks in the snow. You also get a chance to just clear your head while getting some fresh air and exercise.

Of course, keep safety in mind. If you’re going to walk alone after dark, choose a fairly populated area or carry a self-defense tool. I recommend picking a sunny day and checking out one of the dozens and dozens of beautiful nature trails in our area. Now, go outside!

Self-Care Day 7

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Clear Out Some Clutter

My name is Tricia and I have a clutter problem. Raise your hand if you’re with me. 👋🏻

One of my goals this year is to start working on some of my clutter. In fact, this weekend I tackled one small clutter pile. I feel pretty good about it!

Even if it’s just sorting out a junk drawer you’ve been meaning to deal with, pick a spot and go to work. Set out what you need to sort, like a trash can, a file box, a shredder… Don’t be sentimental. If it’s been in a clutter pile for a year, there’s a darned good chance you don’t need it. The next time you walk by that former clutter site, you’ll feel pretty good about it!

Self-Care Day 6

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Touch Base With an Old Friend

Got someone you miss talking with? Old friends that you haven’t seen much of because of the pandemic? Reach out to them! Heck, reach out to more than one!

But how?

You can do the standard text or message them. You could *cringe* call them on the phone! You could even get a little creative and send them a snail mail note or card. Sometimes I like to drop a meme on a friend that’s one of those inside jokes, just for a giggle. Or find a really old photo and share it on social media.

Just have fun!

Have some fun with it! Sometimes, it does the soul good to reminisce with an old friend, remember some laughs and good times.