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Health & Wellness

103 Activities for Social Distancing

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Are you and your family practicing social distancing? Already feel like you’ve been quarantined? Help is here!

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highly advised to avoid gatherings over 50 people for a minimum of eight weeks. Across the world, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, churches and more businesses are shutting down. In an effort to contain the current virus, it is recommended to practice social distancing (or even quarantined).

Social Distancing Activities

During this time, here is a list of interesting, fun and productive things that you can do to keep yourself (and your kids) busy.

Feeling isolated during this time of social distancing or quarantines may be the hardest part. But I hope this list shows you how much we can do right in our own homes.

103 Things to Do
While Practicing Social Distancing

  1. Go back to school and earn your degree online
  2. Watch a documentary.
  3. Become an herbalist online. I recommend Herbal Academy.
  4. Watch a Ted Talk.
  5. Plan your spring garden and order your seeds.
  6. Listen to Podcasts.
  7. Build a fort and camp out in the living room.
  8. Read a non-fiction book or try something from classic literature.
  9. Listening to books on Audible is great too!
  10. If you’re in school, get ahead on homework.
  11. Learn how to knit or sew or another Vintage Skill.
  12. Go on a hike or nature walk.
  13. Take your dog for a walk.
  14. Fly a kite.
  15. Watch a Disney movie.
  16. Binge read the Harry Potter series, then watch all the movies.
  17. Learn the dance to a song.
  18. Do some online shopping.
  19. Take a bike ride.
  20. Rearrange a room in your house.
  21. Start spring cleaning early.
  22. Paint
  23. Color
  24. Watch home videos.
  25. Put together a scrapbook.
  26. Start your own blog or YouTube channel.
  27. Take a bubble bath.
  28. Give yourself a mani/pedi.
  29. Have a movie marathon.
  30. Tell funny stories from when everyone was little.
  31. Learn a new language.
  32. Work on 5000 piece puzzle. I highly recommend the White Mountain Puzzles!
  33. Do a crossword puzzle.
  34. Play Sudoku.
  35. Learn to play an instrument.
  36. Work on a DIY project.
  37. Download new apps to play on your phone or tablet.
  38. Learn how to write poetry or songs.
  39. Make a list of places you want to travel.
  40. Work out at home – Amazon and YouTube have great “classes” you can try (Zumba is a family fav).
  41. Make a bucket list.
  42. Call friends or family members and catch up.
  43. Learn how to do origami.
  44. Play Xbox or another gaming console.
  45. Make a new music playlist.
  46. Sketch
  47. Play with Play-doh.
  48. Make slime.
  49. Play a board or card game.
  50. Listen to new musicals.
  51. Put on a face mask.
  52. Mediate
  53. Binge-watch a new series on a streaming service.
  54. Organize closets and cabinets.
  55. Try on all your clothes and see what you want to keep and what you want to donate.
  56. Try new recipes.
  57. Analyze a film or pieces of art and find their meanings.
  58. Plant an herb garden. See 10 Herbs to Grow in Pots.
  59. Plant some flowers. Flowers to Plant in Your Vegetable Garden.
  60. Start seeds for your vegetable garden.
  61. Make a bird feeder.
  62. Do yoga.
  63. Write a short story.
  64. Learn how to braid or French braid.
  65. Watch makeup tutorials on YouTube and try to recreate them.
  66. Go through and delete photos on your camera roll.
  67. Make a list of things you’re grateful for and keep it handy.
  68. Pray and read your Bible.
  69. Try to hula-hoop, roller skate, jump rope or play hopscotch.
  70. Do an indoor scavenger hunt.
  71. Dye your hair a new color.
  72. Review your budget.
  73. Bring out your old Legos and build something.
  74. Watch every Star Wars film.
  75. Attempt things with your non-dominant hand.
  76. Get some extra sleep.
  77. Watch the sunrise or sunset.
  78. Cuddle with your pets or significant other.
  79. Find new inspirational quotes, share them on your social media to encourage others.
  80. Make soap. See all my soap “recipes”.
  81. Update your resume.
  82. Meal prep. Real Plans is VERY helpful with that!
  83. Do your laundry and actually put it away. Up can even make your own DIY laundry detergent.
  84. Improve your photography skills.
  85. Start a journal.
  86. Karaoke at home.
  87. Organize your jewelry.
  88. Build a first-aid kit.
  89. Try to recreate a movie theater at home.
  90. Watch old cartoons or movies from your childhood and laugh at how silly they were.
  91. Build an at-home coffee bar.
  92. Make lotion or a salve
  93. Make candles.
  94. Tie-dye shirts.
  95. Research the flora and fauna in your area.
  96. Watch comedies.
  97. Clean your email box.
  98. Do car maintenance that you’ve been putting off.
  99. Get out in the sun for some vitamin D.
  100. Make a handmade card.
  101. Get some yard work done if the weather is nice.
  102. Perform a random act of kindness.
  103. Write and send old fashioned, handwritten letters.
    See the Lost Art of Letter Writing

Social distancing activities are going to be very important over the next few weeks.

Hopefully, you can do one or many of these things from this list over the next few weeks. Times may be overwhelming lately, but staying busy and working on productive things can help the time go by faster and get your mind off of what’s going on. Try your best to stay off of social media if it stresses you out, and stay positive and healthy!

Avoid large gatherings and wash your hands.

Stockpiling Medication a Guide to Help You

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Stockpiling medication, a guide to help you get started. What we really don’t want to do is wait until there is a panic to start this emergency reserve for medications. However, with the recent outbreaks of viruses I thought it was a good time to revisit this topic. You don’t have to be a dooms day prepper to make emergency preparations and a good stockpile of over-the-counter medications is essential.

How to stockpile medications - everything you need to know.

Stockpiling Medication Everything You Need to Know

Over the counter medications are used for various reasons in our everyday lives. In a situation where you are unable to make it to a doctor, these are great to have on-hand. Whether it’s for something urgent or just a common cold, these are great to have at all-times. Check out my list of medications that you should start stockpiling right now!

Make sure to check out my other Stockpiling Guides.

You might also want to check out my Prepping for Non-Preppers.

Why Should I Stockpile Medications?

In the event of a natural disaster (or a man-made one), you want to have access to treatment. Emergency responders may not be able to get to you as quickly as you think.

Stockpiling Medications – Storage

How should I store medications that I am stockpiling?

You want to keep your medications in a cool, dark and dry spot. A pantry or kitchen cabinet are great options. I do NOT recommend storing them in your garage.

Expiration Dates on Over the Counter Medications

When you’re stockpiling any medication, over the counter or prescription, you want be aware of the dates. Medications can lose its effectiveness overtime.

—> Pull medications from the back of shelves for later dates.<—

Where to buy medications for stockpiling?

I like to check ads for my local pharmacy. I have also had good luck buying Amazon Basic Brands. The only downside to buying medications online is that you cannot check the expiration dates.

Stock Up on Home and Natural Remedies

Should I stockpile home and natural remedies?

Honestly I would start with natural remedies, supplements and essential oils. Most last longer than medications and don’t have the side-effects.

A good rule of thumb is to have a good supply of both natural and pharmaceutical meds.

SEE: Creating a Natural Pharmacy at Home

Pain Relief Medications

Aleve

Aleve is an anti-inflammatory drug and is used to treat ailments including headaches, inflammation, joint pain and fevers.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug, and similar to naproxen, is used to treat pain-related ailments. There are many benefits to taking ibuprofen, but women who are pregnant should not take it.

Tylenol

Tylenol is used to reduce fevers and pain primarily. While ibuprofen isn’t safe for pregnant women, tylenol is. There are also plenty of tylenol products that are safe for children to consume.

Aspirin

Aspirin is used to reduce pain, get rid of inflammation, and can also lower the risk of heart attacks. Aspirin can also be combined with other medications to enhance the effects.

Orajel

Orajel is a topical pain reducer that is used to treat sore throats and tooth pain.

Medications Stomach-Related Issues

Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-bismol is well-known for relieving digestive issues such as nausea, gas, indigestion and heartburn.

Tums

Tums are used to relieve a sour stomach, gas and heartburn. It is also effective in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

Epsom Salt

Can be used internally as a laxative. It can also reduce pain that comes from sore muscles which can occur after frequent vomiting during food poisoning or stomach flu.

See more on uses for Epsom Salt here.

Alka-seltzer

Alka-seltzer is an antacid that helps reduce diarrhea, which can be dangerous if not treated quickly because it can lead to dehydration.

Durolax

Durolax is good to have on hand when there is a need for a laxative. It is highly effective in treating constipation.

Cold and Flu Treatments

NyQuil

NyQuil is a miracle medicine when you are sick and are in desperate need of sleep. Just a small dose of this will relax you, relieve symptoms and help you get the z’s you need!

DayQuil

Similar to Nyquil, it relieves cold symptoms but does not cause drowsiness. It is best to take dayquil in the morning so it will help you get through the day when you don’t have the option to rest.

Zicam

Zicam separates itself from other cold medications because in addition to relieving cold symptoms, it also reduces the length of the cold.

Theraflu

Theraflu is unique because instead of just being a liquid medicine, it is made as a hot tea. This is helpful for people who can’t stomach liquid medications, it also helps the taste!

Elderberry Syrup or Tablets

Elderberry tablets Or syrup can be used to provide fast relief from colds. This is a homeopathic option that you should take right when symptoms begin.

Cough Relief and Decongestants

Mucinex

Mucinex provides relief and helps get rid of mucus stuck in the throat and chest.

Sudafed

Sudafed is a highly-effective medicine that provides short-term relief from congestion and cold symptoms.

Robitussin

Robitussin is commonly used to provide relief from constant coughing and congestion.

Vicks Vaporub

Vicks can be used on the chest, neck and soles of the feet to relieve coughing. This also can help you get sleep when you need to rest and get over a cold quickly

Cepacol

Cepacol are throat-lozenges that are effective in soothing a sore throat and stopping a nasty cough.

Fisherman’s Friend Cough Drops

These are some of the strongest cough drops I’ve personally used but boy do they work!

Allergies

Benadryl

Benadryl is effective in treating sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes and minor allergic reactions. Be careful though, this will make you drowsy! It can be a effective sleep aid too.

Zyrtec

Zyrtec is used to treat allergies and allergic reactions. It is an antihistamine that provides relief almost instantly!

Claritin

Claritin is another great allergy-fighting medication. It is great to have on-hand when a runny nose hits!

Allegra

Another antihistamine that will help fight against allergic reactions. This has been proven to help reactions caused by bug bites.

Benadryl Gel

            Anti-itch gel is great against fighting itching caused by bug bites or rashes.

Sleep/Depression/Anxiety/Stress

Be sure to check out my post about Natural Sleep Aids.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a sleep-aid tablet that is also known to relieve anxiety while trying to fall asleep, it also helps you stay asleep throughout the night.

Dramamine

Dramamine is a life saver medicine that helps with anxiety, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.

St. Johns Wort

St. Johns Wort tablets come from a plant. It has been said that it helps ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep issues and stress.

Also See: Growing & Using St. John’s Wort

Unisom

Unisom is another sleep-aid. It can also help with symptoms of hay fever.

Natrol

Natrol otherwise known as SAMe is effective in treating depression symptoms.

Wounds/Skin Related Issues

Natural Remedies: Calendula Oil (how to make and use it).

Hydro-cortisone

Hydro-cortisone helps relieve itching and rashes. It also can help symptoms of eczema.

Clotrimazole

A cream that helps bacteria associated with yeast infections or athlete’s foot. 

Neosporin

Apply to cuts and scrapes and this will help sooth the wound and prevent it from getting infected.

Lidocaine

Lidocaine helps treat itching and minor burns. It focuses on pain receptors which allows the skin to numb to relieve pain and heal quickly.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is effective in treating sun burns. It will sooth the pain and take away the horrible burning sensation!

Stockpiling Medication – Prescriptions

We can’t talk about stockpiling medication without addressing our prescription meds. It is always good to have more than a one month supply for your prescription medications. Many health insurance companies will now cover a 3 month supply. Ask your health care provider about getting a prescription like this.

When is the best time to stockpile medication?

The best answer is now. But don’t wait until people are in a panic! Medications will fly off the shelves without warning or reason. Use your common sense, only get what you really need to build your supply.

Old Fashioned Home Remedies

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Old fashioned home remedies are still great options today! There is a reason these vintage recipes, herbal remedies and ideas have been around a long time…they work! I was raised, primarily, by my grandmothers and I learned so much from them about natural remedies with herbs, teas, soups, tinctures and more. I appreciate that now, more than ever.

25 Old Fashioned Home Remedies

If you have a interest in herbal and natural remedies I highly recommend you check out the Herbal Academy online courses!

Relaxation Tea by the Imperfectly Happy Home
A simple mix of herbs that help the mind and body to relax as you sip.

Immune-Boosting Tea by the Imperfectly Happy Home
This easy to make herbal tea helps you boost your immune system with select herbs.

Hot Toddy Recipe by the Imperfectly Happy Home
This classic recipe has been around for generations. Use hot toddy’s to treat colds and respiratory ailments with a combination of whiskey, hot tea and honey. An additional but optional step is to add a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger.

Fire Cider Recipe by Foodie with Family
A popular home remedy! A simple DIY herbal tonic said to boost energy, ward off colds, combat flu and even aid digestion.

Pine Tar Salve by The Nerdy Farm Wife
Old fashioned home remedies are not just internal, they are great for the skin too. Here is a pine tar salve to treat skin ailments such as splinters, bug bites and boils. Salve is an old fashioned medical ointment that is natural, healing and quite easy to make.

Anti-Aging Remedies by Healthy Food House
Aloe vera, ginger, lemon juice and egg whites can all be used to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and aging spots. Even if you don’t have either signs of aging, using these mixtures could potentially fight against them becoming a problem.

Bone Broth by Wellness Mama
One of my favorite home remedies is bone broth! This bone broth is an inexpensive way to add nutrients into your diet, soothe a sore throat or fight colds or the flu.

How to Build a Natural Pharmacy at Home by the Imperfectly Happy Home
Old fashioned remedies start by building your own “natural pharmacy” at home. Here are some practical tips to get you started with a homemade cough syrup included.

Peppermint Oil by Living Healthy with Chocolate
Peppermint oil can be used for headaches, treating indigestion, boosting the immune system or even adding flavor to your food! Essential oils are amazing home remedies.

Homemade Bug Spray by The Old Farmers Almanac
This informative article includes a list of dislikes of pesky bugs as well as a great homemade bug spray! Use it for everyday, taking the kids to the park, family bbq’s, camping and more!

Garlic, Honey & Lemon Tea by The Nourishing Gourmet
This tea is an amazing remedy for colds and sore throats and will also boost your immunity system! This combination of ingredients is great because they are all filled with vitamins and nutrients that will combat illness.

Onion Cough Syrup by Wellpreneur
Have a cold or a lingering cough that won’t go away? This old fashioned recipe combines two simple ingredients: Sliced onions and sugar. No cooking required!

Ear Infection Drops by The Butter Half
Ear infections are common in children when they get a cold. Combat ear infections with this homemade dropper made of olive oil, garlic cloves and tea tree oil.

Swimmers Ear Drops by Kasey Trenum
Swimmers ear is quite irritating and painful. This is the perfect remedy for competition or regular swimming.

Ginger Water by Melissa Knorris
Old fashioned remedies for the tummy! Ginger water has been used for years as a way to relieve nausea and vomiting. It also can be used for stomach pain and inflammation.

Elderberry Syrup by 104 Homestead
This old fashioned remedy really got popular again with bloggers in the last few years. It is a great immune booster and they are full of vitamins and minerals.

Grandma’s Hair Mask by Beauty Healther
This article includes two different hair masks. One is made for dry hair made from avocados and egg yolk. The other for moisturizing devitalized hair made from mayo and coconut tea extract.

Clove Tea by Live Strong
Benefits of clove tea includes boosting immunity, fighting infections, inflammation relief and curing sore throats and colds. Teas are fantastic vintage or old fashioned remedies, often passed down for generations.

Homemade Aloe Vera Gel by Gardenista
Aloe vera gel is commonly used to relieve pain from sunburns. This homemade recipe includes a secret ingredient that you may not expect!

Vinegar Scrub by Glow Pink
In our beauty routines, we tend to forget about our feet. This vinegar scrub is used for dry and cracked feet and heels.

Simple Homemade Cough Syrup by Digest Organic
This cough syrup is made up of three ingredients: carrots, honey and ginger. It creates a smooth cough syrup that will quickly remove phlegm from the lungs and throat.

DIY Burn Cream by Nourishing Joy
This homemade salve can be used for everyday burns. Soothing, healing and easy to make.

Oatmeal Bath by Very Well Family
This old fashioned remedy is used to treat eczema and soothing dry skin.

Old Fashioned Remedies for Sore Throats by Readers Digest
16 different ways you can treat a sore throat without medications. If you’re like me, you’ve tried a few of these!

Bug Off Lotion Bars by the Imperfectly Happy Home
Nourish your skin while you keep nasty bugs away, made with simple ingredients and essential oils. This is a must make in your old fashioned remedies recipes!

CBD Oil For Beginners

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CBD oil is a hot topic these days. The one thing that the internet is known for is its love of trends. We love to learn about the latest in fashion, child rearing, and house decoration. We scour blogs, and Youtube and Pinterest to absorb all of the information and incorporate it into our lives. More than we love any trend though, we love health trends. Anything that will help us concentrate, be in less pain and lose weight has our full attention. We are always on the lookout for the next big thing, whether it be a weight loss tea, essential oil or a supplement. With that said, let me introduce you to the next big thing: CBD oil. It is becoming more and more popular and has some health benefits you won’t want to ignore.  Here is your guide to CBD oil for beginners.

cbd oil for beginners

CBD Oil For Beginners

What Is CBD Oil?

When it comes to CBD oil, for beginners, you must become familiar with some new vocabulary. First, CBD stands for cannabidiol oil. This is a substance found in cannabis products along with its more familiar substance, THC. Unlike THC, the chemical properties in CBD products do not produce the high that you are accustomed to associating with cannabis products. That opens the use of CBD products up to people who are otherwise unable to try cannabis because the use of THC isn’t safe for them. CBD products come in many of the same forms we customarily see other cannabis products in, such as a liquid that can be vaped, a liquid that can be used sublingually (under the tongue), creams and lotions, and baked into edible products. This gives you a wide variety of ways to experience CBD for the first time.

Is CBD Oil legal to use?

In the majority of states, CBD use is legal. As always, you want to check the particular rules of your state to determine if the use of CBD s legal for you. The lack of THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana means that you don’t get high, making it an easier sell for lawmakers who are concerned about people abusing cannabis. That legality means you can purchase CBD without going through the process of approval for a medical marijuana card if your state has such a program available.

What does CBD Oil Do? Is it a scam?

There is still research being conducted to teach us more about how CBD oil works and what it can do for our long term, but here is the quick and dirty version. In your body, there is a system called the endocannabinoid system that helps to regulate systems in your body that control things like pain, or digestive issues, or anxiety. That system uses cannabinoids to improve function. High stress and illness can deplete those cannabinoid stores, and that is when issues with our bodies can begin. The use of CBD products restores the cannabinoids and seems to offer people relief from those issues. Anyone wanting to use CBD for a specific medical condition should make check with their physician.

What are the effects and health benefits of CBD Oil?

If you’re just learning about CBD oil for beginners, you might not know the wide range of symptoms that CBD can help to relieve. There are many ailments that CBD can cover, some that may surprise you. For instance, CBD is helpful if you suffer from the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression. It can also help with nausea from cancer treatment. Speaking of nausea, there are many people who use CBD to help with the pain and irritation of many digestive disorders. If you suffer from chronic pain, CBD can help to fight the inflammation that may be at the root of your pain.

What do I do next?

For starters, find out if it is legal in your state (click here for more information on the legalities of CBD per state). If you have a chronic condition that you’d like to try using CBD oil as treatment, you’ll want to consult your physician. Not all doctors are familiar so be prepared to bring in your own research! One of the most important things you should know when it comes to CBD oil for beginners is that you have to be concerned about quality. No two products are alike. Learn how to access the qualities and properties you need in a CBD product and proceed forward. You’re going to do great.

Recommended CBD Oil Products

When in comes to CBD oils and products, not all are created equal. I did a lot of research before deciding on Joy Organics, which I highly recommend.

Free Self-Care Ideas

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Free self-care? Seems pretty basic, but the modern world will tell you that you have to spend a ton of money, go away or at least go to a spa to enjoy the benefits of a little self-care. But I have 7 free and simple ideas for self-care on a budget; and you can start them right now!

I’ve included a few of my favorite quotes on taking care of yourself throughout the article too.

What is self-care?

Self-care is an extremely popular topic right now, as people learn the importance of taking care of themselves in mind, body, and spirit. This is a chance to reduce stress my friends, and we all need that. The first thing you need to know is that “self-care” is very personal and will look different for each person. For many self-care means an expensive trip to the spa or a weekend retreat. But, self-care can be completely free little things that make a big difference. So if you’re on a tight budget or the foo-foo spas aren’t your cup of tea, I have you covered. Here are a few ideas for self-care without spending money.

Free Self-Care Ideas on a Budget

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
– Unknown

Take a Bubble Bath

Most of us have loved bubble baths since our childhood; but we rarely make time for them anymore. But a simple warm bubble bath is practically free and can whisk away your worries for a time. First, make sure the kids and the pets are all busy, or if you can manage it, out of the house. Then draw yourself a bath and add your favorite bubbles for a relaxing time (or as long as the bubble last and the water stays warm). I recommend budgeting for some quality organic bubble bath, if you can. If you don’t have any bubbles, a bit of shampoo will work too. Consider lighting a candle, putting on some relaxing music, or reading a good book (consider a bath tray to hold your books, etc). Another option, if you want to spend a little bit is to add a bath bomb or make your own sugar scrub. If you’re feeling under the weather add some Epsom salts to the bath for a little pick me up.

Take a Walk

Taking a walk is the perfect free self-care; and it is totally free. It might seem a little strange but the mind gets tired of seeing the same scenery all the time the same way you get tired of eating the same thing. Getting a change of scenery, even for as little as 15 minutes can do wonders for your mental fatigue. Taking a walk somewhere new not only gives your brain new stimulus it also gives you the opportunity to get fresh air and, if it’s sunny you’ll get some much-needed vitamin D. All of these will help boost your mood and melt your stress away. I recommend you take that walk in a local park or in the woods, somewhere away from the sounds of the modern world; a walk where you can enjoy the pure nature. Remember, take plenty of water with you, especially in the warmer months.

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Pray, Meditate and Try Yoga with a Youtube Video

You don’t have to go on an expensive retreat or spend a ton on a yoga class to get the amazing stress-relieving benefits of prayer, meditation and yoga. These days you can find it completely free on Youtube. That’s right; you don’t even have to leave your house to give it a try! You may have to do a bit of searching to find the video and creator that best fits your needs and desires, but with thousands of videos available it won’t be hard to find a video that vibes.

“An empty lantern provides no light.
Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”
– Unknown

Invite Your Best Friend Over

When was the last time you sat around the living room with your bestie chatting or contemplating the universe? Brew a pot of coffee, set the tea kettle on or pour a glass of wine, if that’s your thing; enjoy a mug or a glass with your favorite friend. Is your friend not local? How about calling a friend? Set aside some time to give them a call; make sure they have time to chat first. I have found that setting some time aside to catch up with your best friend does amazing things for your heart and mind.

Alternative? If you don’t have a best friend, consider a close family member.

Unplug from Electronics

I love social media but computers, phones, tablets and TV shouldn’t be invading every hour of our day! Even if you can’t step away for hours, for some fresh air; you can step away from the electronics. Turn off your cell phone / tablet, step away from social media, and unplug. You’ll find your stress levels go down and you won’t feel like you’re in such a rush anymore. Plus there won’t be any “keeping up with the Jones’” to do.

Do Some Gardening

Finally, I couldn’t talk about self-care without at least mentioning gardening; a personal favorite! What’s the say? Gardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes.  With a garden, you get all the benefits of being outdoors plus so much more. Studies have shown that gardening can decrease depression and anxiety, teach mindfulness, while also boosting your mood! It also gets your body moving in new and interesting ways. Even if your garden is just a few pots in your window sill, taking care of your garden means taking care of yourself.

Make a List

One of the ways I self-care is to write a list of blessings. This helps me to focus on all the good things going on in my life, instead of the stresses. You just need a pen a paper (or use a word program on your computer). I like to play some happy music during this time too. Some will go as far as creating a gratitude journal; something to do if you have this mental exercise rewarding. Spending time and energy on the good things in your life help you regain a positive outlook without costing you anything financially. It is definitely worth the time and energy.

Alternatively you can try writing in a journal. Many find the daily practice of journal writing very therapeutic. There are even FREE journaling apps.

Self-care isn’t selfish! Take time out each day for a little free self-care with these ideas. And don’t be afraid to take time away when your budget and schedule allows for it. And, hey, if your budget allows for a weekend trip to the spa…go for it!

And hey, guys, self-care isn’t just for the ladies!

How do you take care of yourself? Leave your homemade self care ideas in the comments.

Love yourself enough to set boundaries.
Your time and energy are precious.
You get to choose how you use it.
You teach people how to treat you by deciding
what you will and won’t accept.”
– Anna Taylor