Hello everyone, I hope you’re having a lovely morning, afternoon, or evening! Recently, I’ve been struggling with my mental health and, therefore, my physical well-being. Before leaving on my mission trip, I created a list of “self-care” things I could do to get myself feeling a little more productive and/or better. I decided I would share some of them in case any of you are like me and have no idea how to take care of yourself 🙃

P.S. as always, I have a graphic down below so you have these ideas right on hand, any time you need them!

P.P.S. I like to write these down in the “to-do” tab in my Daily Planner the day before so my planner-brain knows exactly what we’ll be doing and can prepare!

>> 20 Ways I (try to) Take Care of Myself <<

1 || Take a walk.

I have a fairly long street as well as a park a few streets down (and up a giant hill). I hate cardio and that sort of exercise but taking a walk helps burn a few calories (especially when I try to hike up a giant hill) while getting some fresh air and perhaps even enjoying some music.

2 || Watch a movie/tv show.

This is something that I am definitely working on. There are a few cool shows and movies that I would love to watch, but I always feel like I’m wasting time or not being productive when I watch them. I just have to remind myself that it’s okay to just sit down and entertain myself for a bit.

3 || Wear an actual outfit. (jewelry + shoes, too!)

Anyone else stay in their pajamas all day, every day? I struggle with this a lot. I try to dress up not only to just look a little more presentable if I have to leave the house, but it also gets me in a more productive mindset. When I purposely set out an outfit (with accessories) for myself, it helps me feel like I have things to do rather than moping around in my PJs.

4 || Bible journaling.

This helps fuel my creativity as well as my relationship with God. I received a journaling Bible as a graduation gift and only recently started actually using it. I find it helpful to take sermon notes in a journal then, the next day, I transfer the messages that stick out to me the most into my Bible. Also, writing things down and writing them in a colorful/big way helps them come to mind more easily. Not to mention, when you sit there and meditate on a few passages at a time, you understand them better and can analyze more.

5 || Read for an hour.

As a writer, I find it quite hard to read. I’m so focused on creating my own stories that I forget to enjoy others and, in return, build my vocabulary and writing skills. Not to mention, half the books on my bookshelf are unread, so… I gotta keep working on this one.

6 || Write positive things about self.

As someone who’s had terrible self-esteem for around seven years, this is a big one for me. I regret to say that I internally tear myself apart all day, every day, but consciously writing down anything you like about yourself can really help. BONUS: it’ll also get easier, and the list will become more extensive as time goes on!

7 || Make a smoothie.

I’m a big fruit person. And a big drink person. I like fruity drinks. Purposely having myself make a smoothie not only gets me to eat (drink?) healthy but just taking some time to prepare a special meal for myself helps me to feel productive.

8 || Watch something that will make you laugh.

This is a big need for anyone. You always need a laugh or even just a smile throughout your day. I mainly go to YouTube for this, and I watch the Sturniolo Triplets, some Minecrafters like Dream, GeorgeNotFound, Sapnap, and/or Quackity (yeah, I like “MCYT,” fight me about it 🙄), or the NorthStarBoys. Even if I set aside time to watch one 20-minute video, it can help brighten my mood a ton.

9 || Light a candle.

I’m scared of fire. However, lighting a candle helps me overcome that fear as well as create a nice ambiance. Also, some candles are literally so good; just the smell itself is enough to make things amazing again.

10 || Write in People Book. (or write a letter to/text a friend!)

I have a journal called “My People Book,” where I have memories and such written about anyone I have memories of and/or has influenced me in any way. I’m kinda behind on it, so I try to work on it and update it whenever possible.

11 || Work on Feisarian. (or learn/practice a new language!)

For my book, The Star of Juino, I created a language. It’s fairly extensive and includes a written form and a spoken form. Any time I’m bored or don’t know what to do with myself, I try to work on this to a) fuel my creative side and b) work on something that’s actually kinda important.

12 || Work on future Etsy products. (or work on a project you’ve been putting off!)

You heard it here first, folks; I’m planning on creating an Etsy shop. However, I don’t have any form of government ID (driver’s license, passport, even a photo ID), so I can’t officially open it or anything. But! I have a lot to prepare for it so I can kick it off with a good selection of wares.

13 || Watch sunrise/sunset.

I’m already doing this as a Club Member for BANGS (the Summer Sun Chasers), but I figured, “why not make it a more frequent habit?” Sunrises and sunsets are beautiful sights to behold and a remarkable part of God’s creation to relax and watch. (also, they’re great for photo-ops 😉).

14 || Just lie outside and get some sun + fresh air.

just lie outside and get some sun + fresh air. nothing more to be said.

15 || Purge closet/bureau.

If you’re like me, you have a lot of sentimental clothing pieces. I hold onto various items because I might wear them someday, or I bought them, they don’t fit, but maybe they will one day, or really anything else under the sun. Purge them. Get rid of them. Make room for clothes you’ll actually wear, enjoy, and also just items that will actually fit you properly.

16 || Color in a coloring book.

This is a very underrated form of care, I think. Even if you don’t have a coloring book, go online, choose coloring pages, and print them out. It’s great to just listen to some music (or rain sounds) and just create colorful pictures. BONUS: you can also hang it somewhere as decoration.

17 || Write in Adventure Book. (or write down/reminisce about your favorite memories!)

I have a journal called my “Adventure Book,” where I write down any sort of big adventure. I have movie tickets taped in where I write about how I liked it and who I saw it with. I also have random memorabilia from musicals, work shifts, and anything else that holds a silly story or adventure. If you don’t have something like this, start one! Even if it’s just on some sticky notes, take some time to reminisce about any fond or fun memories.

18 || Make mini popsicles.

I love popsicles. They’re just great. You can use an actual popsicle mold (if you have one) or even just an ice tray to create fun popsicles to eat the day away. Especially since it’s a hot hot summer. Here are some fun popsicle recipes I found at livingonadime.com.

19 || Organize Pinterest boards and/or Instagram Collections.

I am a neat freak. Everything I do/have needs to be organized. And yes, that includes even my Pinterest Boards and Instagram collections. I’ve had Pinterest and Instagram for years and have accumulated quite the assortment (and number) of various posts and such. In an effort to reorganize (and even purge), I’m trying to set aside time to fix this kerfuffle I call my Boards and Collections.

20 || Bake muffins. (or really, anything else you like!)

I’m not very good in the kitchen. All I have going for me is pancakes (from a mix), scrambled eggs, and muffins. So I like to just bake muffins. However, if you’re skilled (or even could use some practice), bake something! Try a new recipe, try a new food item, just get in the kitchen and set aside time to create (and then eat!)

>> A Helpful Little Graphic For You <<

There you go! I hope you found this post helpful or entertaining. Feel free to let me know how you take care of yourself or if you try any of the ideas I listed above. I wish you a wonderful rest of your day or night. Keep on inspiring others and loving yourself!

>> every day holds something enchanting <<