September is self-care awareness month and is a time to take a moment to care for yourself, whatever that means to you. You might need a moment to care for your teeth, hair, nails, skin; maybe you need new pillows and sheets or to drink more water. Take the time to read a book, get a good night’s sleep, eat healthy, or learn coping skills for your mental health. From NationalDayCalendar.com:
Self–Care Awareness Month in September is a time to remind us that taking care of ourselves, first and foremost, is essential. Self-care is often neglected in our everyday lives. We all tend to put others’ needs before our own and it is crucial to remember, that we cannot fill another cup from our own empty vessel. While getting a massage or taking a walk are beautiful examples of taking time for our well-being, self-care can be more than that.
TEETH
Check out this page of Braun Oral B products on Amazon using my ad link: https://amzn.to/3MDnEAj
This is the model I use: The Oral-B iO Series 2 combines powerful, but gentle micro vibrations with Oral-B’s dentist inspired round brush head to deliver 100% cleaner teeth versus a regular manual toothbrush. So advanced yet so simple, that you will be able to achieve that dentist clean feeling in just 1 touch of a button. On sale today for less than $60. Buy refill brushes at the same time. Amazon affiliate ad https://amzn.to/3Xj3lNf
HAIR
The products you use on your hair can make a difference in a good-looking head of hair or a yikes-better-wear-a-hat-bad-hair-day. BIOLAGE Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo & Conditioner helps optimize moisture balance for healthy looking hair. This shampoo cleanses hair leaving it extremely moisturized, soft and shiny. Amazon affiliate ad https://amzn.to/3MEhDTJ
NAILS
If you’re not going to a nail salon and doing your own nails at home, good for you! That’s what I do. Manicure kit: More than 15 years of dedication, HANTEKAS became a top notch brand for manicure pedicure tools and kits. This Professional Manicure Set Contains 10 pieces facial, nail and toenail tools that covers three major functions for hand care,facial care,foot care: finger and toenails Nail clippers Set, cuticle pusher cleaner, nail file, v-shaped push stick cuticle trimmers, eyebrow shaping tweezers, multi-purpose scissor, blackhead needle with loop remover and ear pick. $7.99. Amazon affiliate ad https://amzn.to/3ZgM8Xl
Have you ever tried nail buffing blocks? They really shine your nails without any polish added! Premium EVA foam nail buffers provide a gentle yet effective buffing and polishing experience, promoting the appearance of shiny and healthy nails. These fingernail buffers are user-friendly. Less than $7. Amazon affiliate ad https://amzn.to/4d2JXdt
I love dark nail polish, but this pink shade is awesome during the summer. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish is a streak-free nail color that adds bold color and shine to your everyday manicure look. Get extreme wear out of your Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish manicure with its long-lasting formula, which comes in several different color options. Achieve a salon quality look by incorporating Xtreme Wear Nail Polish into your nail care routine (with a Sally Hansen base + top coat). Amazon affiliate ad for pink https://amzn.to/3XF8ali Amazon affiliate ad for dark gray https://amzn.to/47lTCKF
SKIN
Vitamin C Skincare Set contains your favorite moisturizing necessities: facial cleanser, toner, face serum, face cream, and eye cream. The vitamin c face care kit can effectively improve the dull and dry skin, reduce wrinkles, & spots, tighten the skin, shrink pores, and keep the skin moist, plump and shiny for a long time. Small sizes so you can give these products a try before buying full sizes. Less than $20 for the kit today. Amazon affiliate ad https://amzn.to/3ZgNdhR
SLEEP
Let’s start with your pillows. Less than $33 for two. The pliable and elastic memory foam filling keeps the ViewStar pillow plump all night long and never flattens. You don’t have to rearrange or flip pillows in the middle of the night, which helps you contribute to a better night’s sleep with fewer interruptions. Get ready for the most restful sleep you can experience. Measuring 20″ x 30″ in queen size 2-pack. Pillows come vacuum-sealed for shipping and bloom like new when opened. Please air out for 12-24 hours or wash the outer cover to dissipate odors. The outer cover can go right into your washing machine and dryer. Easy to maintain and always looks new even after repeated washing. Amazon affiliate ad https://amzn.to/4gjErWq
This Amazon ad link will bring you to a page of “best night’s sleep sheets” https://amzn.to/4cZwJy4
WATER
Drink more water! The normal amount of water to drink each day for most people is eight 8-ounces (so four 16 oz. bottles of water). I alternate between distilled/purified water and Poland Spring/mineral water.
Every now and then I make something called Sassy Water:
Ingredients:
2 liters or 8 ½ cups of fresh water (use good-quality potable water)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced thinly
1 medium lemon, sliced thinly
12 fresh mint leaves
Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a jug/pitcher. Cover it and refrigerate overnight so that all the flavors get infused. Enjoy it through the day.
You can read the story behind Sassy Water and who created it on The Wellness Corner blog: https://www.thewellnesscorner.com/blog/what-is-sassy-water
Make your sassy water in this 2-quart BPA-free plastic pitcher with a mixer plunger. Dishwasher safe. Less than $23. Amazon affiliate ad https://amzn.to/3Zggcm9
READ A BOOK
Reading can take your mind off stressors for a while. I like the Ruth Rendell series and the Paul Doiron series.
Books by Ruth Rendell: https://livingwithdana.com/2024/03/book-review-anything-written-by-ruth-rendell/
Books by Paul Doiron: https://livingwithdana.com/2024/03/book-review-paul-doiron-mysteries/
EAT HEALTHY
Eating healthy means different things to each of us. This American Heart Association article explains how to eat healthy without going on a diet. It’s pretty interesting. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-to-eat-healthy-without-dieting
COPING SKILLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
I found two articles on this topic and couldn’t decide which one offers and explains techniques better so I am including both links here.
National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
MedLine Plus: https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html
If you’re still reading my blog post, thank you! I know I wrote a lot, but self care is so important. I hope you feel better already!
