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Practical Tips to Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health. It’s been called a “silent killer.” But what many people don’t realize is that there are simple things we can do to help reduce stress and improve our overall well-being. In this article, we’ll share some practical tips on practicing mindfulness and self-care.

Practical Ways to Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care — *This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Make time for yourself every day

Making time for yourself should be a priority, not an afterthought. To lead a happy and fulfilling life, it’s important to nurture your mind, body, and soul daily. Luckily, there are many small things you can do to show yourself some love. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to do something that makes you happy. This might be reading a book, taking a brisk walk outdoors, or listening to your favorite album.

Make sure to schedule this “me time” into your calendar so that you don’t let other obligations get in the way. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself! If you make a mistake, cut yourself some slack and know that you’re only human.

Connect with nature

One of the best ways to practice mindfulness and self-care is to connect with nature. There are several ways to do this, but one of the simplest is to take a walk in the park or the woods. As you walk, take time to notice the sights and sounds around you. Leave your phone and any other electronic devices at home to focus on your surroundings.

You might also want to try sitting outside for a few minutes each day or even just taking a break from work to go for a walk during your lunch hour. By taking the time to appreciate the natural world around you, you can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Invest in things that make you happy

A lot of people believe that self-care is a selfish act. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Practicing self-care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, and it does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. One simple way to practice self-care is to invest in things that make you happy. This could be anything from a new book to a piece of jewelry or even a coffee machine with a built-in milk frother.

The key is to choose something that brings you joy and makes you feel good about yourself. Another way to practice self-care is to take some time for yourself each day. This could be anything from taking a bath to going for a walk. The important thing is to do something that you enjoy, which helps you relax.

Practice yoga or meditation

A regular yoga or meditation practice can be extremely helpful in promoting mindfulness and self-care. Yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the body while also promoting relaxation. On the other hand, meditation provides a chance to focus on the breath and quiet the mind. Both yoga and meditation can be practiced virtually anywhere, making them accessible to everyone. In addition, there are many different types of yoga and meditation practices available, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

However, it’s important to remember that even a short yoga or meditation practice can benefit. If you don’t have time for a full class, simply taking a few minutes to sit quietly or do some gentle stretches can help you feel more centered and present. By making time for a regular yoga or meditation practice, you’ll be well on your way to incorporating more mindfulness and self-care into your life.

Listen to calming music

When it comes to mindfulness and self-care, there are a variety of things that you can do to help yourself relax and de-stress. One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is listen to calming music. Whether it’s classical music, jazz, or even just gentle background music, listening to calming music can help to slow down your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and ease anxiety and stress.

In addition, listening to music can also help to boost your mood, increase feelings of well-being, and promote relaxation. So next time you’re feeling stressed, try putting on some calm music and see how it affects you. You may be surprised at how quickly it helps you to feel better.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness and self-care are two of the most important things you can do for yourself. By practicing mindfulness and self-care, you can reduce stress, improve overall well-being, and feel more centered and at peace. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness and self-care, so find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine. And remember, even a little bit of mindfulness and self-care can go a long way.

4 Ways to Treat Yourself When Life Gets Overwhelming

Everybody knows that life is stressful. Have you ever just wanted to stop what you’re doing and take a break from your responsibilities? If so, you’re not alone. Sometimes you need and sometimes you want a break, but that’s not always going to be easy because you can’t just stop your life and ignore your responsibilities. You need a moment to treat yourself, to recharge, and to focus on your wellness. But how do you do that?

There will be moments that you’re talking to the bank about your mortgage because you’re worried about making repayments. There will be moments when you find yourself looking at resources like Edmunds, to find out whether or not you could be getting a better deal on a car and then you can pay less than your current one. You’ll be doing price comparisons for everything from your groceries to your utilities, and all of this can manifest into a total stress fest.

You deserve to stop just for a moment, step back, and treat yourself to something that doesn’t involve paying bills or meeting responsibilities of being a parent. You’re still you, and while you have a range of roles to play in your life, you sometimes need to be a nurturer – your own nurturer. It’s important to treat yourself every now and then and engage in what you need. Here are four ways to do it!

Outsource the help you need.

Whether you need to speak to a financial adviser, cleaner, gardener, or – extravagantly – a chef, you need to outsource what you need sometimes. There’s only so much that you can take on in one go and you need to learn what your own personal boundaries are so that you’re not taking on too much at once. A wonderful way to treat yourself is with help. It is not a weakness to ask for help and it’s the ultimate treat when you have had it pours on top of you for so long.

Eat a home cooked meal.

It’s often the case that we forget to take a moment to cook for ourselves. A wonderful way to treat yourself is with less convenient food and more home cooking. You are then in a better place to feel nourished and it’s so important that you’re able to nourish yourself, and if you find it’s too hard to cook, then use some of the meal services that provide you with the fresh ingredients that you need for your weekly meals and cook them. Planning ahead is not always easy and it’s okay to acknowledge that.

Just pause.

You do not have to be productive every minute of every day for the rest of your life. Set some time aside every week, even just 10 minutes, to take pause, to sit still, just be. Something simple like this has so many benefits for your mind and your body.

Take a break.

A vacation is enough to be all you need to reset yourself, so what you need to do is plan this ahead. Make a budget so that you can set aside money each month for flights, hotels and spending money, and book yourself a vacation. You don’t need a gaggle of friends to go with you, just go by yourself and be in the world and be present with yourself. It’s the ultimate treat.

It’s not difficult to treat yourself, but often it’s the guilt that stops us from doing it. Remember that you are worth every second of your time and putting yourself first means acknowledging that. Lead by example for your children and make your mental and physical health a priority.

Reaping The Benefits Of A Peaceful Backyard Oasis

Does the stress of the day have you longing for an outdoor escape? Instead of obsessing over your next vacation, consider unwinding in the peace and security of your own backyard oasis. Having a serene open-air space mere steps away can provide sunshine and fresh air for the whole family.

Studies have shown people who spend time in nature are less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. Even if you happen to be short on room, however, it’s more than possible to transform a deck, patio or courtyard into a beautiful place of refuge. Here are some words of advice to create a stress-reducing garden getaway.

Create a Backyard Oasis by Decluttering

The first recommendation is to declutter. While starting with a totally blank canvas isn’t necessary, bringing a backyard oasis to life takes a tidy work area and some planning. Begin by pruning any overgrown trees and hedges, donating unused play equipment, and clearing away any waste.

Plan out Your Ideal Space

Once the space feels bare, take stock of its natural elements, and formulate a plan for anything you want changed. Do you want a water feature, a swimming pool or an outdoor dining area, or do you want to emphasize being one with nature? Whatever your vision, be sure to keep relaxation first and foremost.

How to Decorate with Natural Elements — .

When it comes to furniture, you’ll want to opt for deep seating, lounge chairs and other patio furnishings that encourage everyone to stretch out and relax. Choose textured fixtures designed to withstand the elements and in the colors you love. Another handy tip is to invest in deck furniture that can double as storage, such as an ottoman or bench. This way, pads and pillows can stay clean longer.

Personalize your Backyard Oasis

How else can the space be made your own? Simply decorate it with pieces that speak to you. Whether you prefer unique planters and bird baths or colorful artwork and décor, the space ought to reflect your personality while coinciding with the beauty of nature. Hanging string lights and other outdoor lighting is another great way to set the mood. However, be careful not to overdo it on the décor, as it could upset the flow and make the yard look smaller.

Aside from adding a water feature or sculpture as the focal point, try planting favorite flowers, natural foliage and other plant life. Greenery can help boost moods and doesn’t need to be big to make a major impression. For instance, container gardens are a simple option for small spaces, and they are inexpensive and easy to maintain.

Get Help From a Pro

You can also invest in landscaping. Hiring a professional service to survey property lines, design your backyard oasis and install a perimeter could produce a result far exceeding your expectations. From landscaped hedges, shrubbery or privacy fencing, the possibilities of transforming your outdoor living area are limitless.

For more ways to create the backyard oasis of your dreams, please see the following infographic.

Author Bio:

Danny Rodic is a co-owner of Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC. Rodic has over 28 years of experience in the land surveying industry, providing a broad range of land surveying services to clients. Rodic is a licensed professional land surveyor in Colorado and Wisconsin.

Self-Care Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms

As a stay-at-home mom, finding ways to take care of yourself isn’t always easy—the kids want to play, then eat, and then play some more. Sometimes, it’s exhausting. However, finding ways to take care of your needs is crucial to your well-being. Remember to reach out to loved ones and do something that relaxes you, whether it’s discovering a new hobby, going for a run, or taking a nap. By finding various self-care tips for stay-at-home moms, you’ll discover ways to feel rejuvenated.

Reach Out

A critical way to take care of yourself is to reach out to your inner-circle. Call friends and family for help, so you can get a break. Various ways you can recharge your energy range from going out to lunch or taking a hot soak in the bath while someone watches the kids. Communicating your struggle is important because people may not realize you need help if you stay quiet.

Talk To Your Inner Circle

Reaching out for help is of the most important self-care tips for stay-at-home moms because being a mom is a full-time job that requires around-the-clock care. Sometimes, it may feel like your hard work goes unnoticed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider joining a local support group where you can share your feelings with other stay-at-home moms while your spouse or other trusted individual watches the kids for a few hours.

Exercise

Find time in your day to get in some exercise. It doesn’t have to be at a gym or going for a walk to clear your head. By finding ways to stay active with your baby, you allow yourself to decompress. Furthermore, your body releases endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones you get when you work out, so you’ll feel happier and more energized.

Utilize Outdoor Time

Additionally, exercising outside gives you a change of pace and scenery. If you have no one to watch the kids, consider working in a jog on the way to the park where the kids can then play with other children. As little as 15 minutes of exercise can ease your stress and leave you feeling refreshed.

Discover Hobbies

Sometimes, you forget about the hobbies you once loved doing, and rediscovering them is easier said than done; however, doing so is important to refreshing yourself. Yoga, for example, helps you relax and discover ways to practice mindfulness. Whether it’s partaking in a new hobby or rediscovering an old one, your options are endless. Try out a few of the following:

- Reading
- Knitting
- Journaling/creative writing
- Baking

If you’re an artist, find twenty minutes to draw or paint while the kids nap or watch television. Enjoying your hobbies on your own is crucial because it’s about giving yourself time, and everyone needs space to feel refreshed and ready to conquer the day!

Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

100 Self Care Ideas That Are Social Distancing Approved

Anyone who isn’t currently practicing social distancing is putting others at risk.

With the COVID-19 Coronavirus on the loose, many people are retreating to their homes and avoiding large groups, i.e. social distancing. Not all are finding this is easy, with the Millennials and Gen Z’s getting most of the blame. Whether you’re currently serving a 14 day self isolation, or you’re still working and living life, you’ve likely noticed an increased level of boredom. Most places are closed, events are cancelled, and even hanging out with friends is frowned upon. So what are you supposed to do during this quarantine?

Well, my friends, it sounds like the perfect time to practice self care!

100 Self Care Ideas that are Social Distancing Approved — *This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust. Furthermore, I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. I am simply a mother who has been there and lived to tell the tale.

Pamper Your Body

With the added amount of stress due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, your body is likely in less than optimal health. Social distancing provides us with an unlimited amount of time for self care without feeling guilty. We don’t have to sacrifice time for self care because we suddenly have an abundance of it. (Besides, with all the frequent hand washing and cleaning, I’m sure we could all use a little extra pampering.)

1. Soak in the bathtub with a bath bomb or Epsom salts.

2. Take a thermotherapy shower by starting hot and finishing cold.

3. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure.

4. Deep condition your hair.

5. Apply a face mask.

6. Dry brush your skin.

7. Exfoliate.

8. Moisturize.

9. Give yourself a massage.

10. Try acupressure.

11. Get plenty of sleep.

12. Do a detox.

13. Drink lots of water.

14. Make a smoothie or fresh green juice.

How to Reset When You're Feeling Over touched — .

Work on Your Mental Health

The media coverage on the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic has us all stressing out. All of the stress and anxiety is bound to have a detrimental effect on our mental health. Plus, having to stay isolated can exacerbate those symptoms. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to use this time of self isolation and social distancing to work on improving our mood and mental health.

15. Try online cognitive behavior therapy.

16. Sign up for talk therapy via video conference.

17. Practice meditation.

18. Listen to music.

19. Do yoga.

20. Write in a journal.

21. Light incense or diffuse essential oils.

22. Listen to a podcast.

23. Find a way to help a charity.

24. Read a self help book.

25. Nurture a house plant.

Laugh and Play

Self care should never be all work and no play. In fact, laughter is a great mood booster and we should find all kinds of ways to laugh and be playful, even while social distancing.

26. Play a video game or app.

27. Play a board game.

28. Work on a large puzzle.

29. Doodle a mandala.

30. Watch your favorite movies.

31. Laugh along with some stand up comedy or a funny movie.

Self Care Routine for a Stay at Home Mom — .

Keep in Touch

We often think of self care as being alone but taking care of ourselves means doing good things for others, spending time with those we love and sharing pieces of who we are. This might seem hard to do while practicing social distancing, but there are still ways to keep in touch with others.

32. Call a friend.

33. Video chat with someone.

34. Make a YouTube video.

35. Write someone an email.

36. Send a letter.

37. Mail a care package.

38. Deliver gift baskets to neighbors.

39. Decorate your front window.

40. Host a Netflix watch party.

Spend Time Outside

We need to spend as much time outside as possible while social distancing. Of course it’s important to stay away from crowds and limit our interactions as much as possible, but accessing fresh air is so important for our bodies both physically and mentally.

41. Sit in your backyard.

42. Take a nap outside.

43. Lounge in a hammock.

44. Do yard work.

45. Go for a walk around the neighborhood.

46. Go for a drive in the country.

47. Eat a meal outside.

48. Pitch a tent in your backyard and camp out for a night.

49. Paint your fence or deck.

50. Make a fairy garden.

51. Paint some rocks.

52. Have an outdoor bonfire.

solo beach picnic ideas — Source: https://floridapanhandle.com/blog/beach-picnic/

Declutter Your Space

Decluttering is a form of self care because it’s something that we tend to put off doing. Then the clutter sits there, reminding us of our failures and causing undue stress. Use this time at home to deep clean, declutter and minimize possessions.

53. Deep clean your kitchen and bathrooms.

54. Repaint or redecorate a room in your house.

55. Sort through your wardrobe and donate any clothes you don’t wear.

56. Organize your home KonMari style.

57. Clean out your closets.

58. Sort through your shoes.

59. Sort through your accessories and jewelry.

60. Declutter your cabinets.

61. Clean out your makeup bag.

62. Clean the garage or basement.

63. Go through all your old electronics, DVD’s, CD’s, cables, etc.

Is Decluttering the Secret to Less Stress and Better Mental Health? — .

Tap into your Artistic Side

Art therapy is a super important way to practice self care while social distancing. Being creative means using our brains as well as developing hand eye coordination. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artistic person, you might be surprised with what you can come up with.

64. Draw or paint a picture.

65. Sketch something outside your window.

66. Color in a coloring book.

67. Create your own story book.

68. Make a craft completely out of recycled material.

69. Build something out of wood.

70. Make your own dough and sculpt something.

71. Build a bird house.

72. Bake cookies, cupcakes or some other type of delicious dessert.

73. Cook a hearty homemade soup or stew.

74. Start an indoor herb garden.

75. Sew, knit, crochet or macrame.

20 Awesome Etsy Finds That Will Get You Through Quarantine — .

Learn Something New

Use this opportunity to learn something. Learning is a way to improve our brain health. Plus it offers a distraction from anxiety and loneliness and can boost our self esteem. As adults, we often refrain from learning new things, or we start them but never seem them through. Learning a new skill or hobby is truly making the most of social distancing.

76. Take an online class.

77. Watch YouTube tutorial videos.

78. Read an instructional book.

79. Watch a documentary.

80. Find a new way to utilize something you don’t use anymore.

81. Take an online photography course.

82. Practice hand lettering or calligraphy.

83. Learn how to play a musical instrument.

How to Start Blogging About Postpartum Depression — .

Get Your Heart Pumping

Exercise is one of the most important parts of self care. There’s no excuses while locked up at home with nothing to do. If your local gym is closed, check to see if they’re offering online workout videos instead. And don’t worry if you don’t have a home gym, there are so many different ways to stay physically active at home.

84. Ride a stationary bike or run on a treadmill.

85. Try some online workout videos.

86. Stretch.

87. Dance.

88. Plank.

89. Run up and down the stairs.

90. Focus on improving your pelvic floor health.

91. Work out with an exercise ball.

92. Skip rope.

93. Climb a tree.

94. Do squats and/or lunges.

95. Jump on a trampoline.

amazing benefits of yoga for postpartum depression — .

Be Present

The world looks a little scary right now. Try to focus on the positive aspects instead. We are living in a moment of history, so document it. Take photos, write about it and enjoy every single moment. Use your time wisely and continue to have hope for the future. When this is all over, will you come out of it a better person?

96. Take at least one photo each day.

97. Cuddle with your spouse, kids, pet or even a stuffed animal.

98. Sit peacefully and do absolutely nothing.

99. Work on your bucket list.

100. Make a list of everything you miss doing and plan to do again once this global pandemic is over.

25 Easy Self Care Ideas That Will Get You Outdoors

Self care can be easier than you think…

Being outdoors has several incredible benefits for moms, but it’s not always easy to do. Trying to juggle kids, plus housework – it’s not uncommon for a stay at home mom’s outdoor exposure to be limited to an open window. And when we do get outside, it’s usually to chase after the kids or do more work outdoors. Some of these self care ideas can help moms get outdoors with the sole intention of rest and relaxation.

Try one of these outdoor self care ideas this summer!

25 Easy Outdoor Self Care Ideas — *This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust.

1. Go for a walk or run around the block

One of the easiest outdoor self care ideas is to go for a walk or jog around your own neighborhood. It doesn’t cost anything, require any scheduling or take up much time. Whether you’re in the mood for a marathon run or just a leisurely stroll – your own neighborhood is the best place to start!

2. Pump your legs on a playground swing

Moms always seem to get the boring jobs at playgrounds. We stand at the bottom of slides, push our kids on the swings and hold their legs as they attempt to make their way across the monkey bars. Instead of being a playground servant – free your inner child and go for a swing or a slide!

3. Visit an outdoor spa

Outdoor spas are becoming more and more popular these days. The benefits of fresh air and nature are unmatched by anything else. Check out a Scandinavian-style spa, a hot spring, or soak in an outdoor hot tub.

Why All Moms Need to Spend the Day at Thermea — .

4. Take a hike or follow a forest trail

Hiking can be intimidating to anyone, especially a mother fresh off of postpartum recovery or who has to take little ones along with her. Strolling down a well maintained path through the forest still has a lot of benefits. For the more adventurous mom, make a bucket list of trails that you’d like to conquer and check one off as often as possible.

5. Relax in a hammock

Nothing says relaxation quite like napping in a hammock on a hot summer day. The gentle swaying motion is sure to lull you into a relaxed state, just like a baby in a cradle. Plus, the light summer breeze and sunshine on your face provides the perfect atmosphere.

6. Spend some time gardening

Another excellent self care idea is to start a backyard garden. Digging your bare hands or feet into the soil is actually good for your mental health, as soil contains a special bacteria that works like a natural antidepressant. Caring for a garden is sure to get you outdoors all summer long and at the end of the season, you’ll have a healthy batch of crops to show for it!

7. Go for a bike ride

Park the minivan and go for a bike ride instead. It’s not a practical form of transportation for everyday life, but going for a bike ride regularly has it’s benefits. Biking improves your physical health and can be an enjoyable form of self care, either alone or with the whole family. If you want to lose weight or get fit, you can amp up the intensity of your rides to burn calories faster. Cycling interval training, which is essentially alternating between periods of low-intensity and high-intensity cycling, can provide the workout to help your shed off those extra pounds and get more fit. For interval training, using cycling tools, such as a power meter and a heart-rate monitor, can help ensure that you make every session count and that you accomplish your goals.

8. Enjoy a picnic in the park

Another simple activity to get you outdoors is to eat one of your meals picnic-style. You can go to a park or eat in your own backyard. Spread a picnic blanket or gather around an outdoor table. Go out on your own, with your spouse or as an entire family… the kids will love it just as much as you will.

Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Anxiety — .

9. Shop a local farmers market

Local farmers markets sell much more than just fruit and vegetables these days. You can find all kinds of organic, locally made things like health and beauty products, jewelry, clothing and so much more! Not only is it wonderful to support local businesses, but you’ll get your hands on food and products that are so much better for your health.

10. Camp out for a night or two

Camping is not for everyone. In fact, most mothers with small children will swear that it’s more work than anything else. Even “glamping“ has it’s pitfalls. Once traveling out of town becomes safer, you should definitely try camping outdoors. It will do wonders for your and your family’s mental health to be surrounded by nature after being cooped inside for months. For outdoor activities, a lightweight backpack for travelers is indispensable for all your camping essentials.

11. Pick some wildflowers

Fresh flowers have a way of brightening up anyone’s home. One of the simplest self care ideas is to pick some yourself. Obviously, don’t invade your neighbor’s prize tulips, but anyone with a lilac bush will surely be glad to let you help trim it back. Fields and parks are usually full of all kinds of wildflowers. Or sprinkle some wildflower seeds in your yard this spring and have an abundant supply all summer long.

12. Go for a boat ride

Being on the water in a middle of a lake is a wonderful way to help clear your mind. You can literally get away from it all. Choose a hot day because there’s nothing quite like the breeze off the water. But beware, the rocking motion of a boat can be soothing for some – not so much for others.

13. Volunteer to walk a dog from a pet shelter

If you don’t have your own furry friend to take along with you on walks, then check out if your local pet shelter needs volunteers. The dogs there are always in need of some extra love and you can both benefit from spending some time together.

14. Paint your nails

What’s the most annoying thing about painting your nails? Waiting for them to dry. Use that as an excuse to get outside and stay outside. Paint your nails and then relax in a lounge chair without any need to get up. You can even try a face mask, soak your feet or exfoliate your skin outdoors. Take the pampering outdoors, I promise you wont regret it.

15. Swim or float in a lake or outdoor pool

Swimming is a great low-impact exercise and perfect for hot summer days. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, then blow up an inflatable tube and float around on the water without a care.

Intex Canopy Island Pool Float — Amazon.com

16. Build a bird house, bat house or bee hive

Sometimes stress and frustration can build up and come out in undesirable ways. Finding a creative outlet for all those pent up emotions is a great form of self care. Try building your own bird house or bat house for your yard. Not only will you be doing nature a favor, but you can help control the pesky mosquito population. If you have a garden, making your own bee hive can increase your crop production!

17. Spend a night star gazing

If it’s a clear night outside, lay down a blanket and watch the stars. Head outside the city and away from the street lights for a better view. Star gazing is a great form of stress and anxiety relief and can remind you of just how small your problems are in this giant world.

18. Sit on the beach

A beach day is one of my favorite self care ideas. Get out your lounge chair or blanket, a beach umbrella and some sunglasses and relax in the sand. Dig your feet into the wet sand to exfoliate and massage them. Cool yourself off in the water. Listen to the sounds of the waves, the seagulls and the children playing.

19. Visit a greenhouse or garden center

Greenhouses are fantastic places to look for inspiration for your own backyard. From plants and flowers to water features and deck ideas, you can create your own back yard self care sanctuary. Focusing on an outdoor project can help keep your mind sharp and distracted in a good way.

20. Have a bonfire

Sitting around a bonfire is an excellent stress reliever. The smell of the wood, and crackling of the flames is a feast for the senses. Roast marshmallows or hot dogs if you want to. It’s a nice treat anytime of the day, not just for nights at the cabin.

21. Visit a farm

Spending time with animals is great for our mental health and considered a form of ecotherapy. There are usually lots of local farms that open up to visitors. You can pet animals, ride horses, climb up hay bales, milk a cow or collect eggs from the hen house.

22. Watch the sunrise

While I would never deliberately encourage a mom to lose out on sleep – getting up early to watch the sunrise can be totally worth it. The way the sunlight moves slowly over everything is breathtaking. You can meditate, do yoga or just sip some hot coffee. It’s an amazing way to start the day.

12 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for the Sleep Deprived Mom — .

23. Do some fruit picking

Spend the day at an orchard or strawberry farm. Not only will you get to experience the beauty of it all, but you’ll get to go home with some fresh, organic fruit as a result.

24. Take nature pictures

Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a selfie queen, nature provides an endless supply of photo ops. Try taking pictures of the birds, the trees or a sunset. If you get a really good shot, have it printed and framed and you’ve just created a free piece of art for your walls.

25. Dance in the rain

Getting outdoors isn’t reserved just for the hot summer days. Even rain storms can be beautiful. The next time it rains, don’t run and hide. Ditch the umbrella, kick off your shoes and dance in the rain. Embrace it and let all your cares wash away.

25 Outdoor Self Care Ideas