Category Archives: Rest & Relaxation

Laugh Your Stress Away: Embracing the Healing Power of a Good Chuckle

April is Stress Awareness Month, and what better way to combat stress than with a good old-fashioned belly laugh? Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of comedy and exploring how laughter can be a game-changer for our mental and emotional well-being.

Picture this: you’re lounging in your comfiest pajamas, scrolling through your favorite funny memes, and suddenly, you burst into laughter. In that moment, something magical happens. Your worries melt away, your mood lifts, and you’re filled with an undeniable sense of joy and lightness. That’s the power of laughter in action.

So, how exactly does laughter work its stress-busting magic? Well, it’s all about those feel-good chemicals called endorphins. When we laugh, our bodies release these natural mood-boosters, sending waves of relaxation and happiness throughout our entire being. It’s like a mini spa day for your mind and body, all wrapped up in a hearty chuckle.

But the benefits of laughter go beyond just feeling good in the moment. Studies have shown that laughter can have long-lasting effects on our health and well-being. It boosts our immune system, lowers blood pressure, and even helps to reduce pain. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others and strengthen relationships—after all, who doesn’t love sharing a good laugh with friends?

So, how can you incorporate more laughter into your daily routine? Well, the possibilities are endless! You could start by tuning in to your favorite comedy podcast while getting ready in the morning, or hosting a virtual movie night with friends and streaming a hilarious comedy classic. And of course, there’s always the tried-and-true method of indulging in a good old-fashioned comedy show while rocking your coziest pajamas.

Speaking of pajamas, did you know that laughter is even more therapeutic when you’re wearing your favorite pair? There’s just something about being wrapped in soft, snuggly fabric that makes every joke a little bit funnier. So go ahead, slip into your most comfortable sleepwear, and let the laughter flow.

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, let’s remember the importance of finding moments of joy and levity, especially during Stress Awareness Month. Whether it’s sharing a funny story with a friend, watching a comedy special, or simply allowing ourselves to laugh freely and unabashedly, let’s embrace the healing power of laughter and let it guide us through even the toughest times.

So here’s to more laughter, more joy, and more pajama-clad moments of pure bliss. Let’s laugh our stress away and make every day a little brighter. After all, life is better when you’re laughing!

Unleash Your Inner Goofball: Fun Ways to Celebrate National Goof Off Day

National Goof Off Day on March 22nd is the perfect excuse to let loose, have fun, and embrace your inner goofball. And what better way to celebrate than in your cozy pajamas? Whether you’re flying solo or gathering your squad, here are some out-of-the-box ideas to make the most of this playful occasion.

Park Picnic Party: Pack a basket full of your favorite snacks, grab a blanket, and head to the nearest park for a picnic party in your pajamas! Set up camp under a shady tree, spread out your feast, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of food, laughter, and games. Bring along a frisbee, soccer ball, or even a kite for some outdoor fun, and don’t forget to snap some silly photos to commemorate the occasion.

Lights, Pajamas, Action: Step out in style without changing out of your pajamas! Try a pajama-themed movie night at the theater. Slip into your comfiest PJs, gather your friends and family, and head to the cinema for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the latest blockbusters or award winning hits in the coziest attire possible. Don’t miss out on the fun – grab your tickets and embrace the comfort of movie night in your PJs!

Pajama Pub Crawl: Get ready to paint the town red in your comfiest pajamas with a pajama pub crawl! Gather your friends and hit up your favorite local bars and breweries for a night of drinks, dancing, and debauchery—all while sporting your silliest sleepwear. From cozy neighborhood pubs to trendy cocktail lounges, explore different venues and embrace the quirky spirit of National Goof Off Day with each new stop. Just remember to drink responsibly and designate a sober driver if needed!

DIY Spa Night Soiree: Treat yourself to a pampering spa night in the comfort of your own home with a DIY pajama party spa soiree! Transform your living room into a zen oasis with scented candles, soothing music, and plush robes. Set up stations for facials, manicures, pedicures, and massages, and indulge in some much-needed self-care with your closest pals. Whip up homemade face masks, soak your feet in luxurious foot baths, and sip on refreshing cucumber water as you relax and unwind together.

Midnight Munchie Madness: Channel your inner night owl and embark on a midnight munchie adventure in your pajamas! Grab your crew and hit up your favorite 24-hour diner, convenience store, or late-night food truck for some indulgent treats to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re craving greasy burgers, cheesy pizza, or sweet treats like donuts or ice cream, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from. Just remember to bring along your pajama-clad posse and your appetite for fun!

National Goof Off Day is all about embracing your playful side and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, so don’t be afraid to get a little silly and have some fun. Whether you’re lounging at home or out on the town, make sure to rock your favorite pajamas with pride and celebrate in style. After all, life’s too short to take yourself too seriously—so kick back, relax, and let the goofiness begin!

Embracing Winter Wellness: Nurturing Your Immune System Naturally

Winter invites us to slow down, savor cozy moments, and prioritize our well-being. Amidst the chill and festive celebrations, it’s crucial to pay special attention to our immune system, ensuring it remains robust to ward off seasonal challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore a holistic approach to winter wellness, incorporating self-care, relaxation, and the importance of quality sleep—wrapped in the comforting embrace of your favorite pajamas.

1. Harness the Power of Hydration: As the temperature drops, it’s easy to overlook hydration. Yet, staying well-hydrated is a simple yet effective way to bolster your immune system. Opt for soothing herbal teas, warm lemon water, or nourishing broths to keep yourself hydrated and cozy during the winter months.

2. Immunity-Boosting Nutrition: Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods that support immune health. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Explore the vibrant array of winter produce, such as citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens. These not only provide essential vitamins and antioxidants but also add a burst of flavor to your seasonal meals.

3. Embrace the Winter Outdoors: While it’s tempting to stay bundled up indoors, getting some fresh air is invigorating for both the body and mind. Engage in winter-friendly outdoor activities like brisk walks, snowshoeing, or even a friendly snowball fight. The crisp air and natural light contribute to overall well-being and can enhance your mood.

4. Cozy Self-Care Rituals: Create a winter self-care routine to nourish your body and soul. Indulge in a warm bath with aromatic bath salts, pamper your skin with hydrating lotions, and savor the comfort of plush blankets. These rituals not only enhance relaxation but also contribute to stress reduction, a key component in maintaining a strong immune system.

5. Quality Sleep in Pajama Comfort: Adequate and restful sleep is a cornerstone of winter wellness. Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine. Slip into your favorite pajamas, crafted for comfort and warmth, signaling to your body that it’s time to unwind. Quality sleep supports immune function, making it a crucial element of your winter well-being strategy.

6. Mindful Meditation: Integrate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to manage stress and promote mental clarity. Whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga, these practices contribute to a sense of calm and balance, positively influencing your immune system.

7. Connect Virtually: Stay socially connected, even if it means virtual gatherings. Social interactions contribute to emotional well-being, and maintaining these connections during the winter months can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Schedule online game nights, virtual movie marathons, or simply catch up with loved ones over a glass of wine or cup of hot cocoa.

8. Seasonal Aromatherapy: Explore the aromatic wonders of essential oils to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Scents like cinnamon, eucalyptus, and lavender not only add a delightful fragrance to your space but also boast potential immune-boosting properties. Consider diffusing these oils or incorporating them into your self-care routines.

Winter wellness is a harmonious blend of nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. By adopting these holistic practices, you can create a foundation for a resilient immune system and embrace the season with vitality and joy. So, snuggle up in your coziest pajamas, savor the winter moments, and let the warmth of well-being envelop you throughout the season.

Dealing with the February Blahs

It’s the month of love, but for many of us, February can also bring on the “blahs.” The weather is still cold, the holiday cheer has worn off, and it feels like spring is still a long way away. If you’re feeling a bit down or just not quite yourself this month, here are seven ways.

Get some fresh air and sunshine. Even if it’s cold outside, try to spend at least a few minutes each day getting some fresh air and sunlight. This can help boost your mood and energy levels and can help to combat the winter blues.

Exercise regularly. Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, so make an effort to get moving regularly. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous – even a brisk walk around the block can make a difference.

Connect with loved ones. Spending time with friends and family can help to lift your mood and provide a sense of support and connection. Make an effort to reach out to people you care about and schedule some quality time together.

Treat yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself and do things that bring you joy. Whether it’s indulging in your favorite comfort food, buying yourself a small gift, buying a new pair of pajamas, or just taking a long soak in the tub, make an effort to do something nice for yourself.

Get organized. Sometimes the “blahs” can be a result of feeling overwhelmed or cluttered. Take some time to declutter and organize your space, and you may find that it helps to improve your mood and clarity of mind.

Try something new. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be a great way to shake off the “blahs” and inject some excitement into your life. Consider taking a new class, trying a new hobby, or just doing something out of the ordinary.

Wear your pajamas all day. This might seem like a small thing, but sometimes the simplest pleasures can make a big difference. If you’re feeling down, take a day off from getting dressed and just relax in your pajamas. Not only is it comfortable, but it can also be a fun way to break up the monotony of the day. Plus, wearing pajamas all day has been shown to have some surprising health benefits, including improved sleep and reduced stress. So go ahead and embrace your inner sloth – it might just be the pick-me-up you need.

We hope these suggestions help to lift your spirits and get you through the February blahs. Remember, it’s okay to have off days, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re feeling really down – there are resources available to support you.

How to Celebrate National Relaxation Day

National Relaxation Day is August 15th. If you’ve ever wanted to take a day to unplug from technology and social media, you’ve come to the right place for ideas on how to do just that. Take a relaxing bath, relax with a good book, or get a massage. Whatever your reason for celebrating, relaxation can be beneficial for your mind and body.

Stress is one of the most common distractions we have, and taking some time to relax is essential for overall wellness. Taking breaks, watching TV, and light gardening are just a few of the ways to relax every day and unwind but if you’re looking for the best ways to spend a whole day relaxing, you should start planning now.  Listed below are 8 ideas to get you started.

Nat. Relaxation Day (1)

Take a mental health day. You can’t spend the day relaxing if you have to work. If possible, take a mental health day to reflect and do Inner Work. This day can be spent doing something you enjoy or trying something new, spending time with friends, or engaging in some challenging activity. While the latter might seem like a luxury, it will give you a relaxing feeling of accomplishment.

thecats aurorasgardenclassiclife

Start the morning slow. Enjoy the time you get to spend in your pajamas. Sleep late, have a special breakfast, and work into your day. If you have others in the home that may interrupt your morning Zen, tell them in advance this is your day. Or better yet, get the whole gang involved. A whole morning in PJs for everyone!

Spa Day (1)

Visit a spa. There are so many benefits to visiting a spa. Aside from feeling good, spa treatments can help improve your skin’s health and organ function. Some spas even offer services to remove unwanted hair. If you’re looking for a day to relax, visiting a spa might be the perfect way to unwind. And you can easily schedule well in advance for your treatment.

Nature walk (1)

Take a scenic walk. Mother Nature can provide some of the most amazing backdrops for your relaxation day. Walk in a natural environment as opposed to an urban street. The mental boost you get from hiking trails, a sandy beach, or a forest can do wonders for your well-being.

meditate (3)

Meditate. Practicing meditation requires you to focus your mind and notice the world around you. If you’re new to meditation, National Relaxation Day is the perfect time to make it part of your daily routine. Try to meditate for a short period of time to begin with and work your way up to longer and more frequent sessions.

Exercize (1)

Exercise. There are numerous benefits of exercise as a way to relax. Exercise promotes stress reduction and strengthens the immune system, cardiovascular system, and digestive system by providing a physical activity that makes them work in tandem. Exercise is also proven to improve mood by producing endorphins that make you happy – so get moving and start relaxing!

Write (1)

Write something. In today’s stressful world, it’s important to find a way to escape and relax. Writing is a great hobby and creative outlet. Not only does it relax and inspire you, but it can also improve your logical thinking, narrative skills, and creative thinking. Write about anything you want and remember you’re not a novelist; this is a personal outlet for you!

Sun

Get some sun. Getting outside in the sunshine has several benefits, including improving mood. It prevents overproduction of the hormone melatonin, which is produced by the body when it is dark. Additionally, exposure to sunlight improves brain function which allows you to be more clear thinking and in turn organize your thoughts which will help you relax. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

There are a million things you can do to relax and after all, this is a national holiday so do what makes you relax! Don’t forget to spread the word about National Relaxation Day and celebrate your self-care!

Observe National Napping Day and begin a new routine

Every year national napping day is observed on the Sunday that we Spring forward which this year is March 13th. Not only does this day encourage you to nap so that the time change doesn’t affect you too much, it also reminds us that napping is a critical part of keeping our bodies and our minds where they need to be. We have internal clocks that get set on a routine so something as minimal as an hour difference can cause chaos all around. This is especially true for animals and children.
Much needed rest makes you feel good, improves your mood, and gives you energy. After napping you will notice you just feel better and this is backed by numerous studies that show a short nap is extremely effective for midday fatigue. You’ll be more alert, productive, and happy.
So how do you get the most out of a nap? Here are some ideas and tips that will turn you into a napping expert.

1pm

Nap early enough in the day. Because you don’t want to interrupt your natural sleep cycle, getting your nap in early enough in the day will keep you on track. Researchers note that between 1-3pm is the ideal time to catch a few Zzzzz’s.

Dark Room

Have a good napping environment. To get the most out of a nap you have to have the right place to do it. A dark room where there is a minimum amount of noise is ideal. The whole point of the nap is to actually get some rest, so if you have a lot going on around you, trying to get some rest on the couch may not work out very well.

30 Minutes

Keep your nap short.  Studies have shown that a 20-30 minute nap is the sweet spot to get that reboot. If you sleep too long you are more likely to feel tired when you wake up.

Be comfortable. If you can, change into your pajamas or comfy clothes before you lay your head down. If you are tight or uncomfortable clothing can inhibit your ability to nap properly. Make comfort a priority.
Family Nap

Get the whole family in on it. If possible get the whole family to nap at the same time. It creates a quiet environment, gets everyone some much needed rest, and makes for a happier bunch for the rest of the day.

Latte

Try a caffeine nap. Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to do its thing and that’s almost exactly the amount of time that is recommended for afternoon naps. If you drink your coffee or latte before laying down for your nap, it should kick in right about the time you’re waking up to take on the 2nd half of the day.
Meditate

Clear your head. For most people, the biggest problem with napping is that you’re thinking too much. If you have a lot on your mind, try putting those things aside if even for a short time while you nap. You’re basically giving your brain a break and relieving stress.

Routine (1)

Practice, practice, practice. Many people just can’t get into nap mode. When you finally realize how important it is to work this critical rest in, you’ll understand the benefits. Just like you train yourself to go to the gym or manage a daily routine, you can do the same thing by getting your brain and body into a habit.

Bedtime

Maintain a normal night sleep routine. Just because you’re napping in the afternoon, don’t think that you can get less sleep at night. 8 hours per night is the recommended time for adults and having a schedule for going to bed and waking up keeps you on track. Look at the afternoon nap as a charge your body needs to be at its best.

Napping is a bit of an art but once you get it down you’ll be ever so thankful that you did. Your body, mind, and loved ones will thank you!

Remember to Relax – 7 tried and true ways to clear your mind

As things begin to return to what we know as normal life, the hustle and bustle of our everyday routines have worked their way back into our schedules. Coming off almost 2 years of ‘not as busy as usual’ may seem a little different right now but it won’t be long until busy-busy is just old hat again.

 

As your life returns to its pre-pandemic ways, you will need to remember that you still need “you” time to relax. You don’t want to forget this important part of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. Here are 7 simple ideas that don’t cost anything that you can incorporate into everyday life to make sure you get in that critical relaxation time you need.

Nap (1)

Nap. Sleep is an essential part of rebooting your entire system. A short nap in your favorite pajamas can do wonders for your state of mind and is second-to-none when it comes to the ultimate relaxation technique.

aromatherapy

Use aromatherapy. Lavender, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Ylang-Ylang, and lemongrass are all very popular aromatherapy scents used to enhance your relaxation techniques. These scents activate certain sensory triggers that put you at ease and make your mind relax.

Bath (1)

Take a bath. There is nothing better than a good soak in the tub to wash away the day’s commotion. Add relaxing essential oils to your bath water and turn on some soft music to really enhance your soak. Even 30 minutes of you-time in the soothing water can make all the difference in the world.

Book (1)

Read a book. Want to get away from it all for a little while? Put your nose in a good book and put your mind somewhere else.

Meditate

Meditate. You may already incorporate meditation into your daily routine, and if so you know how well it works. If meditation is new to you, we recommend doing some research online and picking the technique that best fits your needs. It’s an incredible way to relax and it amazing way to calm your mind.

Pet

Spend time with a pet. Studies show that spending time with a pet is one of the most relaxing things you can do. It’s also a win-win because you are getting quality relaxation time and your pet is getting some extra love from their favorite human!

Tea

Have a hot beverage. Even 15 minutes alone with a cup of warm herbal tea is better than nothing at all. If you want to try something a little different, add some raw honey to hot water with a slice of lemon and drink it just like that. This concoction is relaxing, has amazing immunity benefits, and taste delicious

You may have your own way of relaxing but we encourage you to mix it up a bit and try different things. When you look forward to something, you’re more likely to actually do it.

 

Snuggle up and relax with a cup of tea

Looking out the window you know it is just too cold to go anywhere. It’s one of those perfect days to stay in, put on your favorite pair of pajamas, binge-watch a TV show, and simply relax. Add to that some hot tea and you’ve got a perfect snuggle-up day.

Tea is delicious, warms up your insides, comes in so many varieties, and even has health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites and all the great reasons to try them.

rose hip

Rose Hip.  Produced from the fruit of the rose, not only is Rose Hip tea very tasty, but it’s extremely rich in vitamin C.  it is also said that rosehips can help with anti-aging and they can reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Chamomile

Chamomile. This tea is best known for its ability to calm the mind and help you sleep, but some say that drinking chamomile tea also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protecting effects. It may also ease symptoms of PMS say some herbalists.

peppermint

Peppermint. One of the most common herbal teas in the world, people use peppermint tea for things like digestive tract health, antioxidant qualities, and antiviral benefits. It’s the go-to remedy in some cultures to relieve indigestion, nausea and stomach pain.

Green tea

Green. Another very popular variety is green tea which is loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits, including fat burning, lessening the risk of heart disease, improving brain function, and even protection against some cancers. The best part is you can buy green tea in both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions depending on what you prefer.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus. With its tart (think cranberries) flavor Hibiscus tea has tons of healthy benefits. It’s chock full of antioxidants, may lower blood pressure, promotes a healthy liver, and fights bacteria. It’s absolutely delicious both hot and cold so you can enjoy it year-round.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass. This tea is known for helping the body rid itself of cholesterol, toxins, fats, and uric acid, which in turn lowers blood pressure. It also contains lots of potassium, is filled with antioxidants, and helps detoxify your body, slowing down the aging process. A rich source of vitamins A and C, lemongrass is fantastic for the health of your skin and hair.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion. Because it promotes the breakdown of fat and cholesterol dandelion tea can be used for weight loss. It also improves digestion by stimulating the gastric acids in your stomach and is a diuretic, helping to eliminate excess water and bloating from your body so you feel lighter. Dandelion contains essential minerals like calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, which we need to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.

 

There are hundreds of types of teas available, each with its own benefits so be adventurous and try different flavors and combinations. You’ll find that staying in and relaxing in your pajamas is something you’ll want to do a lot more often!

Why We Need Quiet Time

Our lives and our world are full of noise and distractions. Sometimes so much so that we lose focus on what we need to get done. We also forget to take the time for some peace and quiet which is an important part of our overall well-being.

Many people view taking time for solitude and serenity as a luxury they simply cannot afford because let’s face it; if we aren’t doing anything then we’re getting nothing done. This mindset stops us from taking the time we need to grow, renew, and revive.

Look at it from a different perspective, when you take in the silence you allow yourself to engage in time for self-reflection and awareness. Everyone needs quiet time, but what does it entail and how will you benefit? We have some thoughts on that.

meditate-ga5d3a5547_640

  1. Renewal requires rest

It’s simply impossible to just go, go, go without resting. Everything requires repair and maintenance including the human body. The easy part is relaxing the body; it’s relaxing the mind that’s the hard part. Meditation is a great way to check-out for a bit, mute the noise in your head, and gain the peace you need.

checklist-g5a75ab73e_640

  1. Rediscover what’s important

When caught up in the whirlwind that is our daily routine, we forget or even ignore what really matters. When you have too many responsibilities or waste time on unnecessary tasks, you lose sight of the important things. You need quiet time to rediscover what you’ve neglected and to revisit priorities.

puzzle-g47ce743aa_640

  1. Make order from chaos.

When you’re knee-deep in a commotion of activity there is no time for prioritizing tasks. You’re too busy crossing things off the list. The best time to examine the reasons behind what you do in life is best found during quiet moments to yourself.

woman-g3016f4e2c_640

  1. Quiet time reinforces your meaning

The human mind needs time to put things into perspective. This can’t be done when you are doing 20 things at once or always chasing deadlines. You need peaceful silence to do that. Only then are you able to rejuvenate and reboot.

Nap

  1. Quiet time is a stress eliminator

You might not be able to completely escape stress, but you can certainly practice ways to mitigate it. One quick and simple way to reduce stress is to  regularly carve out 15-30 minutes of your day to sit quietly alone, meditate, read a book or listen to music, go for a peaceful walk, or put on your pajamas and take a quick nap. If you have even more time (such as a long lunch break) use it. But it’s not all about how long you’re quiet; it’s about making time for it in your life no matter the length of time. It’s the easiest way to nourish your mind and body so you can return to your routine with more energy and focus.

Healthy

  1. Heal and stay healthy with quiet time

Medical professionals use dark, quiet rooms for patient recovery from surgery and illness for good reason. Any form of healing, both medical and physical require complete rest and relaxation so that your body and mind to recuperate. Similarly, when you learn to wind down improve your chances of staving off future health problems and disease. A body under less stress has a higher immunity level.

Quite time may seem like an unreasonable goal but believe us, it’s totally attainable. Plan it, do it, and make no excuses for taking the time you need.

Make it all about you!

Life is crazy and day-to-day responsibilities can sometimes make it impossible for you to remember to kick back, relax, and think about yourself. With juggling family, work, a household, and all the other things that go along with adulating, there just aren’t enough hours in the day it seems. How often do you take a step back and take a day that’s all about you? That’s right… we mean forget about your responsibilities, forget about your to-do list, and just do what you want.

Pick a day, and declare it ‘All about Me Day’. What will you do with yourself? That’s the best part – it’s all up to you. We can give you some ideas to get the ball rolling, but in the end, this is your day to relax, regroup, reset, and of course – have fun!

pj1

Don’t get dressed and don’t do anything. Stay in your pajamas all day long. Since today is all about you, no one’s going to see what you’re wearing, and you shouldn’t care if your hair is a little messy or you’re not dressed to the nine’s.  Pajamas are comfy, relaxing, and they are the best outfit to wear when doing absolutely nothing.

Sushi

Make or order your favorite meal. Lots of us have a favorite meal we enjoy but don’t eat very often have because other family members don’t like it or it just doesn’t fit with the usual routine. Since this is your day, indulge. Make, or better yet, order yourself that special meal. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of wine to make it extra perfect.

Binge

Binge-watch your favorite show. Running a household may mean that you don’t have time to sit down and catch up on missed episodes of your favorite TV program. Or, there may be a new show you really want to watch but just haven’t been able to fit it in. It’s your day so do things your way. Watch what you want, when you want with no interruptions.

bath

Relax in the tub. Draw the water, throw in a bath bomb, light some candles, and climb on in. Grab your favorite book, or turn on your favorite music and simply enjoy your alone time. Don’t forget to lock the door to avoid any unwanted interruptions.

Shopping

Shop till you drop. Visit your favorite stores and shops and buy yourself something new that you WANT- not that you need. Our favorite words for shopping day are “impulse buy.”

Spa

Go to the spa. If it’s going to be impossible for you to have your special day uninterrupted or done on your terms, consider going to a spa. Get a mani, pedi, facial, massage, and anything else that will make you feel pampered and special.

Friends

Visit with friends. Maybe the day-to-day grind makes it impossible for you to get together with your besties as often as you like. Get the gang together and do a group ‘me day’. We’re sure you can find a few people in the same boat as you who would love to be a part of this new self-proclaimed holiday.

Bread

Throw away the rule book. Not eating carbs? Eat bread, pasta, and anything else that is normally a no-no. Go to the gym every day? Skip it, one day will not matter. Is the house a mess? Let it wait, the mess will still be there tomorrow. Do you cook three squares for the family every day? Leave a cookbook and the takeout menu on the counter and let them fend for themselves. The bottom line is that it’s all about you for 24 hours.

Everyone should take the time to love and pamper themselves. It’s how we get through the rigors of life. If you’ve forgotten to take a teeny bit of time to do the things that make you happy, this is your reminder. And make it something you do from time to time. Your mental well-being will thank you.