I have been feeling a bit down lately. It’s not constant, it comes and goes as it pleases. Just like anyone else, I have good days and bad days. I have been doing all I can to keep myself busy this year. Especially since we have so many restrictions now. Where we can go, where we can’t, who we can see and who we can’t. The list goes on.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I haven’t been having a good time. As I mentioned I have been doing all sorts of things to keep busy. I have been baking all sorts of cakes and deserts. I have also been doing a lot with my skincare line. Creating new scents for my body butters, making eczema cream, face toner, and soap. I even harvested some echinacea from my garden and am currently making some infused oils for balms! I know I have said that I would post some of the recipes, but I have to retract that statement. So many people locally have actually been asking me for items, that I had to start selling it to not lose money! (You can find me on Facebook, though under Helina’s Healing All Natural Skin Care – shipping is available in the US)

Sometimes I think I take on too much at one time, though. Although it’s good for me to keep my mind busy, and my hands moving – taking on too much at one time also means I forget to actually take care of myself sometimes.

So… this month I am going to dedicate the whole entire month to a Self Care in September Challenge. Honestly, I couldn’t have picked a worse time to start this. It is now September 8th, and I wanted to post this at the very beginning of the month. We are so busy this month, and high school FOOTBALL just started also!! I am super excited about this! (Not to worry – there are TONS of new rules that we have to follow in order for this to even happen, so no negative comments please).

Obviously I still have obligations that I can’t back out on, and I will still show up as an adult and parent and friend. This doesn’t mean I’m going to shut everyone out – although some days I may feel like it. So what will this month look like for me?

Take Some More Time for Myself

This is something I really need more of. I’m not talking about sitting in the living room with Bubs or the kids with my face in the computer while the TV is on in the background. I’m talking about ACTUALLY taking some time for myself, by myself.

This doesn’t mean that I have to spend hours by myself each day. Even if it is only for a couple minutes where I allow myself to catch my breath, and just reflect. It can be as simple as taking a few steps into the yard and hanging out on the hammock for a little while. I love love love the fresh air. Here in the northern midwest we are just beginning to see fall weather, so the air is crisp in the mornings and evenings. It’s perfect weather for a hot tea and a hoodie. I’m beginning to daydream about it now… My options can also include taking a hot bath, and or pampering myself by doing my nails etc… I want to point out that I already do some of these things, just not often enough. I’m making it a GOAL to purposefully take the time out for myself.

Spend Some More Quality Time with the Boyfriend

We are with each other all of the time. HOWEVER, most of the time we spend together is grocery shopping, cooking, talking about the kids, or hanging out in front of the TV after a long day. I want to make it a goal to go on at least one adventure this month. 

We were supposed to go on a big camping trip this Labor Day weekend, however, fate had different plans. It didn’t quite work out, and I am kind of bummed about it. We have been wanting to set up our tent for a while now, to make sure it’s still without holes and rips. Maybe we will do backyard camping. It may sound silly to some, but I think it actually sounds kind of cool. If at the very least, we can have a fire, make some smores, or eat some (dairy free for me) ice cream. Before COVID-19 took over the world, we used to go on all sorts of camping trips, and other adventures. I think we only made it out to the lake a total of 3 times this year, where it used to be a regular thing. 

By purposefully spending more quality time with him, it will build our relationship. I am a firm believer in the fact that relationships ALWAYS require work. Even though they sure are a lot of work, the rewards are amazing.

Go On A Coffee Date (Or A Few) With a Friend

I have lots of acquaintances, but other than my family I don’t really have any local friends. I guess I haven’t “found the one” yet, with whom I really click. Here’s a little something about me: I am pretty introverted and awkward unless you really know me. I have a hard time making friends, and I have always thought of myself as a bit complicated. I honestly don’t know how to explain it. 

I am REALLY BAD at asking people to do things with me, and I have never been “that girl” to go on brunch dates with all her best friends and cheers to mimosas. Sometimes this takes a toll on my mental well being, and other times I am thankful for it. (See? Complicated!) So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and asked my neighbor acquaintance out for coffee. I will let you know how it goes. I absolutely wouldn’t mind doing more things like that, though. I’m not looking for a night at the bar, or to go to a big extravagant party. Having someone to hang out with (socially distanced of course) for coffee and cake on the regular would be amazing.

Write & Publish More

Why on earth is it that all my posts are so darn long? Oh, that’s right… I need to write and publish more. You see, it’s not that I have lots to say, it’s more like I have lots of thoughts that need sorting. Writing and publishing helps me sort those thoughts and feelings out. Easily put, I feel at peace and productive when I’m writing.

I would like to note that I already write quite often. I just don’t publish everything that I write. I think some of you may question my sanity if I did. I do already have a couple other posts written, in fact. I just need to push that publish button. I need to get back into my blogging mojo.

How about you? What do you do when you CLEARLY need to take more time for yourself?