5 AFFORDABLE WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE

 

What is self-care?

The “technical” definition is: the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”.

I’m all about holistic or natural treatments so would you think I would have this down to a science, right?  NOPE!  I struggle with practice self-care, like I’m sure many do.  The benefits of better physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being should be enough of a reason for me to at least attempt it once a month, right?  Research suggests self-care promotes positive health outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer, and becoming better equipped to manage stress.  I definitely could use some more tools in managing stress!

Self-care can get pretty expensive but you don’t have to break the bank or carve out lots of time to reap the benefits.  These may seem like no-brainers BUT the truth is, how many of us actually do them?  

#1 – DON’T SKIP USING YOUR VACATION TIME

Vacations can be expensive, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some time off.  Did you know,  most Americans, cumulatively wasted 768 million vacation days in 2019. I know, then COVID hit so many used their vacation time to stay home to care for family.  Time off from work can improve your mental and physical health, give you a mental edge when it comes to productivity, and keep you excited about your job — and your life.

Vacation can be more affordable with a little bit of creativity. Consider going with friends or family and getting a vacation rental.  We loved the cabin we stayed in when we were in Florida.  Instead of shelling out for a hotel, share a comfortable home, condo, or apartment then enjoy everything your destination has to offer. When you save on accommodations, you can splurge on great local restaurants, music, and water recreation, too. 

#2 – CARVE OUT TIME FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP

No matter what your struggles are in daily life, speaking with a counselor might help. This one was always tough for me.  I was afraid it would be considered a sign of weakness.  Counseling helps people identify negative patterns, make changes to take control of their lives, and discover their personal strengths.  I’m grateful for the 12-steps in my recovery program to help me do this too.  Cost should no longer be a reason for not seeking help – if you have employer-sponsored healthcare, a policy through a health insurance exchange, or Medicaid, mental health is likely part of the package.  Check it out!

#3 – GET BETTER (AND MORE) SLEEP

Did you know a lack of sleep can affect your mental health and your overall psychological state?  I know we feel grump, or at least I do, when we don’t get enough sleep.  I was surprised that it also worsens depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety issues, and ADHD.   Do you have a bedtime routine?  Remember how we always had one for the kids?  Guess what?  We need one too.  I have found  sticking with a schedule helps me decompress and prepare for quality rest. I may not get the recommended 7 – 9 hours sleep (who does) but I do average between 6 – 7 hours which definitely makes a difference for me.  Some tips for getting into a sleepy mood: journaling, reading or meditating before bed can help.  TURN OFF your electronics about an hour before bed.  I know this could be the toughest thing.  LOL. Try to keep your bedroom as neat as possible; if the place where you sleep is a disorganized mess, you may find this level of chaos is causing a spike in your stress levels, which can disrupt your sleep.

#4 – GET A LITTLE EXERCISE

You know exercise is great for your body. However, you don’t need a gym membership to take advantage of the benefits  Plus, there are mental health benefits built into your sweat session, no matter where you have it. Physical activity can decrease depression and anxiety.  You don’t need to pay for a gym to lift weights or use machines. Old-fashioned bodyweight workouts require minimal, if any, equipment, and it can be just as effective as hitting the gym.  How many of you have exercise equipment (stationary bike, elliptic or something like this) you bought and it is collecting dust in the garage?  Pull it out!  We bought a stationary bike about 15 years ago and it wasn’t until we moved to our forever home I started using it every day for 15 – 30 minutes.  Not a lot but it is definitely making a difference.

Here’s a plus for seniors: If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can take advantage of the SilverSneakers program, which allows you to enjoy workouts at participating fitness facilities without having to pay any additional fees. 

#5 – STEP OUTSIDE & ENJOY NATURE

There are multiple benefits by walking in nature for your mental health — and it’s free. Spending time outside can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and myriad other conditions.  No matter where you live, there’s likely a park or nature trail nearby you can take advantage of. Take a walk around your neighborhood. Enjoy the sunshine (things are warming up in NJ), smell the flowers (spring is coming), and start feeling more energized without spending a dime.

Although you can spend a lot of money on self-care, it’s not necessary. With these easy ideas, you can glean all the stress-reducing benefits of self-care right away.

What self-care strategies work for you?  Share your best tips with us.  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Fall Bag Trends

Fall may not officially be here BUT the kids are back to school and we know the cooler weather is coming, right?  Are you looking for a fashion refresh this fall? I’m definitely not a fashionista when it comes to clothes but I am grateful Thirty One keeps me on trend when it comes to my bags.  From trending colors and patterns to spotlight-stealing purse silhouettes, here are some top tips to update your look for the season.

Mandatory monograms: Long a staple of classic Southern style, embroidered monogramming has quickly taken hold in every region of the country as a sophisticated way to make stationery, totes, shirts and even front-door wreaths truly one-of-a-kind. Big or small, our embroidered initial and monogram designs are the perfect way to add a special touch to your look – or to create a treasured gift.

Get the look: Go big or go home with a Large Monogram on our Around Town® Tote, then embroider a sweet Rubie Mini to match! Choose a tone-on-tone shade for the ultimate in subtle sophistication, or coordinate perfectly with a single color that ties the two pieces together. Want a fool-proof tip? Play up a shade from one of our exclusive prints!

Mad for plaid I was never a fan of plaid, more the solid black kind of girl BUT I’m loving the new plaid patterns this year.  Playful patterns and creative color mixing are just some of the reasons we’re loving plaid this season. From designer couture and 2019 Fashion Week to top style influencers, you’ll be seeing chic checkered designs cropping up all season long. Admittedly, Thirty-One’s take on this hot trend is more “realway” than runway – which is great news for everyone looking to add a dash of gorgeous plaid to elevate their everyday look.

When it comes to plaid, black and white are anything but basic: Try a trend-right travel solution in Perfectly Plaid (shown above on our top-selling Away for the Weekender) or a handbag or crossbody style in Buffalo Check Pebble. And for a burst of seasonal color, accessorize with our new Charming Check Pebble in shades of navy, berry (shown below) and gold.

Berry in-demand:  Another trend right off the runway and poised to add polish to your look is Crushed Berry – a crave-worthy color super-saturated and super-versatile. Amp up your style quotient with the Diamond District handbag in this sophisticated shade, and make it mean even more with a petite and polished Embellished initial embroidered on the front pocket flap.

 

Want to go casual and conveniently hands-free for fall? This juicy hue looks fabulous on our best-selling Boutique Backpack and new Festival Mini Backpack. (Seriously, check out that Mini – it’s fun-sized!) You can also add a pop of Crushed Berry to jazz up your neutral handbag with a Rubie Mini, All About the Benjamins® wallet and new Fab Fob – all three of which you can personalize!

Exclusively yours: Let me help you get the girls together for an amazing time shopping Thirty-One, and you could earn our Hostess Exclusive All Weekend Tote for more than 60% off! It’s the perfect structured travel bag or carry-on with easy-care nylon and pebbled faux-leather details in this beautiful berry shade that’s just “ripe” for fall.

Clutch performance:  Trust us – this kind of glamour isn’t just for holiday parties anymore! (Although you will want to pick up this Forever Foldover Clutch in time for all those seasonal soirees.) Sparkle and shine with sequins or patent faux leather to dress up one of 2019’s hottest bag silhouettes: the party clutch.

Roomy but refined, Thirty One’s take on this style folds over and snaps down to make it easy to carry. And it wouldn’t be Thirty-One if we didn’t crank up the function factor: Side D-rings make this clutch easy to convert to a hands-free crossbody bag when you pick up a matching strap, while a zipper pocket and four credit card slots mean you can leave your wallet at home.

See all your Thirty-One must-haves for the season, plus amazing holiday gifts, in our fall Catalog.

Bonus tip: Love what you see, but would rather get it for half-price – or even earn it all for FREE? (And really, who wouldn’t?!) I can make it simple to Earn Rewards just for shopping and sharing the Thirty-One products you love with your friends and family!  We can do it online or in your home….

Have a blessed day!