Feeling Stressed? It’s Time for 'Me Time' (+ July 2024 Free Wallpaper)

Life can get super stressful with all our responsibilities. Between work, taking care of yourself, and maybe even a family, it's easy to forget about your own needs. While these responsibilities are important, making time for yourself is crucial too. Taking care of your mental health through a self-care routine can help you avoid burnout and resentment.

Self-care is vital for both your mental and physical health. It's not selfish; it's about honoring your needs and keeping your balance. You don't need to wait for a special day to start. Find a routine that works for you and stick with it.

Creating a self-care routine can be simple. Whether you add it to your morning routine or pick a day of the week for self-care, having a plan can help you stay healthy and balanced. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Steps to Start Your Self-Care Routine

1. Identify What Makes You Happy: Think about activities that bring you joy. Do you like journaling, hanging out with friends, meditating, or taking bubble baths?
2. List Your Favorite Activities: Write down 5-10 activities that make you feel good. These will be your go-to self-care practices.
3. Incorporate Small Moments: Self-care doesn’t have to be a big deal or expensive. Find small moments throughout the day to practice self-care, like a quick walk or a few minutes of meditation.
4. Use Positive Psychology Tips: Look into self-care tips from positive psychology. This could include journaling, meeting friends for coffee, or taking short trips.
5. Balance Daily and Occasional Activities: Plan for daily self-care practices and occasional activities. For example, enjoy a weekly hike or a monthly trip to the theater.

Overcoming Self-Care Guilt

It's normal to feel guilty when you start focusing on self-care. Remember, self-care isn't selfish. It makes sure your needs are met so you can help others effectively. Think of the oxygen mask analogy: you need to put on your mask first before assisting others.

Filling Your Emotional Cup

Your self-care routine should fit your life and health needs. Ask yourself what makes you happy. Is it a gratitude journal, a night out with friends, or a relaxing bath? These activities don’t have to be grand or costly. Small, regular moments of self-care can make a big difference.

Simplify Your Self-Care Routine

Sometimes, less is more. Consider cutting out activities that drain you, like too much social media. Focus on what fills your emotional cup and cut back on what depletes it. This approach can help you save your emotional energy and lead to positive outcomes.

By figuring out what makes you feel good and adding those activities into a self-care routine, you can keep a healthy balance and improve your overall well-being. Remember, self-care is about doing more of what makes you happy and less of what doesn’t.

Here's your July affirmation + intention (write it or repeat it out loud):

"I am healing & growing stronger every day."

How to Set the Wallpaper as Your Desktop Background

How to Set Up (Mac Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here.
2. Save the file to the Pictures folder on your Mac.
3. Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.
4. Go to Desktop & Screensaver.
5. In the left panel, go to Folders > Pictures.
6. Select the downloaded image.
7. Look at the wallpaper and repeat the affirmation aloud three times daily.

OR

1. Download this file: Click Here.
2. Save the file to a preferred folder.
3. Open the folder and right-click on the downloaded file.
4. Select Set Desktop Wallpaper.
5. Look at the wallpaper and repeat the affirmation aloud three times daily.

How to Set Up (PC/Windows Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here.
2. Click the Windows icon on the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Settings > Personalization.
4. Click on Background.
5. Set the dropdown to Picture and click Browse beneath the images that appear.
6. Select the downloaded file.
7. Look at the wallpaper and repeat the affirmation aloud three times daily.

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