topic Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025 in Wellness Warriors

Wellness In Progress: April 2025

itsfi — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:59:24 GMT

April 2025 BWell Card

We're already into month 4, BIC. I don't now about you, but keeping up with some wellness activities has been a bit more challenging lately. Incorporating a few new activities to this wellness bingo board this month to help with a refresh to our self care activities.

▶️ How To Play - There are several ways to go about this wellness challenge, including, but not limited to:

Go for BINGO, 5 consecutive squares, whether they be 5 squares in a row, in a column or diagonal
Pick a row or column and work your way through the activity noted - you can aim to do a square a day, moving on to another row or column each week.
You can pick a different square you want to work on for each week
Select activities that interest you or challenge you and work towards checking off those squares
Choose at random what self-care activity you want to engage in for the day

Feel free to check back in weekly, periodically or near the end of the month with your progress on your BWell Card. We love hearing about and being inspired by what you're doing for your self-care.

☑️ How Do I Earn A Square? - Do an activity that fits within the activity described in the square. For a more detailed description of the self-care activities listed in the squares or examples of how you might go about those activities, check out April 2025 BWell Activities. These are just examples or suggestions, of course; if you have a self-care activity that falls within that description, mark off that square as being completed! Feel free to share your progress and activtities you've undertakend.

⚠️ Make Adjustments As Needed - We are all at different stages of our wellness / self-care journey. While it can be good to challenge ourselves, sometimes, it's best to take make adjustments. I'm not at expert at this at all, and if there's an activity that is not something you are ready for, or one that you should not engage in, make the adjustments you need to, or just skip that square altogether.

Be Safe. Consider weather conditions and your health and physical condition before engaging in any activities listed. For activities you're unsure of, especially the physial ones, before starting an activity, consult with your physician or health care professional before make any adjustments, if and as appropriate.

Duration For Activities. As you will see, some activities include in parenthesis a time period. These are arbitrary and should be taken as a suggestion. If you are able to safely spend more time performing the activty, go for it. If it's better to start out with a shorter time period, do so. If you're starting out or are aware of certain conditions that may make it more challenging to engage in the activity listed, please discuss with your physician or health care provider before starting, and adjust accordingly.

Practicing wellness is a process, one that takes time and effort. Sometimes it's about finding what works for you, while other times, it's all about hitting your stride and maintaining your routine. We have our good days ... and our bad ones. Self-care can be a very personal effort - what works for one person may not work for someone else. And, that's okay. It doesn't hurt to have some support and encouragement along the way. Or just knowing that there are others working towards wellness. Wellness takes work. Let's do the work together, BIC!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

itsfi — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:56:39 GMT

Description and examples of the wellness activities for the April BWell card by row. There are some oldies-but-goodies as well as new activities included for this month. Excited to see what activities everyone undertakes.

FIRST ROW:

* Soak Up The Sun (Remember SPF): If the sun is out where you live, take advantage of it and get some vitamin D in the process, and remember sunscreen! Some outdoor activities you might consider include:

- having a picnic with family and/or friends

- going for a brief walk with a coworker during lunch or for coffee break

- gardening - fruits, veggies, herbs, plants, flowers

- going for a walk before or after dinner with your pets, neighbors, friends, family

* Motivational Quote(s): Is or has there been a quote or quotes that you find motivating or uplifting, be it about self-care or otherwise? Take some time during the day to give it some thought, to really soak it in.

* Practice Gratitude: What or who are the things or people you are grateful for? Some examples for practicing gratitude, include but are not limited to:

- Making an effort / carving out time in your day to be (more mindful) of the people, events and things in your life this week that you are thankful for

- Letting someone know in an email, text, in person, etc. that you are grateful/thankful for them or for something they did

- Writing in a journal about the people, things you appreciate

* Seasonal Fruits & Veggies: Incorporate seasonal fruits & veggies into your meals and snacks - if you don't have seasonal fruits and vegetables readily available to you, go with the ones you have. Make a delicious salad, juice, smoothie, meal, or just munch on them by themselves.

* Read - Audiobook - Podcast - TV / Movie: Give yourself a time out from the demands of your day and unwind for 10, 15, 20, 30 minutes or an hour or two this month with a book, audiobook, podcast, TV or movie.

SECOND ROW:

* Hydrate: Whether it's eight (8) - 8 oz of water, half your body weight or some other figure, get in your daily water intake. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

* Compliment Yourself: For many of us, there are far easier things to do than compliment ourselves, but saying positive things about ourselves to ourselves or out loud can foster a balanced, internal dialogue, even if it may feel awkward. A few things to consider trying include:

- Mindfulness: Reflecting on your positive qualities. Start with just one.

- Morning affirmations or Evening Reflections: Start your day with positive, encouraging words, or end your day reflecting on something great that day. Or, do both.

- Acknowledge your achievements, big or small.

- Write down things you appreciate about yourself. It's okay to start with just one, as well.

- Acknowledge and accept the compliments or kudos you've received from others.

Have a Healthy Meal: Whether you're cooking at home, going out, getting take-out, reheating leftovers, etc., sit down, slow down, and practice self-care by nourishing your body with a healthy meal.

Aromatherapy: Fragrance can help to calm or lift your mood. It can evoke nostalgia, transport you back in time, bring back memories and feelings. Light a candle, diffuse essential oil, reach for your wax melt. Or spritz your favorite perfume or use a scented body lotion or shower gel. Or fill your home with fresh flowers or herbs, from your garden, a nursery or florist, the local farmer's market, etc.

Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep - a well rested brain and body - can play a crucial role in our wellness, our wellbeing. It can be hard to make time for it with all the things we have on our plates, but every effort counts. A few ways to prioritize sleep include:

- Limiting your screen time or unplug from electronics as you prepare for bed

- Creating a wind-down pre-sleep routine and work on keeping to it consistently
- Going to bed and wake up at the same time every day
- Avoiding a large meal, alcohol, and caffeine before bed

THIRD ROW:

* Pay It Forward: This square involves doing a good deed for someone else, with no expectation to receive anything in return. There are several ways to "pay it forward", including, but not limited to:

- Being kind: Offer a sincere and meaningful compliment. Actively listen to someone when they're speaking.

- Being courteous: Let someone go in front of you in line at the store, on the road. Return someone else's shopping cart.

- Being grateful: Be grateful for the kindness of others; accept someone else's help or offer for help.

- Being generous: Offer to help someone with their errands, chores. Share your knowledge, skillset, expertise.

- Being positive: Offer kind and encouraging words to someone.

- Donate: your time, money, or goods. If you're spring cleaning your house, consider donating clothing to a shelter or canned food to your local food bank

- Volunteer: your time at a local animal shelter, soup kitchen, place of worship, retirement home, etc.

* Music - Listen, Play, Sing, Dance - do one, all or any combination of these activities with your favorite tunes. Use music to jumpstart your morning, put some pep in your step in the afternoon, and/or help you to slow down and unwind in the evening.

* Free Space: This is your square to check off for doing something related to your wellness, or, doing nothing at all (which, for some of us, may be one of the most meaningful forms of self-care).

* Try / Do Something New-To-You: Has there been a new coffee drink you've been wanting to try? A puzzle, game, or activity you've been wanting to give a go? A lipstick or sheet mask in you current collection you haven't gotten around to using? A hair care product or fragrance you've been eyeing for the spring savings event? Or a new form of exercise that has piqued your interest? Give it a try.

* Hit "Pause" (10 Minutes😞 Sometimes we just need a breather, to take a "pause" in our day. Whether it's giving yourself a "time-out" to just exhale or stopping to smell the roses / flowers (or picking up a small bouquet), take 10 minutes (or two 5-minute breaks) in your day to just take a breather.

FOURTH ROW:

* Work Towards Letting Go ... Of A Bad Habit: We all have them. Whether it's leaving the lights on, not getting enough sleep, checking your phone while someone's talking to you, spending too much time on social media, neglecting yourself, etc. Take a step, even if it's baby steps, towards resolving the bad habit or reducing its negative impact.

* Quiet Time - Journal - Meditate - Breathe: Carve out 5+ minutes to reflect on your day, whether at the start of it, in the middle of it, or at the end of it.

* Treat Yourself: What does it look like to treat yourself this month? Is it a cup of coffee? Brunch with friends? An extra 10 minutes in the shower? Picking up a new pair of shoes or lipstick? Getting a mani or pedi? Going for a leisurely walk? Doing something fun and creative? Go for it.

* Quality Time with Loved Ones: be it your partner, significant other, family, friends, fur babies. Carve out time to be with the ones you love and who love you.

* Exercise (30 minutes😞 Are you into yoga? running? boxing? HIIT? weight lifting? barre? hockey? cycling? soccer? swimming? walking? hiking? Let's get our bodies moving! Make adjustments as necessary for your physical condition. Remember to be mindful of your limits and be safe. Consult with your physician or healthcare provider, if and as necessary.

FIFTH ROW:

* Digital Detox Before Bed (30 Minutes): Electronics off, cell phones and laptops put away (unless you use an app like Headspace or a Kindle for reading to unwind), at least half an hour before it's time to turn off the lights and call it a night. If 30 minutes is too much, start out with 5 or 10 minutes (or a period you're comfortable with) and work your way up.

* Springtime Stroll: If it's safe to do so, head outside and get some fresh air. Ahhhh! Go for a leisurely (or fast) walk or hike. Depending on the weather where you live, you may need to bundle up before heading outdoors - for some of us, it's still chilly (and possibly wet or snowy) this time of year - or it may be best to just stay indoors. Remember sunscreen, to stay hydrated, and for some of us, to be prepared for battling seasonal allergies.

* Financial Wellness: Financial well-being is a form of self care, and can take on many approaches, including but not limited to the following:

- Create a realistic and reasonable monthly budget

- Track your spending, on your own, through an app, etc.

- Set financial goals for the future, on your own or with a financial advisor

- Listen to a financial, money or investment related podcast

- Save money every month - to invest, for a treat, etc.

- Hit "refresh" - not all of us are great with managing our money. We may have some habits we need to let go of or manage better, be it with past expenditures, etc. Here's a chance to do some financial "spring cleaning" - out with old bad habits, and in with better ones.

* Revisiting Resolutions: For those who made resolutions at the beginning of the year, here's a chance to revisit them - how are you doing? Are they ones you want to or should continue with - or work on restarting? For those who have rotating goals throughout the year, how's it going? Anything that needs to be revisited? Here's a chance to pick something we chose to work on (or want to start/restart working on) and give it a fresh start.

* Stretch (30 Minutes😞 Go for a full body stretch or focus on one or more body parts. For example, if you sit in front of a computer all day, consider spending a good chunk of this time on your hands and wrists, along with your neck, shoulders and core. If you stand all day, maybe you want to focus some extra time on your legs and back.

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

Samtian — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:04:08 GMT

Let's get this party started!

Soak up the sun- I had 2 days of a photography workshop...and you aren't going to believe this...but I wore sunscreen! It smelled divine. First day I applied it once, and only a little redness on the bridge of my nose. I had high hopes! Next day I applied every 2 hours and I got burnt!
Motivational Quotes- Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. I am the kind of person that is like a coward. I won't do things because fear of failure is one of my biggest fears. I have to try to overcome that, especially if I want to be a better photographer.
Practice Gratitude- I was extremely grateful for the instructors and sponsors at the workshop.
Seasonal Fruits- I don't know about seasonal but today I had some glazed pineapple, and I don't like pineapple. So I'm counting that.
Hydrate- I finished a Cirkul flavor the other day.
Compliment Myself- During the shoots I was thinking...I TOOK THAT?!
Have a Healthy Meal- I'm going to say the tacos I had were healthy, if it's not fast food I say it's healthy.
Pay if forward- At my next event there's a lot of classes available but you can only take 11. So I am going to share my notes with someone else who is new there for a class I got they didn't.
Try something new- I tried videography....that'll be a major work in progress.
Hit pause- Friday I was having really really bad anxiety while trying to drive to Utah and in SLC, let me tell you Utah drivers are almost as bad as NYC drivers...almost. I've driven SLC a lot but for some reason my body was freaking out, lack of sleep didn't help. Once I got to my destination I had to pause and wind down.
Work towards better habits- I am an over eater, I eat way more than I need to. I'm trying to cut back on eating so much.
Exercise- During a photoshoot there is a lot of squats happening. I had 2 days worth. Plus walking in sand.

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

itsfi — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:40:51 GMT

Wow, wow, wow @Samtian! 👀 Look at all those squares. 😍😍😍 Talk about getting the party started! We all have self-care focused activities that are more challenging for us than others. That being said, I'm looking at your check-in here, and I'm just gobsmacked!! and inspired by the activities you chose to work on - there are definitely quite a few that are objectively harder to do or work towards. Brava to you!!! 👏👏 (btw, love the confetti to mark off a square! ❤️)

That Fenty SPF is a good one; it's well liked by others here on BIC, including myself and I think @danielledanielle as well. 👍 I'm particularly pleased you wore sunscreen. 🙌 Your photography workshop sounds amazing. It's been really heartwarming for me to hear that you are attending these workshops. You have a gift for it and, it's just very touching to see and hear the ways you work on your craft! And, yes, "YOU took that shot!" You're a phenomenal photographer, samtian!

Yum, tacos! I love tacos. 🌮 *adding tacos to my list of things to make. Nom, nom, nom. Also a fave among some BIC folks - am I right, @Shosh85?!!

Wait, wait, wait, you don't like pineapple?! Samtian!!! 😲 First, avocaDOs and now, pineapple. You're killing me. 😟

and by "a little bit high", I mean really high! Excellent, excellent work!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

ather — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:38:42 GMT

Today I went for a walk outside with my weighted vest for 42 minutes! I also had my spf on!!!!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

ather — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:42:01 GMT

@Samtian Wow!!! Amazing work! I agree tacos are healthy! I make them at home and I add black beans to give extra fibre!!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

itsfi — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:51:26 GMT

It's great to get outside, and yaaay to sunscreen! Oh, a weighted vest @ather? I'm going to have to look into that more. I have to share that when I first read your post (too hastily, clearly), I read it as you wore a 42 lbs weighted vest and my whole body hurt thinking about that. 🤣 42 minutes is an impressive amount of time to be walking with weights as well though!!! Wow, look at you! 💪

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

ather — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 02:25:19 GMT

@itsfi Omg I think I would die with a 42 pound vest on. Some days the 20 pounds is to heavy!! But most days my 20 pounds feels good! Yes! You need to look into it. I like it’s an easy add on and under my coat it is hidden! Summer won’t be hidden but for now it is! We have a loop we do it’s around 35-42 minutes depending how slow we walk. There’s 2 playgrounds on route so we stop and let little man play but I pause my walk. So I was outside closer to 1.5 hours!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

itsfi — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:00:10 GMT

Okay, first wellness in progress check-in for April and, not too bad! I had fun with the activities in the squares marked with the green leaf 🌿

Seasonal Fruits & Veggies: Been going to the farmer's market every other week or so, to pick up some fruits and vegetables.

Hydrate: I've been paying extra attention to meeting my daily target for how much water I drink, and have gone back to adding seasonal fruits and herbs to my water.

Prioritize Sleep: Was getting over a cold and seasonal allergies so prioritizing sleep was much easier to do.

Pay It Forward: While grabbing a bite to eat the other day with a friend, the waiter was curious about my . I had just opened a new one and decided he could have it - gotta keep people in the know about Touchland, right?! 😉

Try / Do Something New-To-You: Oh, this was interesting ... I've never done it before but I tried (with help from some little hands) to do origami. It was an opportunity for both of us to practice patience. 😅

Treat Yourself: Oh, I have, and we're not even halfway through April. It seems there are a few sales, events and releases taking place this month (not just beauty products either - see), and I've given myself some license to pick up a few "nice to have" things. The "Financial Wellness" square will be marked off soon; I've been working on a plan for a low buy / no spend season starting at the end of this month and ideally going through summer. Inspiration for this a financial wellness square was born of a post from @AMK721 a couple (?) of months back and talking about the varied and different forms of wellness with @Samtian and some friends outside of BIC.

Exercise (30 Minutes): I went for a few long walks when the sun was out and the weather warmer, and for those days when it's nicer to work out indoors, I've been working with weights a bit at home. That said, I'm very intrigued by @ather's weighted vest (though something under 20 lbs to start off for me), so that is on my list to look into this weekend.

Work Towards Letting Go ... of a Bad Habit: I've been making a more concentrated effort to not skip breakfast, especially during the week; I'm better about it on the weekends. I've been working on sitting down to breakfast 3 out of the 5 days, with something more than just coffee. ☕ It's definitely been a work in progress but I was able to get in 3 days this week 👍 - blueberries and nectarines with a drizzle of agave nectar over either oatmeal one day and then over Greek yogurt another, and then a spinach and mushroom scramble one other day. Once the weather warms up more consistently, green smoothies should slot in nicely for the other 2 days.

Have A Healthy Meal: Went for a salad bowl at a new-to-me eatery. It sure was yummy! 😋 I tried recreating it but it did not turn out nearly as tasty. I'll keep working on it.

Origami, Take 1 🎬: A lantern, hat, shrimp tail, and bunny. The shrimp tail was a team effort. Same with the hat and I was actually able to offer some help and guidance with this one. 😅 The bunny only looks remotely like a bunny because of someone else's origami and drawing skills. 🐰

There's actually quite a bit of salad in this bowl - it's just buried under all these toppings. 🥗

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

itsfi — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:12:25 GMT

That sounds like such a fun day @ather! And one that could fit the "Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones" square. 2 playgrounds?!!! The little guy must have had such a good time. It's awesome to see how much joy kids have running around and exploring the different structures (or just the open space) at playgrounds!

20 lbs?!!! That's impressive. I think I'm going to get a weighted vest; ideally, something that's adjustable. I'll start out with light weights and work my way up. Slowly. But, surely. But ... slowly. 😆

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

CorgiMommy — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:24:03 GMT

I love your origami and that bowl looks delicious @itsfi

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

CorgiMommy — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:27:23 GMT

@ather sounds like fun, nothing like a walk to refresh and clear your mind

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

CorgiMommy — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:47:41 GMT

Went on a Spa Spring Break this month which really helped fill my bingo card.

Soak up the sun - love a good walk to enjoy the day

Seasonal fruits and veggies - i am a five a day girl when it comes to this

Read audio book, etc - does reading the London travel guide count?

Hydrated - after being sick last month with the stomach bug, trying to keep ahead of my hydration needs

Aromatherapy - love my essential oils!

Priorize sleep - I have a set sleep routine and have been working on sticking to it

Music - spring cleaning time is music time

Try something new - tried Aqua Sound Bathing while on vacation. It is super cool

Hit pause - working on quiet time every day

Quiet time- see above

Treat yourself - three day spa vacation was a real treat

Spend time with loved ones - 85° day means a trip to the brewery patio with my spouse and one of my corgis

Exercise - I try to get 45 minutes everyday

Digital Detox - been doing this all year. It has improved my sleep immensely

Spring time stroll - i love a daily walk

Revisit resolutions - i planned and booked my London trip!!!!

Stretch - rediscovered yoga

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

CorgiMommy — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:45:07 GMT

That photography workshop sounds awesome @Samtian

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

curlychiquita — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:02:07 GMT

Ooh, a London trip! I love London, @CorgiMommy!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

curlychiquita — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:03:58 GMT

Sounds like a great photography workshop. Good for you for wearing sunscreen, @Samtian!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

curlychiquita — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:04:36 GMT

I love your origami, @itsfi!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

curlychiquita — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:05:19 GMT

Impressive walk, @ather!

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

CorgiMommy — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:46:22 GMT

My resolution this year was to stop talking about doing things and start doing them. London is one of those things, can't wait. @curlychiquita

Re: Wellness In Progress: April 2025

Samtian — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 02:10:29 GMT

@itsfi 😈 Yep I don't like pineapple! Kiwi, coconut, or strawberries.