Wellness In Progress: January 2025

[itsfi]

2025 is literally just days away, BIC! Let's start off the year strong with making our health, wellness and self-care one of our priorities. We can make it fun, too, with another game of wellness bingo! 

Self-care can be a very personal thing - what works for one person may not work for someone else. Practicing wellness is a process - it takes time and effort. We have our good days and bad days - moments when we are thriving; and others, where we need to pause, take a deep breath (or multiple ones, for that matter), and reset. But even as our self-care journey is a personal matter, support, encouragement and just knowing there's something there doesn't hurt. Wellness takes work. Let's do the work together, BIC!

▶️  How to play:  There are many different ways to take part in this wellness challenge. A few are mentioned in the spoiler below, but if you have a way to approach wellness bingo that works best for you, go for it!

Spoiler

• Treat it like a game of BINGO, except in this BIC-version, you are your own moderator, either (a) selecting which activities you want to engage in or (b) putting them into a random generator tool, blindly pointing at a square, or writing each activity (or each square) onto a piece of paper, placing all of them into a bowl and pulling one out each day you intend to undertake a wellness activity, and then doing that activity.
• You can aim to do 5 activities in a way that earns yourself a BINGO!  5 activities across the same row, down the same column or across diagonally from upper left corner to lower right, and/or upper right corner to lower left. OR
• You can just go about your day picking one activity to undertake and work towards doing all the activities on this B Well card (but see notes on making adjustments below).
• You can choose to go row by row or column by column each week. Thank you, @Mellmars1185, for sharing how you went about your wellness bingo last month. It's such a great approach!

🗒  Monthly Self-Care Activities:

• The self-care activities in the squares change from month-to-month, with some appearing in a previous month's bingo wellness card, and others being new or tailored to the specific month/season. 
• For a more detailed description of the activities in each of the squares above, click on this link ➡️ January 2025 Wellness Bingo Activities
• If you're interested in seeing what others have done for some of the activities being repeated, you may want to take a peek at some of the replies from other members of the Community in previous wellness challenge threads -Wellness In Progress: November 2024 and Wellness In Progress: December 2024.

🌟  Posting Your Self-Care Activities. This challenge is certainly one you can do on your own. It's also something we can take part in together. If you feel comfortable, share about the activities you did to earn each square by replying to this original post - with words, photos, and/or a pic of the bingo scorecard with the activity / activities you took part in crossed out. You can post weekly or at the end of the month, depending on your preference. We love hearing from the Community and have learned about new ways of doing things that we wouldn't have thought of otherwise. 

🎀  Make Adjustments As Needed. We are all at different stages of our wellness / self-care journey. While it cn 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 that you shouldn't engage in, make the adjustments you need to, or just skip that square altogether.

• Be safe. Consider weather conditions or where you are in your own wellness efforts. For instance, the second square in the last row is for a winter walk or hike - if it's storming outside or you're in an area where it is not safe to do this (e.g., weather advisory, shelter-in-place, etc.), then skip this one and stay indoors. Be safe. Also, for some of the activities listed in the boxes, particularly the physical ones, please consult with your physician or health care provider before starting, if and as appropriate, and adjust accordingly.
• Focus on one activity per week vs. one per day. We have BIC'ers who engage in wellness activities in some form every day, some more than one activity in a day. We also have BIC'ers who are starting out on their wellness journey or are coming back to self-care. There's be different objectives for each of us; make this work for you. If there's an activity in a square that you've been eyeing for whatever reason and you want to focus on that for the week, focus on working towards that activity for one day, two days, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 for the week. If there's another activity that piques your interest, give that a try for another week. 

⏲  Duration for Certain Activities. The time periods for certain activities included here are arbitrary.

• For example, the third square in the first row is for "Exercise (20 minutes)" - if you want or can do more than a 20 minutes, go for it. If you're starting out or if you're crunched for time, aim for 5 minutes and work up from there, when, if, and as appropriate for you.
• Same with the "Stretch (20 minutes)" in the third row, second square.
• If you're starting out or are aware of certain conditions that may make either a more challenging effort, please discuss these activities your physician or health care provider before starting, and adjust accordingly.

Excited for another month of wellness bingo, BIC. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year! 

[Shosh85]

Well, the last few were hard for me, and still a work in progress, but the board is now cleared 😉

 So, three of these kinda mesh together:

✅Quiet Time/Meditate/Journal, Practice Graditude, and Speak Kindly to Yourself.

Spoiler

For all of these I've found keeping a journal around to be very helpful, even a little one that fits in my purse, so I can jot things down when I'm out and about. 👇

Quite time:
Before bed, after I've written in my journal and read a little, I'm trying to just lay down with an eye steamer mask and just do nothing. This doesn't sound like much, but it's hard for me to just do nothing/not multi-task - especially having two very needy autistic kids. 

Journal, Practice Gratitude, Speak Kindly to Yourself:
This is where the handy notebooks come in. I use them to jot down quotes or thoughts I have throughout the day and to kind of recap my day, including everything below 👇 

Most recently, for Practicing Gratitude, I wrote that I'm thankful I have all my limbs, but also thankful for the inspiration that others bring who don't. There are SO many things, like having all four limbs, that we take for granted. I try and count my blessings daily.

Speaking Kindly to Myself is probably the hardest for me -and always has been. This will always be something I need to work on. Most recently though, especially after reading stories on how some parents treat their children, I try to remind myself on a daily basis that, I'm a good mother and I'm doing the best I can and the progress my kids are showing prove that.

✅Prioritize Sleep

Spoiler

This is another hard one. I can't always control how much sleep I get at night because of my kids, but what I have been trying to do is take naps while they're in therapy during the day. Even if it's just 45 minutes it really helps. It's amazing how sleep can affect your brain - your attitude/mood, thoughts, outlook on life, etc. So I've allowed myself to try and stop doing EVERYTHING and take some time to just sleep and rest my brain. 

✅ Hydrate

Spoiler

Honestly, I'm pretty good at staying hydrated, thanks to water enhancers. I can't just drink straight water, like seriously, I just can't stand plain water. These water enhancers are a game changer for me. They add flavor, vitamins and sometimes caffeine, if I need it, and are sugar-free. I don't always use the same brand and I'm always trying out different flavors, which kinda makes drinking water fun and more motivating. This is just an example of one that I use 👇

✅Free Space

Spoiler

Two other things I've been working on is learning to breath and learning to ask for help.

When I feel overwhelmed or anxious, I've been reminding myself to take a minute and just take deep breaths - this is something that's incredibly simple, but has also proven to be very effective/helpful

I've always been super independent and have always hated asking for help - I'd avoid it like the plague..... but I've realized that asking for help is ok, it does not make me weak - if anything it actually makes me stronger. I'm learning to just let go a little.

My kids get Developmental Disabilities Services and part of those services is having access to a personal support worker or respite care provider, which I have never taken advantage of until just recently. They are just an extra person I can have around to help with the kids, give them rides to and from therapy, go on outings (even just to the grocery store,) and just give me support and advice. I haven't been set up with someone yet, but I have taken the first step in requesting one. I know this will help tremendously - my kids can be very challenging, so having a little extra support will be nice.    

[Titian06]

Excellent, @Shosh85 ! 🎉💕😍

[Shosh85]

Thank you so much @Titian06!  😃

[peculiarzmakeup]

Congrats on completing your wellness board. That is such a beautiful journal! You are so thoughtful and love your intentions with each square. Thank you for being open with your experiences and I think your doing amazing, some days are more challenging but I’m glad your acknowledging all the incredible things you do. You’re always so kind. I have an older younger sister I don’t know how to say that I’m the oldest but she’s older than my younger sister who has PDD and is on the spectrum. I hope you can grab a Carmel apple spice again! Have a wonderful Sunday ❤️❤️ @Shosh85 

[Shosh85]

Thank you so much, @peculiarzmakeup! I've really enjoyed your participation in this thread, all the experiences you've shared and all the encouragement you've given! 😊
I haven't known you long but can tell you are a genuinely kind person - your sisters are lucky to have you!

Great job clearing the board! Woo hoo! 👏 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Same here! I feel the same way about your contributions and you are so kind too! I really appreciate you! And everyone here it’s such a community such of good hearted people talking about all things makeup and life! I’m so glad to interact! @Shosh85  ❤️❤️☺️

[itsfi]

I let out so many "yesssss!!!" as I was reading through your wellness activities for the week! 💖 

A lot of the self-care exercises you find challenging, I do as well. We share quite a few commonalities - beyond just sheet masks - and I am more grateful for that than you know. I appreciate what you shared and am bookmarking this post to refer back to.

A huge "yes" to quiet time, being still, breathing and so much more. I love that you mentioned focusing on breathing. It was tentatively on the list for next month's squares but now, it is confirmed. And being still will make its way to a square at some point. I like that how you are incorporating it with using a steam eye mask. Semi-recently, a business associate encouraged me to block out a day, half a day, a couple of hours (I was clearly not fully on board with the suggestion to block out a full day and so the duration suggested kept being reduced more and more) and calendar it as "Do Nothing". I haven't really gotten around to that but I may try it next month, though we may start more at the let's be still and do nothing for a few minutes here ... a few there ... Truly a work in progress. While you say it may not sound like a lot to be still, I think it is hard to do and truly commend you for making the effort. #inspired

Love the notepads. I have a mini in my purse, too - it comes in handy! The cover on yours are so fun! If you were to permit me to write in one of yours (or maybe both? 😉), I would write "@Shosh85  , you are a good mom. You are."

[Shosh85]

@itsfi  I really appreciate you putting this thread together! This has definitely been such a fun way to motivate more self-wellness! It's a great reminder that even the littlest things can make a big impact. Being able to check off completed activities is so satisfying, but also being able to come back and share experiences with others here has made it even more rewarding. ❤️

We definitely have more in common than just beauty, and I truly love that about our friendship! We just get each other 😊 

[itsfi]

@Shosh85, it really has been such a joy to see you on the threads! Ha, I completely agree - checking off the boxes adds a fun element to this, it's like checking things off your "to do" list; definitely feels satisfying. I'm so happy to hear this has been a fun way to approach self-care. Activities get shuffled in and out to keep things interesting and new and exciting; it's such a treat to be able to hear what others are doing. Some are fresh spins on traditional approaches and others are novel ways to go about a wellness activity - love it!! 💗

[peculiarzmakeup]

Wellness Board (Full Board + Reflections 🤩)

Today is my one year mark since joining BIC so that is also contributing to wellness everyday in amazing ways. It’s so exciting to me! 🎉🎉🎉

Hand/Nail Care

+ Foot Care

For this I used the lovely 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Mini Gift Set 

It has helped exfoliate and soothe my skin and has helped with dryness! They smell so nice too my favorite is the lavender scent! 

Winter Walk Or Hike

It has been in the -negatives here for weather so returning home I was not able to complete this although I did do the stairmaster and road a bike while watching a scenic view, I always love that I feel like I’m really in the element!

Hair/Scalp Care

I definatley admit I have to get back to using my tools more frequently, I did try a new product which I used consistently and it seemed to work well. It was an Opalex Conditioner 🙂 

Tool Time Self Care

It has been so great discovering so many amazing tools in the 2025 Skincare Check-In Challenge: Week 3 - Try out tools! 

I think prioritizing what would be helpful for me has helped with self care and being more mindful in the moment to make sure those things are set up.

Free Space

I did two activities that were fun! I braided my sisters hair and encouraged her to do the beads herself! It was like 12 separate braids she asked me to redo them but they turned out so nice! I also wanted to help my sister and her friend with their little project called (loom girls, so cute 🥰) they make bracelets so I was taught how to make one and I really enjoyed it.

Reflections

I found this wellness calender to be so inspiring I feel like all these things are interwoven in wonderful ways and it’s so neat to see how each individual does their squares! Great insights and ideas, thoughtful contributions. This has certainly aided in wellness. Yay What’s it called when you get all the squares?

BWELL 💖💖💖

[itsfi]

Nice work @peculiarzmakeup! 😁

The colors you used in your bracelet are so pretty! It sounds like you and your sister have had such an amazing time together. 💖

Funny you mentioned the 54 Thrones; I pulled out one of my mini / travel sized ones - my hands were happy with it! 

Oooh, you've cleared the BIC BWell bingo board. 🙌 And, @Shosh85, too! Woohoo!! What do you think you'll do for this last week? You could start fresh with the board and pick at random, go down a column or row or diagonal. Or, you could pick the squares that represent how you best care for your wellbeing? You could pick the squares that are more challenging for you to check off, or that are newer to you? Or, you could also just give yourself the week off if that itself is a form of self care. Or some combination of these?

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much! @itsfi  I know the 54 thrones really comes in handy! I love the little sample size ones! And woooo congrats to @Shosh85  reading everyone’s experience is also a free space it leaves me very uplifted! I like the idea of revisiting some of the more challenging ones. I always see you make beautiful reflections or summaries I think summarizing the experience with each looking back on the month could be another one. Love how this challenge creates so many ways for wellness ❤️

[Shosh85]

@peculiarzmakeup  Yay! Nice job clearing the board... with still a week left! 🙌 This little card of wellness has definitely helped me stay focused and motivated - so happy to hear/see it has helped you as well! 😃

I really love how you spend time with your sister! I'm sure it means a lot to her and I know she'll appreciate it even more as she gets older! 
The bracelets look fun and turned out super cute! When I was in middle school making those bracelets (keychains sometimes too) was very popular- we used to make friendship bracelets for our besties 😉

I haven't seen/heard of that 54 Thrones set - it looks great! Anything with the word "butter" on it always lures me in 😉 Glad to hear it's been helping combat dryness! Definitely need that this time of year 🥶

What tool is your favorite to use/the one your most consistent with? I have the tendency to get excited about a tool, use it consistently for about a week then get lazy and get out of the habit. 😅

[peculiarzmakeup]

I love these cards! I always tend to think of the card when I’m doing the activity and that just adds the best feeling to it like I remember when I did a walk I was like “ooo Excersize for 20 square 🤩”

Thank you! It’s definatley so fun to see that kiddo grow up. When I read “anything with butter in it” I smiled because that’s totally what drew me trying the sample for it I’m like it says butter it has to be fantastic! That’s a great question! I am the same way the most consistent tool I use is the SEPHORA COLLECTION Metal Facial Razor for Dermaplaning I do this once monthly with a cleansing balm my favorite duo to use would be 

Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover 1.9 oz / 54 g  and Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil Mini 0.8 oz/ 24 mL 

I also have this cleansing balm that was designed by an estitichian and it smells like a dreamsicle it’s called Limpiya by Boho

what tool would you say you use most often? 🙂

oh yes and friendship bracelets! The best 🙂 @Shosh85  

[Shosh85]

@peculiarzmakeup  I'm with you on the dermaplaning! Your skincare routine used with it sounds great - especially the creamsicle part 😋

I would have to say that's a tool I'm always consistent with using as well - gotta get rid of that peach fuzz!

I think the only other tools I'm super consistent with using is my scalp massager and neck massager 😃 One of these days I'm going to buy myself a red light therapy mask - I feel like I could be consistent with it since it's hands-free 😉

[peculiarzmakeup]

Haha 🤣 i have to remember it’s not edible sometimes!! Yes Dermaplaning and peach fuzz so relatable. I love your other tools as well! I think I might need to try something like that. Always so much inspiration here 🤩 @Shosh85 

[peculiarzmakeup]

I tried to edit this on a photo editor description below 

Blue Completed In Prior Weeks

Purple Triangles This Week (and the heart around music) 

Practice Gratitude 

Ive been keeping a daily list in my notes section and that has really been so positive and uplifting 

Listen to Music

Listening to music while exercising or while doing tasks has made me more present my music I love country and just about everything.

Speak Kindly to Myself 

Practicing mindfullness has really helped me catch myself and form more positive thinking I feel I am forming better awareness which contributes to wellness greatly! 

Motivational Quote

“You're always afraid to take that first step because all you see is every negative thing ten miles down the road. But you can do anything you want.You are bound by nothing, what are you passionate about? What do you want?”- Robin Williams 

I Just love everything about this quote it helps get me centered

Hot Drink

Tea daily getting over the flu and tea is delicious 

Audio Book 

“Let Them” - Mel Robbin’s 

has lots of insight and good lessons

❤️

[itsfi]

Ahhhh, it looks and sounds like this was a lovely week for you @peculiarzmakeup (minus the being sick - sorry, that's no fun, hope you are feeling better). Love your quote - it reminds me of one in a journal I have - 

Robin Williams is a legend in San Francisco; I've heard many folks share stories about his kindness and positivity.

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you! That is an amazing one too! @itsfi and so cool he has a fantastic legacy! 🙂

[CynthieLu]

I'm so sorry to hear you were down with a flu @peculiarzmakeup I hope your feeling better! ☕ Tea is a life saver when your sick. What kind of tea helped you while you were recovering?

I like how you choose things to do off your list that center and balance you, these seen so mentally rewarding and just soul healthy. 💝

Robin Williams had such a huge impact on so many people. That's a beautiful quote. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you it was nice to select things that didn’t require movement rather more mindfulness! I appreciate your kindness. I love that quote I think it’s so motivating. This is not the same as what i had but it’s like it because I don’t remember the name. It is blueberry tea 🙂 it helped speed up the process of wellness you always have such thoughtful questions I appreciate you 🙂 @CynthieLu 

Do you have a favorite tea?