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! 

[CynthieLu]

I think with honey that tea would be slammin. @peculiarzmakeup aww I'm just always so curious for more. But I'm glad and relieved it doesn't bother you. 😄 But if course never answer anything you don't want to my friend. My inner cat is just a strong one. 😸I

I was down and out by with an awful sickness over November/December and there was this Sweet Cinnamon Herbal Tea that I felt kept me going. It'd drink it with honey, like many bags throughout the day. I think I drank it out of stock at my local store. 🤣

[peculiarzmakeup]

I think it’s very engaging I love expanding on a topic so I always appreciate it! I love honey in tea too and a little dash of lemon juice, I also got some chicken noodle soup from a local market, tasty! When I read that you stocked up it gave me a big smile I am like that too once I find a special drink or new wellness thing I’m all about stocking and having all the ingredients to go. One of my favorites when not feeling well is onion soup, it comes kinda funny in the package frozen it’s like a big ice block!   It’s always interesting to see what people like in their drinks, it’s fun and exciting too find the go to tea or soup. Cinnamon tea sounds amazing I totally would clear the shelves, I’m glad you’re feeling better. 😊🫖🍵🍯 @CynthieLu 

[Shosh85]

@peculiarzmakeup  Awe, I love all of this! I never knew how much Practicing Gratitude could make such a difference, but it really does give you a whole new outlook on life! 

That's a great quote! Robin Williams had a lot of great quotes, he was just genuinely a nice person and such a kind soul! His death was so sad - I miss him. RIP.  🥹😢
Did you know that in every movie he filmed he asked the production company to hire at least 10 homeless people as extras? According to the article I read online, during his entire career he helped around 1,520 homeless people ❤️

Spoiler

[itsfi]

@Shosh85 @peculiarzmakeup, there's a restaurant near one of my relatives' place that Robin Williams used to frequent a lot. Years back before it changed hands, the owners (and some of the regulars) would share stories about how he was so down to earth and kind to everyone - and how he made them howl at times with his jokes and stories.

[Shosh85]

@itsfi  Awe, that's awesome! I'm not surprised, that man was hilarious! I would've loved to have met him 😊🥹

[peculiarzmakeup]

That is so wholesome ❤️ that’s really neat! @itsfi  🙂 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you! Yeah I did know that I think that’s so considerate it is really sad he was one of the greats ❤️ @Shosh85 

[Shosh85]

My board's getting filled up!

 Got a few more boxes checked ✔️ 

✅Hand/Nail Care:

Spoiler

 For nail care I've been consistently using a cuticle oil and this calcium shield base coat I found at TJ Maxx. I also used a hand mask, graciously given to me by the lovely @itsfi! Probably the best hand mask I've ever used! My hands felt SO soft and moisturized! 

✅Hair/Scalp Care

Spoiler

 This is what I've been using currently.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Hair Mask 

Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy Massager 

Kérastase Chroma Absolu High Shine Gloss Treatment for Color-Treated Hair 7.1 oz/ 210 mL 
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil for Shine 

So far everything has been working out very well! I'm still sad that my favorite hair mask no longer exists, but the Briogeo is a decent replacement. 

✅Declutter

Spoiler

I've had a build up of old papers that I've been needing to go through and declutter, and I finally got it done. For some reason I saved tons of homework assignments from when I was in elementary school 🤦‍ I guess sometimes I can be a bit of a pack rat. I went through and kept all the important documents, certificates and special art projects, but got rid of everything else..... I mean do I really need a math assignment I did when I was in the 2nd grade? No.
I also organized everything in their own categories; Cards and letters I've received over the years, artwork I did, artwork from my boys, artwork from my nieces and nephews and important documents were all separated into their own piles. I ended up getting rid of half the papers I accumulated. I wish I would've taken a picture of all the stuff I got rid of.... but this will give you an idea 👇

Before:👇

 This accordion organizer was literally busting at the seams it was so stuffed👆

 ...and thing was so full, I couldn't even close it 👆


After:👇

 ..... and this is what I was left with 👆
I was able to get rid of the accordion organizer completely and fit everything that was left into this container..... I can even open and close it gracefully now 😉 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Wowza! This is amazing first of all that is epic that you found your 2nd grade assignment I can just tell you would be so awesome to have in class! (Defiantley A+) the hand mask looks amazing I love how you described your experience with you, great hair care and awesome tool! There is something so satisfying about decluttering and sometimes you even find hidden treasures! Excellent job on your wellness Calender. You are rocking it! ❤️ @Shosh85 

[Shosh85]

Thanks, @peculiarzmakeup! Decluttering does feel very satisfying- especially when it's something like this that had been sitting around for years!
That 2nd grade assignment was just one example of what I had in there - I actually had much more random homework in there from elementary school 😂

I've always been kind of a nerd/perfectionist so, yes, I was a straight A student and valedictorian in High School. I cried the one time I got a B.... but then I realized the teacher had actually made a mistake and so when she fixed it, I ended up getting an A anyway 😅

[peculiarzmakeup]

Advocacy is part of being a good student and you are so amazing to interact with ❤️ @Shosh85 

[Shosh85]

Awe, you are so sweet, @peculiarzmakeup 😊 You have been such a great addition to this BIC community/family and it's been fun having you around! ❤️

[peculiarzmakeup]

Aw! Thank you! It was something so neat to find I can’t believe it’s been almost a year in a couple weeks I’ve learned so much excited for continuing on this journey with all yall wonderful people ❤️❤️ means so much! @Shosh85 

[itsfi]

Oh my goodness, that Orly nail treatment is fantastic!! 💅🏼 I had a bottle that I found at TJMaxx as well! 😍 When I saw the Mediheal hand mask, I thought “ohhhh, that’s a good one! 🫶🏻 So great she likes it too! Hahahaha!” That and the moisturizing paraffin foot mask from the line are solid!! Add the Babyfoot peel mask and it’s 👍🏼

Love your hair/scalp care @Shosh85; ours are … wait for it … similar. Surprised? Nah. Okay, spill - what’s your favorite hair mask? I have an idea of front runners. 

Yaaaay for decluttering but not gonna lie, the pack rat in me was thinking “what if she does need her 2nd grade math assignments??!!”” 😧😝😂 

[Shosh85]

@itsfi  Oh my gosh, that GIF! I actually remember that exact episode so well! Roseanne was a big hit in my family. I also remember when trolls were super popular and I had a ginormous collection of them. 😅

I still need to try the Mediheal foot mask, I'll probably use it this weekend - but I'm sure I'll love it. 😊 I agree, the Babyfoot peel is great! The one I've used the most is the Esfolio Foot & Heel Peeling Mask, because I can find it TJ Maxx/Marshalls pretty frequently - it works just as well as Babyfoot, but it's only like $4- $5👇

Spoiler

Haha! I love that we love the same things! The only other thing I use that's not pictured (because I just ran out) is a clarifying shampoo.  

My most favorite hair mask was the Amika Triple RX. I haven't been able to find anything I like quite as much as that one. Another one I really love that's not technically discontinued, but just harder to find, is the Garnier Fructis Damage Repairing with Papaya. I think I remember you liking both of these as well. 😉

Spoiler

[itsfi]

Those are two magnificent hair masks @Shosh85. You're right - they were a couple of go-to's for me, thanks to your recs. I remember when the amika one felt like it had found its way into every TJ Maxx or Marshall's other than the ones close to me 🤣 When I did finally see theme, I stocked up. Unless it was the last one, I would leave 2 for other and take the rest. Hahaha! I read somewhere, possibly on BIC?, that the amika The Kure Intense Strength Repair Hair Mask​ was the replacement or reformulated version but I remember trying a sample and I didn't think they were the same.

[Shosh85]

@itsfi  Yup, I tried all the masks Amika came out with, including "The Kure" - I can't say I disliked any of them, but still never thought they matched up to Triple RX. I didn't know The Kure was supposed to have been a replacement though. Interesting 🧐 

[itsfi]

@Shosh85, I didn't either until I read someone making that remark - though I can't recall whether it was on the boards here or in a post somewhere else. If they bought it back (without too many reformulations to it), I'd consider picking it up again ... well, after I make a dent in my current hair mask collection. 🤣

[greeneyedgirl107]

@itsfi I don't remember Edie making a cameo on Roseanne!  Fun!

[CynthieLu]

That declutter work you did @Shosh85 that's an undertaking. The end result thou, so impressive. Great job!! 👏 

How has using the Chroma treatment been for you? 

[Shosh85]

Thanks so much, @CynthieLu! I have really been loving the Chroma! It makes my soft and shiny and it's so easy to brush through after I get out of the shower. 🙌