Wellness In Progress: March 2025

[itsfi]

Hey there, BIC! 👋 I don't know about you, but my self-care can use a bit of a refresh every so often, be it  changing up wellness activities or finding a fun way to go about it, like this wellness bingo. Whether you have a self-care routine up and running, or whether it's a struggle to just have time to think about self-care, welcome! 

▶️  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

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 March 2025 BWell Activities Described.

⚠️  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!

[itsfi]

My last check-in for March. Activities marked with blue butterfly emoji. Didn't clear the board but checked off some well meaning squares.

• Arts - Crafts - Hobbies: Checked off this square with a couple of activities over the last week/week-and-a-half - spent some time trying some different photography techniques and trying out some new-to-me recipes. Both continue to be works in progress. 😅

• Hydrate: I've been struggling with either allergies or a cold the last couple of day; or, perhaps a combination of both. Whatever it may be, it's been causing me to need to take in more and more water just to stay hydrated. I feel like all I've been doing th elast couple of days is drink water and I still seem to need more. 😮🚰

• Be(e) Kind To Yourself: Yep, sure am going to be in about 5 minutes ... I took a Benadryl about 10 minutes ago and am feeling it slooowly but suuuurely kicking in. Going to lie down and sleep just as soon as I finish and upload this post. 

• Quote(s) of the Day: "As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others." ~ Maya Angelou

• Attitude of Gratitude: I stayed home and pretty much in bed all of Saturday. Spent some of that (literal) down time thinking about some of the many things and people for whom I am thankul / grateful.

• Speak Kindly to Yourself: Normally, my inner voice (and sometimes my outer one, too) would tell myself to "suck it up, buttercup" and just keep pushing through. Today, I went to a meeting, and instead of just pushing through it, I decided to call it day. Which is what I did after stopping my the drugstore to pick up Benadryl. So, instead of "suck[ing] it up", I'm going to rest up. 😴🛌

April wellness bingo card will be up tomorrow (4/1).

[Samtian]

My updated board. 3 bingos! 

[itsfi]

Wow, wow, wow!!! Look at all those bingo @Samtian! Was there an activity that you really enjoyed or that was particularly rewarding this time around?

[Samtian]

@itsfi I went to Vegas for a photoshoot. There were some huge names in the industry there. 

[itsfi]

That sounds like such a fabulous trip @Samtian! What an amazing opportunity and experience for you.

[Samtian]

@itsfi It was incredible! Thank you. 

[ather]

@itsfi  I have checked off quite a few!! 

 Get outdoors- it’s finally spring here! Other than all the muck we have been good at going outside for our walks at night. Don’t forget the SPF!!! 

Music- play listen sing dance- I like to have a dance party with my little man while we get ready in the mornings! So I can check off this box! 

Arts and crafts- We built a leprechaun trap for St Patrick’s day! So check. Super disappointed we didn’t catch one. 

Stretch- I like to do yoga a few times a week! 

try/do something new- we painted our bathroom after a mini renovation! Not something I do!! 

Spring cleaning- we have been cleaning out all the things we don’t use! It’s so refreshing! 

Hydrate- I’ve been drinking my Super belly hydrating packs! And applying body butter at night. Double hydration!!! 

have a healthy meal- tonight I had some chicken and Greek salad. My fav!!! 

[itsfi]

Wahoo! I spy BINGO! Excellent work @ather. All the activities you took part in sound amazing. I love that you and your little man had a dance party to jump start your day - how fun! I saw individual sample packets of those Super Belly Hydrating Packs and picked one up after hearing you talk so well about them. I haven't tried them yet but am making a mental note to try 'em out this week!

 

[itsfi]

A few more squares check off, marked by the green leaf 🌿

• Get Outdoors (remember SPF):  Went on a mini hike, about an hour / 1-1/2, with friends. Tested out some sunscreen - a new-to-me one and an oldie-but-goodie that works easily for reapplication. No stinging or blurriness to my eyes and, no sunburn. 🙌 Will post details on the SPF items to the National SPF Day ☀️ thread later in the week or next week.

• Digital Detox Before Bed (30 minutes): Working my way towards being more consistent with this again. I've been doing a more abbreviated routine for my skincare in the evenings because I've been on my computer for longer periods of time after dinner, but I'm going to try in the coming weeks to come up with a better balanced approach to my digital detox before bed - make it more. 🛌

• Spring Cleaning: Took a slightly different spin on this square this week, focusing on spring cleaning the kitchen pantry and cupboards. I've been going through them to make sure I don't have condiments, sauces, etc. that need to be used up soon. Fortunately, nothing was expired - yaaay! There were a couple of items that were about 2-3 months from that so I decided to put them to the test.  Marinated some chicken kebabs and some shrimp and placed them on the grill over the weekend, and then recently made pasta with Trader Joe's Lemon Pesto Sauce the other night - easy peasy - gluten free pasta with the lemon pesto sauce sprinkled with some cheese. Next time, I'll add some fresh thyme to the sauce. 

• Go Green: As part of my spring cleaning project this month, I decided to clean some candle jars / vessels - some I'll repurpose as home decor or to organize bts and bobs; others will be recycled, along with some items from that will make it onto the Empties - V2  thread later this month.

• Quiet Time - Journal - Meditate - Breathe: I've had more opportunities for quiet time over the last few days. I hurt my eye and needed to avoid straining it more so I cut back on my screen time for some quiet time. I also have been working on getting myself back to sleep when I am dealing with insomnia/waking up every few hours and trying some breathing exercises when that does happen.

• Seasonal fruits & veggies: Went to the farmers' market over the weekend to pick up some seasonal fruits and veggies.  

[itsfi]

I was able to check off a good amount of squares over the last 10 days. 🙌

• Music - Listen, Play, Sing, Dance!: I was watching some kiddoes and they wanted me to listen to some of their favorite tunes. That lead to a lot of bopping around and singing - anything is possible, but it's highly unlikely any of us will be the next American Idol. Just sayin' ... 😂🤣😂  A good time was had by all. 💖

• Stretch (20 minutes):  I haven't been sleeping well for the last couple of weeks 😔 and there was a night that was particularly rough, so during one of the many middle-of-the-night wake ups moments I had, I decided to go to the other room and do some stretching. This week, I am going to have to get back to being better with prioritizing sleep and my digital detox before bed. Not that I want to make a habit out of getting up multiple times through the night and being unable to fall back asleep, but I may need to come up with a habit-stack plan in case it keeps happening. Going to noodle on that a bit and if I come up with something, will post to Habit Stacking Thread 📚 

• Try / Do Something New-To-You: My new-to-me was trying avant garde looks for the last week of BALETTE ROYALE: Showdown of the Shadows - this took me out of my comfort zone but I'm happy I gave it a try and put it (and myself) out there. I was also able to do a mini wing during the challenge, which has been something I've been trying to do for ages.

• Aromatherapy: Between playing with some fragrance discovery sets and working through my candles, aromatherapy has been happening every day in some fashion.

• Head Shoulders Knees & Toes: I tried a new routine and ohhhh! Ouch! Soreness in areas I didn't know existed. lol. Which lead to more stretching. I think I may actually put my foam roller to use. 

• Read - Audiobook - Podcast - TV / Movie: I haven't been reading much for leisure. Instead, I've been watching the remake of Matlock with Kathy Bates, who is excellent in the show.

• Social Self-Care: I did a lot (at least for me) of socializing this past week, some on school nights, too! An all day outing with a friend who was in town that included a trip to the California Academy of Sciences to see, among other things, the penguins! 🐧🐧🐧  A half day of shopping and lunch with some friends I've known since my college days. Yes, a stop into Sephora was included - I was good and focused on making recommendations, but I did pick up one thing; just one. 🛍  More shopping 😬 another day followed by dinner. 

• Goals / Resolution: I've been keeping to the boundaries I've set for myself - and not just i my head. 😅 It's been hard at times, but good.

• Plan It!: I have a couple of trips scheduled for later in the year and I checked off some boxes for one of them. I also got a few things done on a project I've been working on for ... a while. I'm still at a baby steps pace with that project, but it's now more than just ideas in my head or a "to do" list on paper with unmarked boxes - it's a little, but still some, movement. 👍

• Treat Yourself: Yeah, that second shopping event involved a treat alright! 😱 Unlike @Samtian, I don't think my splurge(s) can be said to be an investment in my business. 😅 

🐧 And now, the penguins. It just so happened that we arrived about 15 minutes before their feeding time. 

One of these fellas caught my eye.

All his buddies made their way into the water quickly and easily.

It took him a while to figure out when and where he wanted to get himself into the water

Sooooo close ... he went back and forth for at least 5 minutes until ...

I'm IN !!!!

[curlychiquita]

I love your penguin pictures, @itsfi!

[itsfi]

It was so fun to see them @curlychiquita; thank you! 🐧

[ather]

@itsfi  Omg!!!!! Look at those penguins!!’nn they are so cute! ☺️ you showed up at just the perfect time!!!!! 

Great job on all your bingos!!! 

[itsfi]

@ather, they were so fun to watch; it worked out well timing-wise. It was nice to be able to get in some self-care activities. I need to get back to it, both with keeping up with activities I do regularly (or try to do regularly) and finding a way to fit other ones that are new to me in a way that flows well with my schedule. It's all a work in progress, isn't it?

[Samtian]

@itsfi Look at that Bingo already!! Sounds like you've had some great times. That time change sure has hurt a lot of us. But weeks no bueno I'm sorry. I hope one of those trips is my way 😄 ! I think I know one of them and sadly I'll be traveling a different direction during that time. 

Any new fragrance winners? I like the fun looks you've been creating. I just need to actually use those splurges lol. 

[itsfi]

Oh, I had to take a look at my card again @Samtian - I hadn't realized I had bingo until you mentioned it. 😂

Yeah, no bueno is right; I need to nip this getting up in the middle of the night in the bud and pronto, too! I read an article once about possible causes of poor sleep quality; I'll have to find it again and go through it to see if any of those may be the cause of it or contributing factor in it. It probably wouldn't hurt if I went to bed a little earlier either. 😴 

I've been working through the Elorea discovery sets I picked up and there have been some good ones - and there have been a couple of scents that are a combination of fragrances but I don't recall the pairings. Oops; so I'll have to do another round of testing, but be more mindful of what I'm pairing, or what gets combined somehow. 😂 

• Elorea Timeless Legacy Set - Git (primarily floral based but it's light and there's some subtle fruit and something heavier?), Hanok (fresh, woody, nature-y in a hinoki sort of way but there's also a hint of light florals to it), and Haenyeo (softly aquatic, green, floral-ish - I'm surprised I like this one as aquatics are not always ones I typically gravitate towards)
• Elorea The Elements Set - Earth (woodsy, green - there's something in here that makes it light and creamy; it's softer, more green than Maison Margiela Autumn Vibes)
• Elorea The Forgotten Words Set - Inflorescence (soft florals, a good skin scent for spring); and Be By My Side (I have no idea what the individual notes are in this fragrance 😅 - I can't make out any one note, but they all work together really well) 

[Samtian]

I wanted to use different butterflies but I couldn't find a file I liked. 

• Music- I've been really listening to music lately. Where was everyone hiding that Chapelle Roan at?
• Spring Cleaning- I bought new curtains and I might have needed to clean the cobwebs out where they hung...
• Finished off testing my new Voluspa candles, the Jasmine Midnight Blooms is the clear winner for me.
• Quote of the day- "Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love." that was a quote I used for one of my daily photography postings.
• Plan It!- Finalizing trip plans and photoshoots while away.
• Spring Into Skincare- Trying to remember to use mists more often.
• Treat Yourself- I bought somethings that should help me and my business more. (credit card isn't happy)

[itsfi]

What a great way to start March @Samtian! Love your self care activities. Do you have a favorite Chappell Roan song? 🎶

Ahhhh, Jasmine Midnight Blooms is one of my favorite scents, such a beauty! Yes to investing with your business - the purchases and the photoshoot on your upcoming trip! 🙌

[Samtian]

@itsfi ...well I've only heard one song haha but I am keeping it on repeat, the Good luck one. 

[itsfi]

Here are the self-care activities for our BWell Bingo for March! 

  

FIRST ROW:

• Get Outdoors (remember sunscreen): Weather permitting, spend some time outdoors for some fresh air, even if it's just for a short, brisk walk. Remember to dress for the weather, and to apply sunscreen. If you have a favorite SPF, new-to-you or tried-and-true, let us know National SPF Day ☀️ 

• Music - Listen, Play, Sing, Dance!: Music can offer a host of self-care benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood - whether you are sitting back and listening to music you enjoy, playing an instrument, or singing or dancing to music, or all of the above. Add music to your day and consider sharing your choice of music on the 🎶✨Song of the Day and Music Thread!✨🎶. 

• Arts - Crafts - Hobbies:  Do you enjoy drawing, coloring, knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening (remember to dress for the weather, and to include SPF)? Do you find it relaxing to visit a museum, cook/bake, take photos, decorate the house, learn a different language, work on puzzles, a DIY project, crafts, go antique shopping, collecting, scrapbooking, etc. Spend some time this month doing the arts, crafts and/or hobbies that bring you joy, make you happy.

• Stretch (20 minutes): Whether you focus on one or two body parts or work your entire body, add stretching to your self-care routine. 

• Try / Do Something New-To-You: Has there been an activity you've been meaning to try or do? A new restaurant? A new dish? A new class at the gym? A new hobby you've been interested in taking up? Here's a chance to give it a try and earn a square. Or, have you recently gotten into a new hobby? Spend some time developing your skill. 

SECOND ROW:

• Digital Detox Before Bed (30 minutes): Turn off and set aside your electronics - phone, tablet, laptop, computer, TV, etc. for 30+ minutes before bedtime. Exception: if you listen to an audiobook or an app like Headspace as part of your wind down routine or to help you fall asleep, keep at it; no need to stop doing those types of activities.

• Spring Cleaning: The changing of the season offers an opportunity to create new routines, to shift, adjust and/or make better your existing space, habits and programs. A time to reset. Whether it's going through your closet or makeup collection, decluttering and reorganizing or modifying your exercise routine, diet, or focus, let's assess what, if anything, in our lives needs a declutter or shift.

• Hydrate: What's your water number? Are you all about 8-glasses or more a day? Half your body weight or some other benchmark? Do you prefer still or sparkling water? Plain or infused with flavor? Warm or cold? With or without ice? Whatever your water number and however you prefer to take your water, just do it! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

• 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. 

• Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes: aka exercise. Whatever your preferred method of exercise, let's get moving! The suggested time has been 20 minutes minimum in previous wellness bingo cards, and if that's something you can aim for, let's do it. If you can get in more time, go for it! Adjust as appropriate. 

THIRD ROW:

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

• Read - Audiobook - Podcast - TV/Movie: Carve out 15, 20, or 30+minutes to unwind with a good book, podcast, TV show or movie. If you find a good book, let us know on the BIC Book Club or if there's a TV series or movie you liked (or are enjoying at the moment), give it a shout out on the BIC book club!  thread.

• This one's a free bee (freebie): Hee hee! This space can either be used for a self-care activity of your choice or for nothing at all. 

• Quote(s) of the Day: Share a quote or quotes that have been motivating or inspiring to you. Or, that you've been moved by or found meaningful. Or that have made you laugh. 

• Attitude of Gratitude: What or who are you grateful for? Shout it / them out - in person, in a letter, in your journal, with a quiet whisper of thanks as you start or end of your day or when you take a break during your day.

FOURTH ROW:

• Go Green: "Green" can mean a number of things, including a reference to (a) sustainability; (b) money - savings or spending; (c) a color. As a color, it can symbolize a host of things, among them, nature, envy, balance, deceit,  renewal. It can mean "go" (like a traffic light) or represent lushness, growth. Use "green" as inspiration for your self-care -

            * Perhaps that means a walk outdoors, in nature.

            * Or, creating a look of the day with a green eyeshadow palette, lipstick, and/or mascara - remember there's the gallery and What are you wearing in 2025??  threads you could post your fabulous look too, as well. Be it from a clean beauty brand, or a brand that saves you some dough, or takes it from your wallet.

            * Or perhaps green for self-care involves wearing a green hued mask? Or nail polish? Or outfit? If hte latter, consider posting about your fab attire at The Fit, The Fab and The Face: Outfit and Inspo Thread  

• Social Self-Care: Spend quality time with others - family, friends, friends who are family, etc. Participate in social activities. Volunteer. Join a book club, running group, cooking class, art course, pickle-ball league, etc. Disconnect from distractions, and engage with others. 

• Speak Kindly To Yourself: While there's a time and place for pushing ourselves, I suspect many of us could also do well to not be overly critical of ourselves and talk to ourselves more kindly. Is there going to be some awkwardness with that? Probably. Is it worth the effort? I think so. A few ways to speak kindly to yourself without being cocky or feeling (too) squeamish include: 

            * focusing on your efforts and acknowledging them - it's about progress, not perfection

            * reminding yourself of your value and worth

            * celebrating the big and small wins

            * owning your strengths/accomplishments while recognizing areas for improvement

          It all starts with putting in the effort to speak (more) kindly to yourself. Practice makes ... progress. (This was something one of my niece's teachers would say to their class. I think that's just perfect! 

• Goals / Resolution: Whether you're someone who sets out resolutions for the year at the beginning or you make goals along the way (or maybe you do both), here's a chance to revisit them. Is a reset and restart in order? Have you been hitting it hard and need a brief rest to recharge? Do you need to pivot? Use this time to kickstart or continue on with your goals or to kick it back up again!

• Quiet Time - Journal - Meditate - Breathe: Self-care can mean having a moment to yourself in the midst of your busy day, surrounded by others, or at a scheduled time and place. It can involve journaling, meditating, focusing on your breathing or simply just being still. 

FIFTH ROW:

• Plan It!: Take some time to plan something for you! Whether it's a vacation with family, friends or yourself; scheduling date night or a get together; or making an appointment for a massage, a mani/pedi, a perk facial or carving out time for a walk in the park, a cup of tea or coffee at the new coffee shop, seeing a Broadway show or going to a concert, carve out some time to plan an activity (or multiple ones) you've been looking forward to this year. 

• Seasonal Fruits & Veggies: Incorporate seasonal fruits & veggies into your meals - and if you don't have seasonal fruits and veggies, go with the ones you have for a delicious salad, juice, smoothie, meal, or just by themselves. 

• Spring Into Skincare: Take a look at your current skincare routine to assess if any changes need to be made as we head into spring. Some things to consider include:

            * switching to a lighter moisturizer

            * refreshing your cleansing routine - or your skincare routine in general

            * exfoliating - sloughing away dead skin from head to toe

            * looking into new or additional sunscreen for reapplication throughout the day

            * having a facial mist on hand to keep skin cool and hydrated

• 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:

            * Limit your screen time or unplug from electronics as you prepare for bed

            * Create a wind-down pre-sleep routine and work on keeping to it consistently - this can be a challenge if you've not had a pre-sleep routine and starting small can be a good way to ease into it (and keep at it)

            * Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

            * Avoid a large meal, alcohol, caffeine before bed

• Treat Yourself: We oftentimes think of treating ourselves as purchasing something for ourselves, and it can be; but, it can mean something else. What would be a treat for you?

            * Cozying up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book?

            * Having lunch outside (weather permitting)?

            * Trying a new workout class?

            * Sleeping in?

            * Taking a bubble bath?

            * Doing an at-home facial?

            * Spending a few extra minutes in the shower?

            * Getting some "me" time?

         Do something as a treat for yourself, be it purchasing a new beauty product (be sure to post to Magnetic, Marvellous March Hauls!), one of the activities listed above, or something else. Treat yourself.