Working Towards Wellness: August 2025

[itsfi]

Hi BIC, and happy August! Yes, it's already August. Before we know it, kids will be back in school (and some of us may be headed back as well), and summer will be in the rearview mirror. Let's make the most of this month, which happens to be National Wellness Month, and take (or make) the opportunities we have to look after our wellbeing. One way to go about that is with a little game of wellness bingo. If you're new to BIC or to this little corner of BIC, welcome!! If you've taken part in a previous BWell Bingo here or if you've poked your head in to see what this is about, welcome back! 

We're each on our own personal self-care journey, one that, if you're like me, varies - some days (weeks, months, years) are better than others. Wellness is a process - it's about progress, not perfection. It takes work. Much of that work falls on us individually, and our efforts towards self-care, as it should, but that effort is and can be helped, inspired, encouraged, and supported by others, be it friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, or the members of  this Community. Wellness takes work - let's do the work together, BIC!

How To Play:

Spoiler

The short-and-sweet of it is to just jump right on in, by undertaking one or more of the activities described 
in a square. Once you've performed the activity, that square is yours - check it off however you like. Just remember, be safe and make adjustments, if and as applicable. 

▶️  This game of wellness bingo is about YOU and YOUR wellness. So whether it's aiming for one square a day, a week, or the month, give it a go! There are several ways to go about this wellness bingo challenge, including, but not limited to:

• Work towards BINGO, 5 squares in a row - across (rows), down (columns),  or diagonal
• Choose a row or column and work your way through the activities described during the week or month
• Focus on one or more activities each day or week or month
• Select activities that interest you or that challenge you and work towards checking off those squares

For a more detailed description of the wellness activities for each square, including examples for some, check out ➡️ Description of August 2025 Wellness Activities

☑️  NOTE: Some description may contain references to articles from different companies. These, along with other activities described, are for illustrative purposes. These are provided as examples, and neither I, nor to my knowledge (without inquiry), Sephora, are affiliated with any of the third parties referenced.

 ⚠️  Tailor the activities to your surroundings, situation and circumstances. 

• If it's not safe to perform an activity, pass on it or modify accordingly. For example, if it's storming outside, the "outdoor activity" square can wait another day, or next month. Also, an activity is not something you can do for health reasons, pass on it. Please consult your doctor or health care professional before beginning an activity, if and as needed.

• If a square includes a time for a certain activity and that time is too long for you, try the activity for a shorter duration. For example, if unplugging from electronics for half-an-hour before bed is too much too soon, start with 10. If more will do, go beyond 30 minutes.

Posting:
If you feel up to sharing about the self-care activities you undertook, please do, no matter the number of activities! We love hearing about what worked or what didn't work for you. And, we're always down for picking up some real life tips, tricks and techniques.

To post, click "Reply" in the lower left hand corner of this original post and write away in the box that will appear. You can list the activities you performed, with or without your thoughts on the activity. You can if you choose, attach a copy of the wellness bingo card with the applicable squares marked off.

Here's to another month of working on wellness with you, BIC! We got this!

Spoiler

Tagging a few folks who participated in last month's wellness challenge. Apologies if I iadvertently missed anyone.
@ather @CorgiMommy @curlychiquita @danielledanielle @Mellmars1185 @PrettyPaint @Samtian 

[PrettyPaint]

@itsfi Thanks for the tag. I can't believe it's August! The layout is so cute - thanks for doing this!

[itsfi]

I know, right @PrettyPaint?!! Time certainly does fly by. Wanted to add a little something extra to this month's wellness bingo card. Self-care is a continuous learning process so it ties in nicely, and it's National Wellness Month, too! 😉

[CorgiMommy]

Thanks for the tag @itsfi .  Another great board!

[itsfi]

@CorgiMommy, here's to another month of doing the big and small things for our self-care.

[PrettyPaint]

@byme4u I'm so sorry to hear that. I'll be keeping you and your husband in my thoughts. 💙

[curlychiquita]

I’m sorry to hear that, @byme4u. 😔 Good luck  to your husband.

[danielledanielle]

Sorry to hear @byme4u 

This is what participation + RL looks like at times, though, so no need to apologize for "absence". Please do sneak in moments of self care for you.

[CorgiMommy]

@byme4u hoping for the best for you and your husband.   Big hug

[itsfi]

@byme4u, sending hugs and well wishes and thoughts your way. I'm very sorry you and your husband are going through so much. Please take care of yourself as well as you are caring for him. 

Jump on in here anytime you want or need, whether to share one self-care moment or quote. Or, just to say 'hi' and for us to send hugs your way. 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Thank for a fun month of upcoming wellness activities. I just ordered a journal online. I am excited to include it in my routine and report back!

[itsfi]

Excited for you to give journaling a go @Mellmars1185! I’m not as good with it as I was before but I find it to be enjoyable and beneficial when I put in some time to do it. 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Thank you! The one I ordered has questions in it. I think it will be beginner friendly ☺️. I am happy to hear you found it enjoyable and helpful!

[danielledanielle]

Hehehe, this little schoolboard/blackboard is cute I feel ready 👩🏽‍🏫 @itsfi 

[itsfi]

Yaaay, @danielledanielle! This month's board brought me an extra bit of joy to put together, both connecting the overall theme with various wellness activities, and researching different aspects of self-care and examples that might be helpful. 

[itsfi]

Below are brief descriptions (and occasionally, examples) of the self-care activities listed in the squares on the wellness bingo card. These can serve as a guide but are by no means the only way to go about doing the activities in the squares. References may be made to articles or self-carepractices from third parties, and are included as options for your self-care practice and wellness bingo. Please note, neither I, nor to my knowledge (without inquiry), Sephora, are affiliated with any of the third parties referenced.

⭐  FIRST ROW:

Outdoor Activities (Remember SPF + H2O): If it's safe to do so, get outside for some fresh air and, if it makes sense, some sun! Some activities to consider for this square include, but is by no means limited to:

• Walking, running, hiking, biking, cycling, roller skating, doing yoga, tai chi, stretching, swimming, playing frisbee, tennis, pickleball, soccer, baseball, a pick up game of basketball, etc.
• Going to the beach, camping, building a campfire/bonfire, sitting by the pool, etc.
• Horseback riding, ATV (be safe on both counts)
• Starting or maintaining a garden (fruits, veggies, flowers), pulling weeds (got to be done)
• Sitting on the porch or steps, sipping on iced tea, coffee, water, smoothie, a spirited beverage, etc.
• Having a picnic / dining outdoors, whether at a restaurant, cafe or your own home

Prioritize Sleep: sometimes the best R&R comes in the form of quality sleep so get those zzzzz's

Geography (Environmental Wellness): how's your environment? Is/are the space(s) you spend the most time contributing to your overall wellness? 

Seasonal fruits & veggies: Get in your fruits and veggies. Summer offers a plethora of delicious fruits and vegetables. Grill 'em. Add 'em to your oatmeal, salad, water, and/or smoothies. Or just eat them as they are.  If you have a farmers' market near you, grab a bag & head on over to see what's available. If seasonal fruits and veggies or a farmers' market isn't accessible near you, or if that's not your thing, have a helping of fruits and veggies, seasonal or otherwise.

Social Studies: aka social wellness - connect with others. Spend quality time with others, whether it's a family outing; a weekend with friends, date night. Or, maybe it means taking a cooking class, training with others for a run, taking group lessons, like pickleball, water aerobics, spinning, etc.

⭐  SECOND ROW:

Musicology: Music can be an outlet for expressing emotion and well-being. It can help with healing, reduce stress, provide comfort. Find a song that speaks to whatever space you in, turn up the music. Sing, dance, or just sit in silence listening to its lyrics and/or rhythm. Feel free to share what tunes have been on your playlist, in your check-in or on the 🎶✨Song of the Day and Music Thread!✨🎶 

Visual Arts: Many ways to practice self-care through the visual arts, including, but not limited to:

• Painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics,
• Sewing, knitting, crocheting, macrame
• Photography, video design, editing, making films
• Arts, crafts, architecture, creating

Treat Yourself (for Science*): to a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of wine. To a mani or pedi, or both. To an extra 10 minutes in the shower or bath. To time just for yourself. To sleeping in. To a meal, a snack. To a walk in the park. To exhale. To have a good cry. To a night out. To staying in. To a pair of shoes, jewelry, a lipstick, or something in connection with Rouge Appreciation Days 2025. Remember, this is square is about what it looks like to treat yourself. Take care of you, how you need to be cared for.

Stress Management: Stress exists. Sometimes temporarily; others long-term. Making it go away altogether or even just working towards managing it does not often happen overnight, with one try, but taking steps towards managing, reducing it can be something we strive to do. It's not one size fits all either so tailoring efforts to manage stress will be personal. Some activities that may be helpful in that effort include**:

• Rebalancing home and work demands. 
• Exercising regularly. Every little bit can help. Start off with 10 minutes a day and work up from there.
• Eat well.
• Limit stimulants, like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, etc.
• Connect with people who are supportive and nurturing of your well-being.
• Carve out some time to do things you enjoy, whether a hobby or some other activity that brings you joy.
• Incorporate relaxation techniques or practices into your day; activities like meditation, yoga, hiking, listening to music, stretching, etc.
• Prioritize sleep.
• Get away - go on a vacation, take a mini staycation.
• See a counselor or therapist.

Declutter: This can be about things, but it can be about other aspects of our lives as well, including our social networks. A few examples of decluttering as a form of self care***, include:

• Turn off notifications that drain your focus
• Say "No" without overexplaining
• Let go of outdated goals that no longer fit you
• Keep your phone out of the bedroom
• Limit multi-tasking to boost peace of mind
• Tidy one small area each day, not everything at once
• Prioritize relationships that feel safe and supportive
• Set boundaries around other people's drama

⭐  THIRD ROW:

Working on Joy: There have been numerous articles written that touch upon several approaches to bring or ways to go about bringing joy or more joy, into our lives. There's not a one size fit all way to go about it. I have highlighted the activities mentioned in a few articles in the spoiler as examples of different approaches that may suit you. 

Spoiler

from Explore & Create


from Psychology Today, "Reclaiming Joy in a World That Feels Hopeless"

Writing: Journaling (Focus: Self-Care): Putting into words, on paper, our thoughts and emotions can serve as a powerful form of self-care. There are a few ways to check off this square this month.

✍️  Make a journal entry: in a notebook, a piece of paper or a journal if you have one. Journals come in many forms - some are focused on gratitude, others on the general things that took place during your day. Some have prompts for you to answer; others are blank pages waiting to be filled with whatever you choose; however you choose to fill it.

✍️  If journaling is something you're doing for the first time or if you're looking for a prompt to respond to that focuses on your wellness or self-care, here are a few prompts***** for you to consider (you don't have to write about each prompt, one will do): 

• What are three things I did for myself this week, and how did they make me feel?
• What is one self-care goal I want to achieve in the next month?
• How do I feel when I start my day, and what morning routine can improve my mood?
• What activities help me unwind after a stressful day?
• What are the signs that I’m feeling burnt out, and what is my plan to recharge?
• Who or what in my life brings me the most joy, and how can I incorporate more of that into my daily routine?
• What boundaries can I set to better protect my time and energy for self-care?

Free Space: Undertake a self-care activity or something that advances or promotes your wellness. Or, do nothing at all. That, too, can be a form of self-care.

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.  If you don't have 30 full minutes to spare (or if that's just a long time to devote to stretching), break it up for something that's more realistic for your schedule, your body, your lifestyle - maybe it's 3 10-minute sessions throughout the day. Maybe it's a series of 2 - 5-minutes stretches while you're on hold, on a video conference call (a great time to do some ankle stretches without anyone seeing what you're doing on screen). Or, maybe you start off the month trying to get in 10 minutes a day and work your way up to 30 over a longer stretch of time (pun completely intended).

Math + Mental Health: (aka Brain Teasers) - Crosswords, puzzles, checkers, chess, sudoku, Rubik's cube, riddles, logic games, card games, board games, video games, etc.

⭐  FOURTH ROW:

Reading: Books - Audiobooks - Blogs: Read, listen to an audiobook or podcast, watch a TV show or movie. For leisure.

Digital Detox before bed (30 minutes): Unplug from your electronics for a minimum of 30 minutes before you go to bed. Let your unwinding time really be about unwinding.

• If reading on your Kindle, listening to music or a podcast on your phone or using an app like Headspace is part of your unwinding routine, keep doing those activities - unplug from social media, work, etc.
• If 30 minutes seems too long, start off small, with a 10 or 15-minute detox and work your way up from there.

Performing Arts: Music (listen, sing, play or all three), dance, theater - engage in these activities or go to concert, dance or theater performance.

History: Revisit Resolutions: Did you make any resolutions earlier this year? Or, for the summer? Check in with yourself on how those resolutions are going. Mark them off your to do list or make adjustments. If you didn't make any resolutions, you can think about goals, resolutions or what you'd like to accomplish or work on this month, over the next few months or from now until the end of the year.

Have a healthy meal: Whether you're cooking at home, going out, getting  take-out or having it delivered, or reheating leftovers, etc., sit down, slow down, and practice self-care by nourishing your body with a healthy meal. If you have a food pic or recipe to share, have at it here or check out the What's on your plate? thread.

⭐  FIFTH ROW:

Chemistry (of fragrances): This BIC course is about aromatherapy. Light a candle, use a room spray or diffuser, spritz yourself with some perfume or apply a scented lotion or oil to your hands, feet and body. Use scent as a way to calm, soothe, refresh, uplift. Fragrance can improve mood, manage stress levels, enhance relaxation, promote mindfulness. Use aromatherapy for your own self-care.

Gym Class heroes: Let's move. Indoors or outside. Individually or with others. Get n some exercise. At least 30 minutes if you can - at once or broken up in smaller cycles throughout the day.

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

(Foreign Language): New-to-You-Activity: This can but doesn't have to be about languages. The focus is on learning something new to you. Or, if there's been a hobby or skill you've been working on, continue to work on it, but challenge yourself to step up, even a baby step, to the next level, to do or try something new to you within that existing skillset.

Hydrate: Get in your daily dose of water, whether that's eight (8) 8-oz glasses or half your body weight. If you're exerting a lot of energy or working under conditions where you need extra water, consider drinking some electrolyte water as well. 

Additional References:

* "for science" refers to something said in the Community to make buying something seem more noteworthy. Use in this wellness bingo is for fun and not intended to suggest or require that a purchase need to be made.

** from Sutter Health, 10 Simple Ways to Cope with Stress

*** from herway(dot)net, 18 Ways To Declutter Your Life And Mind: A Self-Care Guide