Working Towards Wellness: February 2026

[itsfi]

Hello, BIC! I don't know about you, but self-care is always one of those things I know I should do, but some days are better than others when it comes to actually getting it done, or getting it done meaningfully. There's a lot going on, all around us. Some are good things, some are hard things, some are stressful. Some of those things are part of our every day, normal routines; some things are not normal at all. In either case, in all cases, it's important to take time, to make time, to look after our wellness. 

Wellness Bingo: February 2026

There are many ways to go about self-care, including this game of bingo. If you're new to wellness bingo (or BIC, for that matter), welcome! 👋 If you're returning for another month of wellness bingo here on BIC, welcome back! 🙌 As always, more information regarding wellness bingo as well as the self-care activities listed on this month's board can be found in the links below. 

FAQ's 

How to Play / How to Post

Description of Activities

• Row 1 & 2 Activities
• Row 3 & 4 Activities
• Row 5 Activities

Whether or not you choose to join in a game of wellness bingo here on BIC (at home or on the threads), please give yourself a little extra time this month to look after your wellness and the wellness of those around you. 

[NOTE: I took a slightly different take on this month's board, incorporating some themes within the self-care activities inspired by a few of the events and occasions we celebrate and honor this month, which I talk briefly about in the description of activities. One thing you will see is that some of this month's squares include words in quote, in addition to the self-care activity for a particular square. Those words are lyrics to one of the 6 songs nominated for Song of the Year at this year's Grammy Awards, which I made an effort to connect to the wellness activity - some connections required more creative license than others. A 🎶 emoji is noted in the Description section for those activities with a musical tie-in and that tie-in is discussed briefly at the end of the description of the particular self-care activity.] 

For March 2026 wellness board, check out Working Towards Wellness: March 2026 

[shaeschaeshea]

@adamsev  I was a nervous about eating by myself at first too but it turned out good as well.

[lmkeller4u]

In situations like that, shifts in stress levels, travel or latitude changes can disrupt barrier function and show up as dullness, dehydration, or increased sensitivity in the days that follow. I usually lean into simple, barrier-supportive care such as bland moisturizers, gentle cleansing, and consistent sunscreen, since skin tends to respond better when it is not overstimulated while the body recalibrates. Practices that support systemic recovery like adequate sleep, stress reduction, and restorative downtime can also correlate with a more even, less reactive complexion.

[adamsev]

My barrier function is fine, thanks tho @lmkeller4u 

[itsfi]

@adamsev, kudos to you for stepping out of your comfort zone and giving a solo date a try. Sounds like it went okay? Or at least, it wasn't so bad? Great idea to listen to music or a podcast. Oh my goodness, s'mores at a wellness retreat? That sounds like a great retreat. Awesome that you have an extra, extra long weekend!

[adamsev]

I made it thru tho not sure I'm 100% excited to do it again 😟 having something to do like listening to the podcast was helpful. Retreat was a blast, thanks @itsfi 

[itsfi]

Impressive that you gave it a go @adamsev. omg, I was so excited by you trying it and about the s'mores that I forgot to say congrats on your BINGO's. I count 7, no 8, 9!!, that's amazing! Nice work!

[adamsev]

luv that gif @itsfi 😅

[Samtian]

Week 1- Football

Week 2- Candy Hearts.

[itsfi]

I'm lovin' the tie-in of your stampers to events / holidays during the week @Samtian ❣️ The conversation candy hearts are fun! Whether or not planned, you've set up your board strategically for some prospective BINGO's in the coming weeks. 🤔 Ooooh, curious to know about your healthy meal - was it something from Hello Fresh? 

[Samtian]

@itsfi Thank you! I thought it'd be fun to try to match them up. Yes the food was from Hello Fresh. I should have taken photos but they were-

Spoiler

Primo Prosciutto Sandwiches

with Ricotta, Tomato & Balsamic Arugula Salad-
The only thing better than a really great sandwich is one that takes just minutes to prepare! This Really Great Sandwich starts with toasted flatbreads that have a crunchy pizza crust vibe. Add juicy tomato, salty prosciutto, creamy fresh ricotta, and a tangle of sweet balsamic-dressed arugula. For extra points, there’s a fresh arugula salad on the side.

Za’atar Steak Pita Pockets

with Charred Scallion Sauce, Pickled Jalapeño & Lemony Salad-
Za’atar-crusted steak meets tangy pickled jalapeño and creamy charred scallion sauce in warm pita pockets. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette creates the perfect balance of heat, tang, and brightness. This Middle Eastern–inspired meaL is proof that weeknight dinners can be both easy and extraordinary! ( No jalapeno for us).

Roasted Half Chicken with Pear & Thyme

plus Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans- A roasted half chicken—the ultimate comfort food! Here, you'll rub the chicken with garlic and thyme and set it atop sliced pear and onion for a sweet-savory oven unity. Once the chicken is crispy and juicy, you'll let it rest while using the roasted pear and onion for a glossy pan sauce with mustard and butter (plus those priceless chicken resting juices). Serve the chicken with sautéed green beans and sour cream mashed potatoes for your new dinner table favorite.   ( Not sure this was healthy with how many calories it had haha.)

[itsfi]

Great, now I'm hungry again. I also have a list of things I want to try to make at some point. Those dishes sound amazing @Samtian!

[Samtian]

My mom has been craving steak but I'm allergic to beef. Since she's been sick I got this one for her. I've never cooked steak before and she said I cooked it perfectly. 

[AdellVagsA]

Self-care is really easy to put off, especially when there's a lot going on around. Such monthly wellness challenges can help you take care of yourself a little more and not forget about your balance. By the way, I came across an interesting article about mental wellness and support https://betterme.world/articles/4-mental-wellness-platforms-for-every-company-size-2026/ maybe someone will also be useful. Small steps every day sometimes really change your well-being. I think February is a good time to try new habits for yourself.

[danielledanielle]

I like that @AdellVagsA , focus on feeling better!  Great mindset.

[itsfi]

Those are amazing goals you've accomplished already this month and that you've set for yourself in the days yet to come, @AdellVagsA. So true what you shared about focusing on balance and feeling better over perfection. Hear, hear on small wins. Cherish those small wins. Celebrate them. Small wins are stepping stones to every great victory. 🎉

[ather]

 exercise: I have not been consistent since I have been sick. But today I did a circuit and I went for a bike ride. 
Brain teaser: I did the NY times connections and the wordle today! 
Heart health: My work has a Heart health sheet and I have been marking off my tasks! No smoking, avoid foods with labels like contains excess sugar, etc. 

Self care focus: tonight I took an extra long bath to help with my sore muscles. 
Hydrate: I have been good with drinking my water this week! Water before coffee!!!

Childhood favourite: Went to the grocery store and picked up a version of Peanut butter and chocolate cereal. And my little man tried to teach me how to play 4 square. I don’t remember playing as a kid. But maybe. 

[shaeschaeshea]

@ather peanut butter and chocolate cereal sounds delish.

[ather]

@shaeschaeshea  So good! 

[Samtian]

@ather Sorry about being sick, hope you feel better soon.

Heart Health sheet sounds like a great idea!

Extra long baths are always a win. 

I miss playing 4 square!

[ather]

@Samtian Omg I have been perpetually sick since before Christmas. I feel a little better and then wham. It gets worse. I’ve had my ears blocked for so long I don’t remember what it’s like to hear 😂. Then we got hit with a stomach bug! Ahhh some say I will feel better! 

Oooo you remember 4 square??? 

[itsfi]

Reading your self care activities put a huge smile on my face @ather, especially about your little guy teaching you 4 square! 😍 How fun! It makes perfect sense that you hit pause on some things like exerciase when you were sick, but it sound like you are hitting your stride and getting back to a routine that works for you - that's awesome! You went for a bike ride? Outdoors? Is it warming up for you?  

Ahhhh, good for you with sticking with NYT Connections & Wordle!! Is there a particular time of the day that you like to play them? Or, just whe you have some free time?