Written by travel blogger Tiffany Ammerman 

We’ve all seen the #SelfCareSunday hashtag on social media, but have you taken the time to do your own self-care Sunday? For the majority of us, it was difficult in the past to find the time to devote to taking care of our mind and body. Now that we’re spending a large portion of our days at home, why not take this time to explore different ways to indulge in a little self-care love, any day of the week! 

Check out these tips and tricks to help jumpstart your self-care journey: 

Starting off by choosing a day to dedicate to your own wellness creates the foundation for a good, self-care Sunday. Oftentimes, especially now, we feel that it’s important to check in on others and to provide stability and comfort to our friends and family and, subsequently, putting ourselves on the backburner. However, it’s very important to remember to take care of your own emotional wellness—not only for yourself but also for those around you, so you can continue to fill yourself up in order to be someone others can turn to in return to get filled up.

We can start off with really good self-care intentions, when—suddenly—we’re on a social media spiral, checking our notifications and scrolling for hours. In a blink, our dedicated ‘me’ time is gone. It’s so easy to get distracted, with so many of our friends sending video chat requests and myriad notifications pinging our phones throughout the day. Do yourself a favor and set your phone to ‘airplane mode’ so that you can get the most distraction-free time out of your self-care Sunday (or whatever day you choose).

Reading an interesting book is the age-old self-care tradition that can easily fall by the wayside when life gets busy. Try keeping up with a series that you enjoy or join a virtual book club so you’ll be more likely to devote some time to reading and relaxing. You’ll be glad you spent a few hours curled up on the couch with a good book and a comfy blanket. 

Creating a clean space can automatically release endorphins, the feel good hormone, making you more at ease and happy. It might seem counterintuitive to do some work during a self-care day but your future self will thank you. Being in a cozy, organized and clean environment makes you feel more at peace and will create the perfect spot for future self-care moments. 

Soaking up some much needed vitamin D in the sunshine can help to boost your mood and make you feel more energized. If you live in a smaller space without a yard, try potting some houseplants or even making a little herb garden for your balcony. Planting and taking care of something can help make you feel productive and happy while also providing the benefit of having your own fresh herbs on hand for making healthy, yummy meals. 

Devoting time to taking care of your body is not only good for your physical health but it’s beneficial for your mental and emotional health, as well. Take some time to meditate, work out or stretch your body during your next self-care session. Endorphins that are released during and after your workout will have you feeling happy, relaxed and ready for your next self-care activity.

Many of us have found a new hobby (or a few!) to keep us busy during quarantine. From bread making to quilting, a lot of us have turned to learning “old world” skills as we’ve been in lockdown. Try to use one of your self-care days to devote time to learning and experimenting with that hobby. Learning something new keeps your mind sharp and allows you to understand how to overcome challenges. Picking up a new hobby can also help to alleviate stress as you immerse yourself into learning a new language or how to preserve foods. 

It might seem strange at first, but stress can begin to seep into our lives by the simple act of over-committing ourselves. Keep telling yourself that you’re worth the self-care time and don’t allow others to take that devoted time away from you. Protect yourself and your self-care sacred space by saying, “No!”

C O N C L U S I O N

Times are stressful for everyone right now and, for many of us, our first instinct is to take care of the people we love. While that is important, commit to setting aside some time to take care of yourself today. Start off with something small like a face mask or taking a bath, if the idea of a full day of self-care is a big leap for you. Remember, you have to make sure your own cup is full before you can pour into others. Enjoy your unique self-care journey!

Cover photo courtesy of @LIFEAID
All other images courtesy of @magpie_wild 


 

About the Author:
Georgia native Tiffany Ammerman is the thru-hiker and CrossFitter behind the travel blog The Goodish Traveler. She spends the majority of her time traveling, eating sushi and searching for hiking trails. When she's not blogging, Ammerman can be found training at CrossFit LaGrange and teaching art to kids.

You can follow her adventures on Instagram: @the_goodish_traveler or her website: TheGoodishTraveler.com

 


> > > Stay well.

Amidst the current COVID-19 crisis, it is our health care heroes who have helped sustain us, the brave women and men who are tirelessly battling on the front lines of this pandemic with smiles under their masked faces. To each and every one of you, for your sacrifice and your bravery, we say THANK YOU. 

This month, LIFEAID has donated over 30 pallets of FITAID ZERO to more than 150 hospitals worldwide to help fuel the dedicated paramedics, nurses and doctors on their rounds. Here are just a few of the many heroes who wear masks. We could not get through this time without you!

WPB Medical Center in Virginia

Loma Linda University Medical Center in California

Covenant/Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in Tennessee

Columbia Memorial Health in New York

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in California

Trident Hospital in South Carolina

Gilbert Fire Department in Arizona 

Bellevue Pharmacy in New York

St. Luke’s Health System in Wisconsin

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR HEALTH CARE HEROES!


> > > Stay well.


While this has been a time of uncertainty around the world, one thing is certain: social distancing is leading many of us to a revolutionary time as a society, we're witnessing a 'closening' of relationships. People are reflecting on what matters most in their lives, surrounding themselves with the people they love (even if only via FaceTime), appreciating nature, embracing new hobbies, making time for healthy habits, and just taking life at a slower pace in general. The LIFEAID team shares how they are practicing social distancing and embracing all the good things that have come out of this otherwise difficult time.

Wishing everyone health & calm.
—Your LIFEAID family

Aaron (President & co-founder)

Aaron & his family

Destiny (Email marketing)

Sabine (Accounting)

Hannah (Graphic design)

Hannah, practicing yoga at home

Karis (Field marketing & social media)

Karis & fur friends

Claudia (Operations)

Ashley (Sales)

Katie (Social media)

Katie, in her home office

Orion (CEO and co-founder)

Orion & daughters in Santa Cruz

The biggest blessing for me during this crazy time of uncertainty has been how much quality time I get to spend with my two beautiful daughters. It's a perfect reminder to us all—never take these moments for granted, they are just waiting to shine through amidst all the chaos.
—Orion Melehan, LIFEAID CEO and co-founder

Need another good excuse to move your body?
LISTEN & DANCE TO DJ ORION'S HOUSE ARREST MIX HERE!


> > > Stay healthy.

Meet the heroes behind the headsets here at LIFEAID Beverage Co., our rockstar Customer Success Team (CST)! Together, they field hundreds of calls, emails and chats each week, all with a smile—helping our amazing customers with their accounts, orders, returns, exchanges, subscriptions and more. The faces you see here are largely responsible for the happy campers who post rave reviews of our LIFEAID products and services.

Buckle up, it's time to get to know your LIFEAID Customer Success Team: Jadé, Flory, Destiny and Rosemary. Here is a list of their absolute favorite things to help you make this your healthiest and happiest Valentine's Day yet. Enjoy! 

Pictured above, from left to right: Flor, Destiny, Rosemary, Jadefront row, channeling his inner Bachelor

Jade (aka: Jadé)

Favorite thing about Valentine's Day: I love rip-away clothing, safety words & aloe vera (just kidding)
Favorite date: fort building, long conversations about Batman (100% serious)
Favorite dinner:
sushi
Favorite music: the smooth stylings of Seal
Favorite LIFEAID product: PARTYAID ... or should I say, "PartyJadè"
Favorite thing about myself: my opposable thumbs

Destiny

Favorite Valentine's Day gift: a massage | Favorite date: dinner, always!
Favorite text to get from my Valentine:
“I washed the dishes, babe”
Favorite music:
50s/60s era
Favorite condiment: hot sauce
Favorite dance move: The Twist
Favorite thing about your pet: That I could probably leave it alone for a week and it would be fine (it’s a fish, I give him a new name every day)
Favorite LIFEAID product: the new LIFEAID Hemp Blend
Favorite thing about myself: my mind

Flor

Favorite Valentine's Day gift: chocolate-dipped strawberries and flowers
Favorite thing to make for your loved one(s): Sopes. I love cooking authentic Hispanic foods & spending time in the kitchen with my family. We have always connected through cooking—it creates happiness & laughter in our home.
Favorite date: Getting ready for dinner and, of course, eating some great food!
Favorite dessert: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Favorite dance move: dancing and singing (I really enjoy singing in the car)
Favorite LIFEAID product: All of them! Although I find myself drinking FOCUSAID most often
Favorite thing about myself: my hair and nails

Rosemary

Favorite Valentine's Day gift: anything homemade
Favorite Valentine's Day music: love songs by George Strait
Favorite text to get from/send to your Valentine: “I love you”
Favorite animal print: cheetah, baby!
Favorite dessert: warm chocolate chip cookies
Favorite quote:
“And I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do.” —Michael Scott
Favorite scent: rain, my boyfriend’s hoodies, and my 47,000 candles
Favorite thing to Google: cute baby videos
Favorite thing about myself: Is it weird if I say my feet? I also like my handwriting and my ability to fiercely love.

Share the LIFEAID love this February 14th!

At LIFEAID, we truly are passionate about helping others live their best, healthiest life. What better way to show someone you care about their health than with a case of LIFEAID Vitality Blend, great for helping to reduce mild inflammation from everyday stress while you thrive in life.

O U R  S P E C I A L  G I F T  J U S T  F O R  Y O U :

This Valentine's Day, enjoy 25% OFF all cases of LIFEAID Vitality Blend! Offer valid for 24 hours only — shop this Friday (Feb. 14) to save some dough for your valentine! (Discount taken at checkout.)

Wishing you & your loved ones a happy and healthy Valentine's DayYou are loved. BE YOU.

—From your team at LIFEAID Beverage Co. 

#ABetterWayToDrink

> > > Live well.


Your team at LIFEAID Beverage Co. has put together a list of their absolute favorite gift and date ideas to help you make this your healthiest and happiest Valentine's Day yet!

Most of them cost little to nothing, but their worth is priceless. Here are some suggestions for making this Valentine's Day an unforgettable one:

1. Get outdoors.

Whether you end up strolling along the beach or going on a day hike to a favorite spot, taking an adventure with someone you love is sure to spark joy. It's romantic and (bonus!) it's free. Go soak up some fresh air and work up an appetite, while basking in the bliss of endorphins as a result of spending time in nature with the company of your partner, family or friends.

2. Throw down.

You may not consider yourself the "artsy" type, but we guarantee your loved one will treasure anything you make (whether it's hand-thrown or glazed pottery, a necklace, etc.). Why not surprise them by taking a local class at a nearby pottery/bead studio? The staff will help you, so — regardless of your skill level — the end result is sure to be both unique and special.

3. Hang with friends.

Happy couple roasting marshmallows over a fire on a beach

Who says Valentine's Day is just for lovers? We think it's the perfect excuse for dinner with friends, an afternoon spent downtown, or building a pillow fort and enjoying game night or a good movie at home with the gang. Whatever the activity, being with the ones you love is all that matters — enjoy their company & do something fun with your favorite humans.

4. Build-your-own bouquet.

This year, skip the store-bought (often over-priced) bouquets. Instead, visit a local farmer's market or flower shop and pick out your own arrangement of just a few fresh flowers specifically for him or her. It'll feel way more personal (plus, you'll probably save yourself some serious cash, too) Bonus: Add a thoughtful handwritten note and you'll have them swooning in no time!

5. Get physical.

Hugging for 20 seconds is known to increase levels of the "love hormone" oxytocin (nature's anti-depressant) in the body! Physical touch (including holding hands) also helps you stay healthy by reducing cortisol levels, lowering blood pressure & heart rate, and reducing stress. Plus, it's just a great way to stay warm on these cold winter days.

6. Be crafty.

Glue sticks and crayons are not reserved solely for school children. A little bit of time and a few simple craft supplies can go a long way when it comes to showing a loved one you care. We're a fan of making our own valentine cards. Handwritten notes are priceless, and all you need is some colorful craft paper and pens.

Your loved one(s) will  treasure the time you spent making something just for them.

7. Heat things up.

women's white sleeveless dress

Before your mind wanders to the bedroom ... Consider heating things up in the kitchen by cooking a meal together. Fact: Daily life is hectic. Slow down, put on your favorite record, pour some wine (or your drink of choice), and take your time really enjoying the process of cooking a meal together from scratch. Note: We know this may require some helping hands if you have little ones.

So plan ahead and get a babysitter, or — if they're old enough — let the kids join in the fun, and make an evening of it for the whole family!

8. Buy flours (instead of flowers).

Heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies stacked on a countertop

If your loved one has a sweet tooth, head to the kitchen and bake them their favorite treat or try a new recipe. Tip: Use valentine-themed cookie cutters, pink & red frosting or a ribbon to sweetly finish it off. Adding a special note will, of course, be the "icing on the cake."

9. Pick up the phone.

Many of us may not be able to be with loved ones this Valentine's Day, so set aside some time to pick up the phone or send a special note to someone you love. Don't forget about the relatives in your life who may be feeling especially lonely — simply hearing from you would be the best gift of all.

10. Share the LIFEAID love.

(You knew it was coming!) At LIFEAID, we truly are passionate about helping others live their best, healthiest life. What better way to show someone you care about their health than with a case of LIFEAID Daily Blend, great for helping to reduce inflammation from everyday stress and thrive in life.

OUR JUST FOR YOU :

This Valentine's Day, enjoy 20% OFF all cases of LIFEAID Daily Blend! Offer valid for 24 hours only — shop this Thursday (Feb. 14) to save some dough for your valentine! (Discount taken at checkout.)


two persons forming love fingers

Whatever you do, we want to wish you & your loved ones a happy and healthy Valentine's Day — you are loved.

—From your team at LIFEAID Beverage Co.

#ABetterWayToDrink

> > > Live well.