#self-care

#self-care

Feeling a bit overwhelmed right now? We are all feeling it lately, personally and collectively as a society. You may be absorbing not only your own stress, but stress from those around you, as well as national stress. The world - and maybe your life - feels like it's turned upside down and may not seem like it makes sense anymore.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, the only things on my mind were a hot shower and no fewer than 16 hours of sleep. But as soon as I opened the door, my three cats immediately surrounded me, taking on the role of a furry TSA team and inspecting all my bags thoroughly. They had been waiting expectantly, and despite my sheer exhaustion, they reminded me that dinner time doesn't wait, no matter how tired I am.

As I've shared before, when I was 12, I was playing at a friend's house one hot August afternoon when I was told I was needed at home. As I turned into my long driveway, I saw the lights of an ambulance, a stretcher being loaded into the back. The doors slammed shut. The whirling lights threw red streaks across the oaks as it sped past me out of our driveway. No one noticed the small, pale, immobilized girl standing by the mailbox.

If you're at home, just brew some coffee and pour as much friggin' creamer in as you want! But, if you're in public, options vary. Some coffee shops will have creamer; others will be, like, "We just have half-and-half," and that is insane. It is not the same. When in doubt, bring your on-the-go creamer and do not allow anyone to shame you. You are an adult and you know what you like.

This summer, I did something unusual for me: I hit pause. After a year that included launching an in-person summit for nearly 200 women, hosting a retreat in Cabo, launching my podcast (with co-host Dr. Nicole Martin), and releasing a book, I was, in a word, tired. The kind of tired that no amount of coffee or color-coded planner could fix.

Step up your fitness game with a sleek walking pad. This compact treadmill is designed to be used on its own or under a standing desk. The portable design features wheels for easy movement and convenient storage under your couch or bed. This treadmill is quiet, flat and slim, so there are no excuses about getting in your steps. Plus, free shipping!

Expect a slow start to your morning as the week begins under the tender Cancer moon, helping you prioritize comfort and your emotional well-being. A few extra minutes under the duvet or a comforting conversation with a loved one could make all the difference. By mid-morning, sparks fly as loving Venus coordinates with diplomatic Mars. Your charm, grace, and lightheartedness will make sure people don't forget your name. But you know what's really memorable? Making people feel seen, appreciated, and uplifted.

Eclipse season is raging, and right now everyone is in the thick of the portal. Today's last-quarter moon serves as the exact midpoint between this past weekend's lunar eclipse and next weekend's solar eclipse, so feelings are raging. Thankfully, lines of communications are open and there's lots of mental clarity available to you now, so there's no need to keep anything bottled up inside.

Let's be real: being a teenager isn't easy. You're balancing schoolwork, friendships, family expectations, and figuring out who you are, all while trying to keep up with the fast-paced world around you. On top of that, social media, the pressure to succeed, and even world events can all weigh your mood down. It's no surprise that many teens today are struggling with anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue.

Most of us have been reminded many times to practice self-care for the sake of our own physical and mental health or general well-being. We have been advised to eat a healthy diet, include some physical activity in each day, and get adequate sleep. These habits have been characterized as self-nurturant skills (Webb, 2014). It's not difficult to see how these actions would improve general well-being; you might even consider them to be obvious parts of a balanced lifestyle.

31Strappy Lace Panties That Look Expensive, But Aren't Thanks to their strappy design and scalloped floral lace, these cheeky panties will look like they cost a lot more than you spent. According to reviewers, they're also shockingly comfortable, which isn't surprising given that they're soft and stretchy with an elastic waistband that stays put and doesn't roll. Available sizes: Small - XX-Large Available styles: 17

Your card for the week is the Four of Swords, which represents rest, peace, self-protection, and the feeling of rejuvenation. The message of this card is especially nice to see at the end of one season and the start of another. When the Four of Swords shows up in a tarot reading, you can take it as a sign to slow way down - if only for a second. If you've been going at full speed all summer long with getaways or a busy work schedule, it might mean you're a little more burnt out than you realize and in need of some R&R.

Sex remains a vital part of my happiness, yet balancing motherhood with self-care makes it challenging to find the mood for intimacy. Scheduling intimate moments aids in rekindling desire.

These chic huggie earrings look like a pricey jewelry boutique find, so you'll be shocked when you see the low price. They're made from 14-karat gold-plated sterling silver and feature a trendy chunky design with multi-colored cubic zirconias. And as one shopper gushed, 'These are become my favorite everyday earring. I receive SO many compliments when I wear them.'

The moon is void-of-course until noon ET today, making this morning perfect for a late snooze, a lazy breakfast, or a chill sunrise meditation.

Deep breathing calms your nervous system. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Do it for two minutes.

Every year on August 15, the country collectively takes a deep breath and exhales in celebration of National Relaxation Day. Originally started in 1985 by Sean Moeller, this day is a reminder to pause, decompress, and take care of yourself.

"You don't have to feel guilty for cutting someone off to protect yourself. Sometimes estranging someone is the healthiest thing you can do. It was for me."

National Lazy Day, celebrated on August 10, encourages people to slow down, take breaks, and embrace comfort without the obligation of productivity or self-improvement.

Financial barriers remain the biggest hurdle for Black travelers, with 37.3 percent citing cost as a concern, followed by safety worries at 27.3 percent.

"These practices are proof that self-care can be much simpler, more accessible, and definitely more fun than you might think."

This cast iron skillet burger press can help Dad create tastier, more flavorful smash burgers, enhancing his grilling experience and impressing guests.

I have a strong connection to everything I own—after all, I chose it all myself! An item is not just a piece of furniture, there's also all the love that went into making something beautiful.

Changing the narrative around female desire is essential. Many women are prepared for matrimony but not taught to appreciate their own sexuality and worth.

The most obvious, omnipresent realities are often the hardest to see. For me, autism is that water; the invisible medium through which I experience life.

Organization is key when living in a small space. Everything item I own has a designated place. I've learned I must put everything back where it belongs; otherwise, things easily get lost.

The difference between escapism and self-care lies in the intent behind the activity and how one feels afterward.

From the moment we wake up until we fall asleep, screens frame our days, disrupting our focus and weakening emotional connections, leading to emotional exhaustion and social isolation.

"Despite what mom guilt propaganda might tell you, you ARE allowed to protect your peace. (News flash: you don't get a medal for being the 'easygoing' one.) Because when you're running on empty, everyone loses."