Self-care guide for October
“To be poor and be without trees, is to be the most starved human being in the world.
To be poor and have trees, is to be completely rich in ways that money can never buy.”
― Clarissa Pinkola Estés
For many, preparations for the holiday season officially begin now. Plan your holiday spending this month to prevent being swept up in the “must buy!” consumer feeling of December. It’s also a great month to start a holiday card project if that’s something you enjoy. If not, then nix it and put your creative energy toward something you want to do!
This year especially, enlist the help of your own creative nature by establishing a regular creative habit. It will help you process the angsty anxiety that can show up during the end of an election season and from holiday planning.
Begin an old fashioned correspondence
Invite communication with loved ones by sending a bundle of hand picked pre-stamped postcards to someone who could use a little joy in their mailbox (pretty much everyone now).
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Plant future moments of delight
It’s the perfect month to plant some bulbs for spring in your favorite colors. Or go to a loved one’s house and do it as an excellent physically distanced activity. In six months, they’ll be reminded of you, right as winter is thawing.
Remember to stay grounded
October is a valuable time to make sure you’re sticking with your self-care. News doesn’t need to be a 24/7 spiral. Quiet your social media by turning off all phone app notifications. If everything is feeling too much, forest bathing is a lovely practice to help ground you if you’re feeling too heady.
Prep for Daylight Savings this month
Make Daylight Savings less disorienting by getting ready the week before. It can help to adjust your eating and sleeping times starting October 29th or earlier. Getting lots of bright natural light during the day and then limiting it along with bright screens at night can also help.