10 Uncommon Holidays to Celebrate This Self-Care Awareness Month
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Monica Noel.
Copy and Editor: Jeni Fjelstad
Model: Monica Noel
Creative Direction: Catie Menke
What a perfect holiday! This whole Self-Care Awareness month, focus on taking care of your mental health with your favorite form of self-care. Whether it’s coffee dates with friends, afternoon naps, or cleaning the house. Another great way to practice self-care? Celebrate each of these uncommon holidays in your own style and make this September really special.
Wednesday, Sept. 1: You have two options today — celebrate words that don’t rhyme or act without given reason. The day inspired by a Phrase used in several Shakespearean plays is a time to celebrate words like orange, pint or marathon. Eat an orange, share a pint of ice cream, or start training for that fall marathon. On the other hand, you could practice a random act of kindness without any prompt or reason. Pay someone’s tab, hold the door, toss out compliments.
Wednesday, Sept. 1: Letter writing will not be forgotten this 2021. Pick a sibling, friend, or neighbor and write them a letter. The best way to honor the day is with pen and paper — but sticky notes, emails, or gum wrappers work too. Write about your life; write about why you love them; write about gratitude and foresight. Whatever inspires you today, take that and share it with a loved one.
Sunday, Sept. 5: What better way to spread care and positivity in this world than to celebrate international day of charity, whether that means donating time by volunteering locally, signing and sharing petitions, or donating goods or money. This holiday honors a true power woman of acts of service — Mother Teresa. Giving back makes a difference in the lives of strangers and will make you feel good too.
Wednesday, Sept. 8: The world is a bright place with orca whales, fluffy clouds, and coffee cups. Re-read that sentence. It may be nonsense, but this is a special day to be thankful for the fact that you can even read that crazy proclamation. This national literacy day, start with gratitude by reading a news article, a magazine, or a café menu. Then, educate yourself by learning about literacy in your area, and maybe even reach out to your local literacy organization to see how you can help.
Saturday, Sept. 18: Random. Dance. Party. All it takes is your favorite song and any movement — awkward, stylized, or otherwise — to boost those endorphins and put a smile on your face. I LOVE to dance, so this is one of my favorite ones that I’ll celebrate on the field with my team. I firmly believe that anyone can dance, so give it a try. And then, we’ll all celebrate again on international dance day in April.
Tuesday, Sept. 21: The United Nations declared it; we get to celebrate it. Peace is possible. Take a breath and put that hope out into the world. Then, find your own peace for the day. Take a moment of silence outside, find a guided meditation on peace, or make peace with someone you’ve been begrudging.
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Monica Noel.
Tuesday, Sept. 21: Family is so central to our human experience. And yes, that includes furry family, chosen friends, and any combination of emotionally blended people. Give yourself and your loved ones a little care today to celebrate. Maybe plan a quality game night, have an outing to a memorable place, or eat a classic family meal. Any way you choose to celebrate, this is the perfect time to make your family feel special.
Wednesday, Sept. 29: Coffee feels like self-care to me, which makes this day a perfect way to end this Self-Care Awareness month. Go to your favorite coffee place in town, and make the trip extra special. That might mean writing a note to the barista, trying a random coffee variety, or picking up a second cup to bring to a fellow caffeinated queen. Whatever feels best to you, you’ll know this celebration will leave you feeling more alert than ever. Also, a shout out to International Coffee Day on Oct. 1, which can have you celebrating all over again.
Thursday, Sept. 30: The title is the instructions: take today to love people. Start with someone close to you. How does your person receive love? Is that a bag of chocolate? Or a hug? Or a movie night? Make it happen. Since there’s always more love to go around, you could also extend it to strangers in kindness and care in your whole day.
*Research for this article from NationalToday.com and NationalDayCalendar.com.
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