How to Make a "Take Care of Yourself" Calendar

Get yourself a nice wall calendar or a portable calendar in note book style. Chose what works best for you. Look for a calendar with large places to write. Place or keep the calendar where you will refer to it often. For each month of the year, there are certain things we should do that are not often thought about or considered. These items can help us to take better care of ourselves.

For the month of January add the following items to your calendar.

1. Remember UV rays are just as powerful in the winter months as they are in the summer. Always apply a facial sunscreen moisturizer with a SPF of 15 or higher.

2. Purchase new mascara. Toss out mascara that is 6 months or older to prevent eye irritation or possible infection.

3. Zap skin spots if you have acne spots or broken blood vessels. Consult a dermatologist about laser treatments.

For the month of February add the next items to your calendar.

1. Begin an anti-aging or skin cleansing treatment. Retin-A can make skin sensitive, so winter is a good time to use products containing this anti-aging ingredient since you spend less time outdoors.

2. Schedule a body skin cancer check-up with your physician. Any time of the year is just fine as long as it is done annually.

For the month of March add the next items to your calendar.

1. Do a spring cleaning of your make-up. Toss out items such as foundations, concealers, and lip sticks that are a year old or more. Toss out mascara that is older than 6 months as well as anything else that looks or smells strange. Make a list of the items you need to buy.

2. Treat yourself to a professional massage. After a cold winter there is nothing better than a massage to loosen up back muscles and rejuvenate you.

For the month of April add the next items to your calendar.

1. Change your hair style to an easy warm weather look. Try a shorter cut that will require less time to dry and to care for. Schedule regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks.

2. Adjust your anti-aging skin routine. Consider decreasing the dose of Retin A since the summer sun can cause irritation to the skin.

For the month of May add the next items to your calendar.

1. Take care of your feet by removing tough skin every other day with a foot file or pumice stone. It will take a couple of weeks and consistency to see a noticeable improvement. use a pale shade of polish on your fingernails for a more natural look. Be sure to moisturize nail cuticles.

2. Throw out old bottles of sunscreen. Purchase new sunscreen for the coming summer months. Be sure to look for an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it liberally and often.

For the month of June add the next items to your calendar.

1. Get a bikini wax. they are relatively inexpensive and last 6 to 8 weeks.

2. Brighten your teeth. Summer is a great time for one of your 6 month check-ups. Have your teeth cleaned and look into whitening if needed.

3. Reevaluate your concealer shade. Your skin will get a touch of glow from the sun and you might need a slightly darker color.

For the month of July add the next items to your calendar.

1. Be sure to pack a spritzer for hot days. Fill a spray bottle with water to keep your skin cool. Be sure to use sunscreen.

2. Deep condition your hair. Apply an intensive moisture treatment and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

3. Smooth your heels. When you are at the beach, take a walk barefoot in the sand for a natural exfoliate

For the month of August add the next items to your calendar.

1. Clean up your feet since months in flip-foots and sandels can cause them to be stained. Fill a tub with equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide and soak your feet. Scrub them with a nail brush.

2. Use a clarifying shampoo on your hair for one week. The sun and chlorine take a toll on hair and can leave it dry and dull.

3. Stock up on additional sunscreen. You can find sales at this time of the year on sunscreen products.

For the month of September add the next items to your calendar.

1. Get a richer shade of lip color. Warmer colors look best in cooler weather. They help to perk up a lighter complexion.

2. Try to prevent new fall shoe blisters. Walk around in the shoes to break them in and identify problem spots. Put moleskin on the areas of your feet where a blister might occur.

For the month of October add the next items to your calendar.

1. Change to a non-water based facial cleaner since soap can be drying during cold weather.

2. Skip nail polish color since nails need time to breath and regain their natural color once in a while.

3. Clear up your skin before the holidays. Use acne medication to prevent break-outs.

For the month of November add the next items to your calendar.

1. Treat yourself to a professional manicure. Wear nails on the shorter side since they require less maintenance.

2. Deep clean pores by scheduling a professional facial.

For the month of December add the next items to your calendar.

1. Do not stain your teeth. Dark beverages and red wine stain the teeth. If it is hard to remove from the kitchen counter top then it is likely hard to remove from your teeth. Brush or use a mouth wash to rinse after every meal.

2. Keep your skin well moisturized. Prolonged exposure to water can dry out skin. Try taking shorter showers. Exfoliate with a hydrating scrub and rub in a moisturizer when your skin is still damp.