Is it just me, or should Beyoncé’s birthday be considered a national holiday? September 4, 2018, marked the entertainment mogul’s 37th birthday and I can’t think of any reason why we shouldn’t all still be celebrating. While most of us do not know Queen B personally, her artistry and activism have already left a profound mark on the world. She has provided multiple decades worth of empowering anthems such as “Run The World,” “Flawless,” and “Formation,” publicly advocated for Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012 and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016, and founded #BeyGood, a humanitarian initiative which provides disaster relief and funds college scholarship programs. Her generosity goes way beyond the status quo for any person, let alone a celebrity, and she continues to carry the torch for the next generation of aspiring artists.
Although Beyoncé is still carrying out the North American leg of her On The Run II Tour with husband Jay Z, there is no doubt in my mind that she took time out of her special day to celebrate all of her personal and professional accomplishments. Therefore, we have some ideas as to how you can march into this week celebrating and taking care of yourself in true Beyoncé fashion:
1) Soothe Your Inner Virgo
Virgos tend to be analytic, organized, and huge perfectionists. If your mind is constantly on the move, take some time to slow things down a bit. Meditate, journal, or do whatever is necessary in order to relax. If none of that works, sit back and put Beyoncé’s song “Gift From A Virgo” on loop; you can thank me later. For more tips, read an in-depth version of your September horoscope.
2) Confidence Is Key
While it is perfectly normal to not feel 100% every day, confidence is key to getting over our persistent, pesky insecurities. Loving and fully accepting the person you are right now, is an essential step towards becoming the person you have always dreamed of being. In Beyoncé’s recent September issue in Vogue, she ditches the makeup and hair extensions that usually shroud her face and opens up about embracing the beauty of her body after having kids. Life is a journey, and we can’t afford to spend too much time on this journey, picking ourselves apart.
3) Show Some Love To Your Girlfriends
Beyoncé was a part of Destiny’s Child, aka one of the best squads in human history. Together along with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, (and prior to that, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, and Farrah Franklin), Beyoncé inspired women and girls all around the world to unite and that there was strength in conquering the world with your favorite girls.
4) Blast Your Favorite Female Anthem
As previously mentioned, Queen B is no stranger to an empowering bop. Music is one of the best tools we can use to boost our mood and remind us of our strength. Female singers and rappers have been topping the charts all summer. It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of hip-hop, rock, country or pop, there is an artist and an anthem out there for you.
5) Dance It Out
“Dancing like no one is watching” has been scientifically proven to improve your day. I have not fact-checked this, but it’s probably true. Whether it’s to “Single Ladies” or “Bootylicious,” just be sure to take some time to groove!
6) Swap Out Your Regular Lunch or Dinner For A Vegan Meal
Are things feeling a little stale in your kitchen? If so, try switching something up! In preparation for her 2018 Coachella performance, Mrs. Carter decided to switch to a vegan diet and challenged her multi-millions of followers to do the same. Veganism is not a quick fix for weight loss or malnourishment but is often praised for boosting energy levels, improving digestion, and helping consumers feel better. Experiment with some delicious new recipes; you may not even notice that anything is missing!
7) Give Back What And Where You Can
Beyoncé began her #BeyGood initiative back in order to provide humanitarian efforts for those suffering all across the country. From hurricane clean up in her hometown of Houston, Texas to granting scholarships to the next generation of HBCU attendees, the organization is committed to giving back. You may not be in the position to launch a foundation just yet, but wherever you can, give back to someone else. Donate to GoFundMe for a worthy cause, encourage someone in your life to register to vote, give up your seat for someone else in need; just be sure to pay your good fortune forward.
8) Focus On Your Finances
If there is anything aside from her family that Beyoncé does not want you to mess with, it’s her money. Although she has enough of it to last well beyond her years, she still sees the value in investing in her future. If you can, make mindful decisions all day with regards to money. Put a little more than usual into your savings account or opt for cooking dinner at home, rather than heading out to eat. Financial freedom should be all of our primary goals, and if we are to take a page out of Beyoncé’s book, we should never stop working towards it.
9) Spend Some Time Doing What You Love
You know that thing that you absolutely adore doing, but don’t ever make enough time for? It may be as simple as reading a book at a coffee shop, attending an exercise class, or pampering yourself with your favorite face mask. Yeah, do THAT. Beyoncé would want you to have some fun this week.