I have a confession to make. I suck at self-care. And I know I’m not alone in saying that.
What is self-care?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, self-care is “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.” Self-care is taking the time to do something you enjoy that nourishes you mentally, emotionally and physically. And although this sounds simple enough, this is so often not made a priority as we make it through our hectic lives.
Why is it important?
Self-care is crucial to maintaining balance in our lives; to maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul; and to maintaining healthy and positive relationships with oneself and others. Self-care refuels us. It helps us take on the day, and the next, and the next.
Why am I passionate about this topic?
Let me tell you a little story.
There once was a girl who always tried to please those around her – her family, her friends, her colleagues. Everyone’s needs were more important than her own – to the point where she didn’t even know what her needs were.
Although she liked her ability to be compassionate, helpful, and reliable, her time spent being all those things to others is what eventually led to her total burnout. And why, because through her time of thinking of others, she also never thought of herself.
But as Friedrich Nietzsche famously said, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” This girl now sits here in front of her computer, writing this blog post in hopes of shedding some light on this crucial topic.
I share this personal story to illustrate that, slowly but surely, I was able to regain my strength, my confidence, my happiness, and my well-being. I did this through some self-love and self-care.
Read more: 6 Types of Self-Care & Ways To Practice Them
My greatest takeaway
What I learned through this journey, and continue to learn today, is the profound effect self-care can have on those around you. Despite what some may believe, self-care is not selfish, and will not prevent you from caring or being of service to others.
When I began to take better care of myself, I became a more compassionate, more helpful, more reliable, individual. I had more energy and love to give.
The bottom line is self-care is not about taking away from your care and help for others. It is only about including yourself in that equation as well.
Why a 30-Day challenge?
As I opened this post, I mentioned I sucked at this whole self-care thing. And I do, but I’m much better than I was. The issue I have is to consistently and deliberately make the time to practice it. And thus, I arrived at this 30-day challenge.
This challenge is meant to remind us to take the time, no matter how small, each day to implement some aspect of self-care. And once the 30 days have passed, I hope that you continue on this lifelong journey of love and care for oneself.
So, if you’re up for the challenge, let’s go on this journey together 🙂
Here are daily self-care activities for your next 30 days. It is only a guide – feel free to switch it up, and make it the most YOU. Happy self-caring, you lovely people you! <3
Read more: 30-DAY SELF-CARE CHALLENGE – FALL EDITION (PRINTABLE)
The 30-Day Self-Care Challenge:
Day 1 – Go for a 15-minute walk during your lunch hour.
Day 2 – Take a bubble bath.
Day 3 – Write down three things you are grateful for.
Day 4 – Buy yourself your favourite flowers.
Day 5 – Snuggle with your favourite blanket, your favourite tea, and your favourite book.
Day 6 – Compliment someone.
Day 7 – Turn off your cellphone immediately after work, or at least 3-4 hours before bed.
Day 8 – Have a fun night on the town with your best friend.
Day 9 – Go for a walk and take three photos of things that inspire you.
Day 10 – Visit your favourite park and sit silently, taking in nature around you.
Day 11 – Get a massage.
Day 12 – Watch your favourite comedy movie.
Day 13 – Try some yoga. (Here are some great yoga YouTube channels that can help!)
Day 14 – Spend some time cuddling with your pet.
Day 15 – Start journaling. (Here are some benefits for doing it.)
Day 16 – Take yourself out to eat.
Day 17 – Burn your favourite scented candle.
Day 18 – Spend time reading a new book you’ve always wanted to read.
Day 19 – Take yourself out to a movie.
Day 20 – Do a 10-minute breathing exercise. (Here are some you could try.)
Day 21 – Get a manicure or pedicure.
Day 22 – Plant something.
Day 23 – Spend quality time with loved ones.
Day 24 – Go for a 30-minute walk and listen to your favourite songs.
Day 25 – Cook and eat your favourite meal.
Day 26 – Clean out / organize your closet and donate your unused clothing to charity.
Day 27 – Do something kind for a stranger.
Day 28 – Stay off social media for a whole day.
Day 29 – Drink more water.
Day 30 – Go for a bike ride.
Freebie
Sign up to The Freebie Spot to grab the printable version of this 30 Day Self-Care Challenge!
Remember, “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
Thanks so much for stopping by <3
Diane A Gish says
I am really enjoying your blog. Love all the uplifting quotes, we all need encouragement.
Amanda at Tulip & Sage says
Yes we do! And thank you so much!
ANNA says
hello, I feel very brave writing to you, as this is very new to me, My husband left me after 37 years of marriage, and now I am realising I matter, I was a wife and mother, but not a thought for myself, after finding you I have written down a timetable of things to do for myself, and I realise I do matter, Thank you
Amanda says
Thank you for sharing this, Anna. I’m so happy for you. You absolutely do matter and I hope you continue to make yourself a priority. Wishing you the very best with this new chapter in your life.