30-Day Self-Care Challenge
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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?
A quick Google search describes self-care as “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 spirit; 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.
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.
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 🙂
The 30-Day Self-Care Challenge:
- Day 1 – Start your day by following along to a yoga routine on YouTube (Here’s one you can try)
- Day 2 – Let your creativity flow by writing or drawing for 15 minutes
- Day 3 – Spend time on a park bench taking in the nature around you
- Day 4 – Watch a Ted Talk about personal growth (You can find all of them on this topic here)
- Day 5 – Spend some quality time with a loved one
- Day 6 – Burn your favourite scented candle as you unwind at the end of the day (Here’s one made with soy wax and essential oils)
- Day 7 – Add more veggies and fruits to your meals (Check out my Pinterest food board for recipe ideas)
- Day 8 – Practice setting boundaries by saying no when you want to say no
- Day 9 – Follow along to a progressive muscle relaxation exercise on YouTube (Here’s one you can try)
- Day 10 – Read a book for 20 minutes before bed
- Day 11 – Go for a walk with a walking buddy
- Day 12 – Take a warm bath with your favourite scented bath bomb (Here’s one you can try)
- Day 13 – Make an effort to drink more water today
- Day 14 – Repeat a self-love affirmation (Here are 20+ Positive Affirmations For Self-Love you can start with)
- Day 15 – Volunteer with or donate to a charity or cause you believe in
- Day 16 – Give your brain a workout by completing your favourite kind of puzzle (Here are some puzzles you can print)
- Day 17 – Reconnect with an old friend
- Day 18 – Listen to songs that make you happy
- Day 19 – Follow along to a Zumba workout on YouTube (Here’s one you can try)
- Day 20 – Follow along to a guided imagery meditation on YouTube (Here’s one for self-love)
- Day 21 – Spend quality time in nature by going for a hike or having a picnic
- Day 22 – Watch a documentary on a topic you’re interested in
- Day 23 – See how many random acts of kindness you can do today
- Day 24 – Make yourself a flower arrangement and take the time to smell each flower
- Day 25 – Go for a jog or run
- Day 26 – Do some colouring to de-stress (You can find some here)
- Day 27 – Write down 3 things you are grateful for
- Day 28 – Watch a Ted Talk on a topic that interests you (Browse all Ted Talks here)
- Day 29 – Enjoy a meal with a friend
- Day 30 – Practice being present by mindfully walking barefoot and paying attention to how the ground feels on your feet (do this indoors or outdoors)
Remember, “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
What’s your favourite self-care activity from the 30-Day Self-Care Challenge? Let me know below!
The content you find on this blog is written by us based on our personal research or lived experiences and is designed to inform and inspire – not to provide medical or health advice. Although we strive for accuracy, we do not make any warranty as to the correctness of our content. Always consult your doctor when it comes to your personal health or before you make any changes to your lifestyle.
I am really enjoying your blog. Love all the uplifting quotes, we all need encouragement.
Yes we do! And thank you so much!
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
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.