At the beginning of the year, you are ready to start changing all of your habits and be the healthiest version of yourself. Until you get bored with it, right? Taking care of yourself can be challenging, but it’s important for your overall health and well-being. With this 30-Day Self Care Challenge, you’ll learn how to prioritize yourself and develop healthy habits that will help you stay balanced, relaxed, and energized. And, you can try what you want and see what sticks. Have fun trying new things.
30-Day Self Care Challenge
These self care challenge ideas will be broken out into different categories. I have created a worksheet to print out and you can decide what order to do them in by making them part of your calendar or daily to-do list.
Daily Exercise
Exercise is essential for maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness. Set aside a specific time each day to be active. It can be a high-intensity workout or something mild like going on a walk or stretching. Make sure to mix up your activity so you don’t get bored. Whatever it is, focus on how you feel after the workout – strong and energized!
- Take a quick walk around the block when the sun is shining.
- Sign up for a Pilates class.
- Dance and sing to your favorite song.
- Play with your child/grandchild or pet.
- Take a boxing class.
Make Time For Yourself
Set aside a regular time each day for yourself. Spend some quality time doing something you enjoy or take the time to simply relax and recharge. Even 5-10 minutes of quiet can be incredibly nourishing and restorative. Take this dedicated time to do something that brings joy to your life, whether it’s reading, listening to music, trying out a new recipe, drawing or painting, and more. Enjoying these moments can help foster a sense of calm and peace in your day-to-day life.
- Read a book in the middle of the day.
- Take a nap.
- Make an overdue appointment.
- Unfollow 3 people on social media who lower your vibration.
- Take a photo of 3 beautiful things.
- Watch a funny movie.
- Put on a face mask and enjoy a cup of tea.
Nourish Your Body with Healthy Foods
Eating nutritious, whole foods is one of the best things you can do to nourish your body and mind. Have fun stocking up your kitchen with healthy ingredients, or try out a new cookbook. Incorporate plenty of vegetables and fruits as well as lean proteins into your diet. Avoid processed and unhealthy foods when possible; if you do crave ‘junk’, be mindful of how it makes your body feel after eating it. Take this self care challenge each day to make healthier food choices that fuel and energize your body!
- Pick out and try a fruit or vegetable you have never tried before.
- Cook a “healthy” meal with more than 5 ingredients.
- Take a friend to lunch.
- Pick a day to do some meal planning.
- Bake your favorite dessert.
- Try fasting for a day.
Practice Mindfulness Every Day
Taking some time every day to practice mindful breathing and present-moment awareness can help reduce stress and increase your overall well-being. Mindfulness encourages us to let go of unhealthy thought patterns, be more aware of our feelings and emotions, and develop a kinder attitude toward ourselves. Pick a spot in nature (or even your own home) that you find peaceful and comfortable. Spend 10 minutes each day observing the natural world without judgment or expectations. Allow yourself to slow down, connect with yourself, and enjoy the peace of this moment.
- Meditate for 7 minutes.
- Journal on your ideal day.
- Find a positive thought about everyone you see today.
- Light a candle or diffuse essential oils.
- Journal on 10 things that make you happy.
- Do one of the things that make you happy.
- Breathe in the fresh air.
Do Something Kind for Others
Self care is also about sharing your love. Which in turn makes you feel better about yourself. Doing something nice for others doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone else’s day or even life. From random acts of altruism to actively supporting a cause, here are some ideas on how you can spread joy and create a positive ripple effect.
- Send a text to someone and tell them you appreciate their presence in your life.
- Find a place to volunteer.
- Give your pet some extra attention.
- Write and mail a letter to someone.
- Make a nice dinner for your partner and use the good dishes.
- Send your kids a care package.
By being intentional about your self care, you can create a life that feels good and maintains your well-being. Start by creating your self care challenge and get ready to thrive again. Especially in mid-life, it’s important to take care of your body, mind, and soul. Choose the challenge ideas that create the beautiful life you are looking for.
Sign up for the Marvelous Resource Library and look for the Self Care Challenge Ideas worksheet under Self Care.