Summer is a busy time of year and one that most of us enjoy. If you balance childcare with work or have to watch all your colleagues flying off to warmer climates, it can also feel a bit 'meh'. So, I want to give you a challenge this summer! (It's a good one for me too!)
This summer, I challenge you to 30 days of Self-Care.
Finding a little time each day is beneficial even if it's 15 minutes during your lunch break. When you take time to take care of you and refresh yourself, you will be able to live a happier, healthier life.
This challenge is designed to take it back to the basics and put a little extra time and care into yourself each day. Below are some great suggestions, but feel free to add your own ideas; things that make you smile or feel better about yourself are perfect...
Day 1 – Plan your challenge. Pop a daily reminder in your diary and set an intention to be open-minded and try new things this month.
Day 2 - Meditate. Sit in the sun and meditate, or breathe deeply.
Day 3 – Eat well. Find a new healthy recipe and make a delicious dinner tonight.
Day 4 - Go outside for a walk in nature. Switch off your tech and reconnect. Even 5 minutes is a game-changer for finding inner calm.
Day 5 – Feel proud of yourself. What have you accomplished recently? Today is the day to celebrate your achievement!
Day 6 – Try something new. Step out of your comfort zone and have fun trying something you've always wanted to do.
Day 7 - Grab a picnic or eat your lunch outside. Choose to eat food that makes you feel good and gives you energy.
Day 8 – Do something you love. A crafty hobby, a yoga class, or going out for coffee with your best friend.
Day 9 – Play that funky music! Never underestimate the power of listening to your favourite music on full blast while jumping around like an idiot!
Day 10 – Nurture your body. Make a fruit salad or a smoothie to boost your nutritional levels.
Day 11 - Relax to the sound of nature. You can choose to sit outside and listen to the birds or wind in the trees. Or sit by the window and listen to the rain.
Day 12 – Get active. Run, walk, cycle, stretch, or dance. Move your body and get active in a way you love.
Day 13 - Dress up and feel pretty. Dress up for no one but you and simply feel nice.
Day 14 - Make a summer playlist of all your feel-good tunes. (and re-live number 9!)
Day 15 – Reflect. What have you learned this year? Reflect on a valuable life lesson and how this wisdom has guided your personal journey.
Day 16 - Watch the sunrise or the sunset.
Day 17 – Be kind to yourself – all day. Always choose to practice self-compassion no matter what situation you find yourself in.
Day 18 – Have an early night. Sleep helps your mind to rest, your body to repair, your memories to form, and even boosts your immunity.
Day 19 – Write a love letter to yourself. Describe the things you love about yourself, what makes you unique, a time you achieved something great, what makes you happiest. Write freely, this is for your eyes only.
Day 20 – Be creative. Pick up a crafty project and tap into your creativity today.
Day 21 – See your true beauty. Take a look in the mirror and focus on your true beauty – no 'flaws' allowed. Fall in love with the person in the mirror who is unique, strong and beautiful.
Day 22 - Take a ton of pictures. Choose the people, places and subjects that make you happy.
Day 23 - Be thankful. List 10 things you're grateful for in your life and count your blessings, no matter how big or small they may be.
Day 24 - Do a Yoga routine. Go outside and practice in the daylight.
Day 25 – Visit a place you love. Reflect on what makes it a happy place for you and why you love going back.
Day 26 - Re-organise your space. De-cluttering will release energy in your home that will literally be absorbed by your body, and the clean energy will revitalise your mind, body and soul.
Day 27 – Find your rhythm, and start drumming. Use your hands or a pencil on a desk! Drumming reduces stress, promotes relaxation, controls pain and boost the immune system.
Day 28 – Write a journal. Write your feelings down in a journal. Don't think about it too much, simply let the pen glide and your thoughts flow onto the paper.
Day 29 - Go star-gazing and count the stars.
Day 30 - Relax. Breathe extra deep, let go, and just live in the moment right now.
Sharon Cole
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