We just began a new year, but self-care isn’t something we should start in January and forget about by February. Self-care should be an everyday mindset that reflects our commitment to our wellness. It’s how we tell ourselves, “I am important.”
Self-care can sometimes mean a full day at the spa. We think that’s an AMAZING way to self-care. In fact, Bella Hands welcomes you to book spa services so we can pamper you in all the best ways. However, we also know that’s not always possible and to make sure you are incorporating self-care every day of the week we want to help you think outside the box with our discovery challenge!
Over the next 30 days, we’ve outlined a weekly focus and daily activities that will help remind you how important you are. Try each activity with the focus to eventually put together a long-term self-care plan with the ones that speak to you specifically…
Ready to go?
Week 1 Focus: Cultivating Mindful Living
Mindfulness is about being present, savoring the moment, and appreciating life’s simple joys. Each activity in this week is designed to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude.
Day 1: Write an entry into a gratitude journal about what you love about yourself.
Day 2: Practice deep breathing or simply focus on breathing for 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening. P.S. You can even do this during the day while you’re at work to destress!
Day 3: Spend time walking outside or sitting in a space where you can simply “be” in nature.
Day 4: Meditate for 10 minutes to recenter your energy and refocus your mind. We love this meditation video from Maralis Self at Empowered Energy.
Day 5: Choose a meal that you love and take the time to enjoy it without any distractions like loud music, television, or a book in hand. Focus on what you are eating and all the taste and sensations that come with your meal.
Day 6: This might be almost impossible, but try to detox from tech for a full day. Can’t do it? Try ½ of your day and if that’s still too much time away take an hour!
Day 7: Engage in a hobby you love or try a new one you’ve always been interested in. Here are a couple of no-cost options: Learn a dance or make a new piece of art following tutorials on YouTube or head to the library and pick up a book on birds, foraging, or a cookbook with a new type of recipe you want to try.
Week 2 Focus: Prioritizing Health
They say that health is wealth, and dedicating time to nurture your physical well-being is key to all levels of self-care.
Day 8: Track your daily water intake and be mindful of whether you are meeting the suggested average daily intake of 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women.
Day 9: Cook something new that you’ve always wanted to try. Maybe it’s the recipe you found on Day 7?
Day 10: Stretch for 10 minutes in the morning. Listen to your body. How does it feel? Stretching is a great way to start your day.
Day 11: Shoot for 8 full hours of sleep. Head to bed and put away the electronics to practice good sleep hygiene. Focus on your breathing and get a full night of restful sleep.
Day 12: Set a digital curfew for yourself by putting away your electronics at least one hour before bed. Spend that time doing activities that are restful and make you feel relaxed and calm.
Day 13: Try a new fruit or vegetable today. Have you always wanted to know what prickly pear or jicama tastes like? Head to the grocery store and pick one new fruit or veggie. Who knows. It may become your favorite!
Day 14: Dance! Head out to a club, book a dance lesson, or just turn on the tunes and dance in your living room.
Week 3 Focus: Indulge in Self-Pampering
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a way to recharge and show yourself some love.
Day 15: Draw a hot bath, add some essential oils, and spend some time relaxing your muscles.
Day 16: Homemade facials can be a great way to spend time pampering yourself with items you’ll find in your kitchen! Here are 10 different recipes to try.
Day 17: Can you book a massage? While it’s always nice to have someone else massage you, if that’s not possible, then spend some time self-massaging your hands and feet with lotion.
Day 18: Take a power nap. Even 15 minutes will revitalize your mind and boost your mood.
Day 19: Try aromatherapy in the form of candles or oils. Fragrance can completely change your mood. Choose something that reflects the way you are feeling.
Day 20: Brew your favorite tea and pick up a book. Take an hour to enjoy quiet time with a cup of tea and a book.
Day 21: Sleep in today. Clear your schedule, use the curtains to block light, and turn off your alarms. This is one way to feel like you are indulging yourself!
Week 4 Focus: Nurturing the Mind-Body Connection
Mind-body harmony is essential for overall well-being. Don’t underestimate the power of making these connections for you.
Day 22: We started day one with a journal entry. Reflect on the past few weeks and write a self-affirming letter.
Day 23: Practice gratitude today by consciously focusing on the positive aspects of your life.
Day 24: Try a body scan meditation session. Not sure what that is? According to yogabasics.com, “This meditation is a technique where individuals systematically bring attention to different parts of the body, observing physical sensations without judgment. This practice promotes deep relaxation, stress reduction, and an increased sense of embodiment. By scanning the body, individuals develop a heightened awareness of the subtle signals and message their body communicates.”
Day 25: Put on your exercise clothes and try Yoga or Pilates. No need to head to a class unless you’ve always wanted to try. There are a lot of free yoga tutorials on YouTube made for all levels of fitness and all body shapes!
Day 26: What do you tell yourself? Today, reduce negative self-talk. Instead, offer yourself positive affirmations and self-compassion.
Day 27: Do a random act of kindness or volunteer at a charitable organization. Kindness brings purpose and fulfillment front and center. People, animals, or places…choose what brings you joy.
Day 28: Not an artist? Doesn’t matter. Art therapy is a great way to connect with your mind. Think about how you are feeling and draw your emotions in that moment.
Day 29: How did the last 30 days go? Which of these activities did you connect with? Today plan out your next 30 days of self-care. Pick activities you enjoy so that self-nurturing becomes part of your daily routine!
Day 30: Congratulations! Let’s celebrate your commitment with a small joyful indulgence of your choosing.
You Did It!
We hope you enjoyed these 30 days of self-care discovery. Our greatest hope is that you remember that self-care isn’t just a one-time occasional act, but a commitment to a sustainable self-care journey to bring balance and positivity to your life.
