Today, I want to talk about something that often gets pushed aside in our bustling lives – self-care. It’s not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Taking time for ourselves isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about staying centered, reducing stress, and being the best version of ourselves. Trust me; I get it – with work, family, and everything in between, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner.
Now, February is a month of love, and what better way to celebrate than by showering yourself with a touch of self-love every day? I’m kicking off a 14-day self-care challenge, and this blog article is just the beginning of a journey towards a healthier, more balanced you.
Day 1 – Get Outside:
Step into nature, my friends! Whether it’s a nature walk, feeling the grass under your feet, or a beach stroll, connect with the earth. Even if it’s raining, channel your inner child, throw on some rain boots, and splash in puddles. Nature has a unique way of rejuvenating the soul.
Day 2 – Hydrate with a Gallon:
Water, water everywhere! Today, let’s hydrate like never before. Aim for a full gallon – that’s 16 cups of pure goodness. Spice it up with sparkling water, herbal tea, or a splash of citrus. Don’t forget electrolytes! Bananas, sweet potatoes, sea salt, pumpkin seeds – load up on these to keep your body in tip-top shape. You can even add a pinch of sea salt to your water for a boost of hydrating elements. Electrolytes are required by the body to help move water into our cells and to move toxins out. If you find that water runs right through you, you might need electrolytes. For ongoing maintenance, continue to drink one half your body weight in ounces each day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, drink 80 ounces or 10 cups of water daily.
Day 3 – No Sugar Day:
Time to break up with sugar! Kick that sugar habit for a day and witness increased energy, balanced glucose levels, and a lower risk of chronic illnesses. Check out my Ultimate Sugar Detox Cheat Sheet for a smooth transition. Who knows, this might be the start of a sugar-free journey.
Day 4 – Take a Bubble Bath:
Find serenity in a bubble bath with Epsom salts. Epsom salts can be found at most grocery or drug stores and is known for its deep relaxing benefits. It contains magnesium that is absorbed through the skin and helps relax tired muscles. Add a dash of lavender or your favorite essential oil to provide a calming experience and a restful night sleep. Learn more here >>> “Unwind and Recharge”.
Day 5 – Slow the Scroll:
Did you know that the average person spends 2 ½ hours per day on social media! While social media can be entertaining and informative and can also be a huge time suck and leave us feeling tired, unproductive, and disconnected from the real things in life. Spend a day without notifications, and if possible, turn off your devices. Reconnect with real-life experiences – spend time with loved ones, read a good book, or organize that closet you’ve been neglecting. It’s time to break free from the digital world.
Day 6 – Learn to Meditate:
Meditation is the key to slowing down life’s chaos. Take just 5-10 minutes to sit quietly, focusing on your breath. Inhale for a count of 4 and then exhale for a count of 4. Meditation has been shown to relieve stress, improve cardiac health, create greater coherence between the right and left sides of the brain, and improve sleep. Apps like Calm or Headspace, which is my personal favorite, can help.
Day 7 – Try a New Recipe:
Get creative in the kitchen! Trying a new recipe can be therapeutic. I recommend diving into my cookbook, “The Simply28 Real Food Cookbook.” It’s packed with over 100 gluten-free and grain-free recipes – a true celebration of real food. If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, here’s the link >>>The Simply28 Real Food Cookbook<<<
Ready for the challenge? Plan your self-care moments each day this week, and stay tuned for next week’s blog article for days 8 through 14. Wishing you a fantastic week of self-love and care! Until next time, stay nourished and well my friend.
