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I think you’re due for some rest, relaxation, and some good old self-care. If you need a refresh but are unsure where to start, this 30-day self-care challenge will walk you through it all. Sit back, relax, and SELF-CARE!
FREE 30-Day Self Care Printable Included!
If you are anything like me, you can convince yourself that self-care is something that has to be earned or rewarded… but, in reality, self-care is essential to your overall being.
Why Start This 1-Month Self-Care Challenge?
To be honest, I suck at self-care. I am guilty of pushing myself to my limits and telling myself that I don’t “have time” for self-care.
But let me let you in on a secret…
You either choose to make time to take care of yourself or you are forced to make time to take care of yourself.
If you continue to push yourself nonstop, not only will you feel exhausted and unhappy, you will burn out.
If you are like me, you may think you can continue going full speed forever. You may not believe burnout will happen to you, but it is inevitable if you don’t take the time to slow down.
(And from personal experience, burnouts suck…)
All around, you are much better off just taking the time to care for yourself in the first place.
Here comes another secret…
Self-care is productive.
Self-care is necessary.
And, last but definitely not least…
Self-care is NOT selfish.
So, with that…
30-Day Self-Care Challenge
Buckle up and get ready for a month of self-care. This is going to be totally awesome!
Day 1: Watch an Episode of Your Favorite TV Show
The Bachelorette, Criminal Minds, The Office (Friends will always be better than The Office but I won’t get into that right now😉)… No matter what it may be, allow yourself the downtime to mindlessly watch something you love today!
Day 2: Spend 15 Minutes Outside
Go for a walk or just set up a chair and take some deep breaths of fresh air. These are all some of my favorite ways to practice self-care. I would even recommend you do this every day of this 30-day self-care challenge.
This does amazing things for your mind and body. 15 minutes, at least. I promise you’ll feel refreshed.
Day 3: Cook Your Favorite Dinner
Whatever your heart desires is what you should have. If you need some inspiration, check out my post of over 180 simple dinner ideas that I LOVE.
Take time to have fun with the cooking and savor the meal. Be present. Enjoy.
Day 4: Text an Old Friend
It can be as simple as “Hey, thinking of you today!“. Connection is SO good for us. Do not allow yourself to get so busy that you forget the people that matter.
Day 5: Journal
This can be whatever you want it to be! Doodle, jot down your thoughts, write a story, gratitude journal, follow guided journal prompts, anything! Writing is so helpful for me when I am looking to refresh my mind.
RELATED POSTS:
55 Journal Prompts for Body Image
80 Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery
55 Deep Journal Prompts for Self-Love
Day 6: Go For a Drive
If you are able to, take yourself on a drive. Blast some music and just see where the road leads you. I love going for drives with no destination in mind.
Day 7: Pay It Forward
This is one of my favorites.
Brightening other people’s day always brightens my own. Next time you are out and about, pay it forward. I typically do this at Starbucks, but wherever and however you are able to, make someone smile today.
Day 8: Sleep In
Catch some extra Zzzs today. If this is simply not possible for Day 8, I get it!
Simply swap this with another day that works better… But no skipping this altogether. Allow yourself a sleep-in!
RELATED POST: How to Build an Aesthetic Morning Routine
Day 9: Make Your Favorite Breakfast
And I mean FAVORITE. If you’re feeling a full fancy 5-star brunch, you best take your butt to the kitchen and make yourself that full fancy 5-star brunch.
But, hey! If Eggo waffles are your favorite breakfast, that works just fine too. 😉
The point here is that you treat yourself, whatever it may be!
*Bonus points if you eat breakfast in bed.
Day 10: Take a Warm Bath/Shower
Lather, Rinse, Relax, and Repeat.
RELATED POST: 20 Steps to the Ultimate Self-Care Shower Routine
Day 11: Go Shopping
What’s a self-care challenge without a little shopping?!
Take yourself on a shopping date. Even if you don’t find anything you want to buy, go browse your favorite store.
Wait… Did you hear that?
I think Target is calling my name. Gotta go! 😉
Day 12: Write and Mail a Letter
Write a letter to someone you love and send it.
This will:
- Brighten their day
- Brighten your day
- Make you more aware of how many people you have to be grateful for
Heck, why stop at one letter? Send dozens if you feel like it!
READ: 50 Creative Handwritten Letter Ideas
Day 13: Do Yoga or Stretch
Healing for the mind, body, and soul…
I go back and forth between using Alo Moves and YouTube for my yoga classes. Both are amazing.
Day 14: Have a Pamper Night
For me, this typically includes doing my nails, putting on a face mask, and deep conditioning my hair. Those are only a few ideas, though! Take this wherever you feel is right!
RELATED POST: Build the Ultimate Self-Care Night
Day 15: Get Dressed Up
When you look good, you feel good… and vice versa.
Put on something that makes you feel confident AF, no matter what it is! Do your hair and makeup if you feel like it. Make yourself feel beautiful – because you are!
Day 16: Make a List of Your Accomplishments
You are killing life! Time to give yourself some well-deserved recognition.
(Reminder: you are NOT arrogant for being proud of yourself. You should be proud. I am proud of you too!)
RELATED POST: 80 Fun Lists to Make When Bored
Day 17: Make Art
Art is different for everybody. To me, my form of art has always either been writing or dancing. To you, it may be drawing or painting.
Whatever form of art is most meaningful to you, go create some!
Day 18: Have a Social-Media Free Day
This is more refreshing than you could even imagine.
Social media, in moderation, is great. I LOVE connecting on social media, don’t get me wrong. But there are definite downsides to social media apps (such as TikTok, Instagram, etc.).
There’s value in taking a break from it all.
Day 19: Dream and Set Related Goals
It is so much fun to let your dreams run wild and then set goals to help you achieve those dreams…
I love making a manifestation list and then setting small, related goals for each of my big dreams. It makes them feel achievable and within my reach – which they are!
Yours are too! Because, just in case you ever forget, YOU CAN ANYTHING. No dream is too big.
Day 20: Bake Something (and Eat It)
You know I love to bake.
I also love to eat good baking.
It’s a win/win, honestly.
Day 21: Clean Out Your Closet
Or cabinet, pantry, or anything!
Clean something, organize something, wash something – it feels so refreshing!
Day 22: Play With a Pet
The pure, genuine love and joyfulness of an animal are unbeatable.
Pets are known to improve mental health. Even just taking a few moments to play with or snuggle a furry friend can improve your mood and well-being.
Day 23: ZERO Negativity Day
You are officially banned from any negative comments today. Not about your life, not about yourself, not about other people, not about anything. No negativity.
When I made this my goal for just ONE DAY, it was alarming how many negative comments fly out of my mouth without even realizing it.
Break the cycle.
Day 24: Unfollow Spree
While we’re on the negativity-free train…
Unfollow, unfriend, and unsubscribe to anyone/anything that is no longer serving you or adding positivity to your life. We have no room for negativity on our social media (or in our life). Time to cleanse.
Day 25: Meditate
Some people love it, some people hate it.
Commit to giving meditation a fair shot today and then you can make a complete judgment.
This is something I used to not believe in and now I swear by it for my anxiety. I use HeadSpace for personalized, guided meditations. This has been a game-changer for me.
Day 26: Movie Night
Find a favorite movie, pop some popcorn, scoop some ice cream, and do whatever makes you feel the happiest.
Have a completely fun and stress-free movie night like you did when you were a kid. Not a worry (or work thought) in the world tonight!
Day 27: Do a Task You’ve Been Avoiding
This may not seem like the typical form of “self-care”, but it is. Believe me. Postponing dreaded tasks just weighs you down more.
RELATED POST: 6 Types of Self-Care + Ideas for Each
Do that load of laundry, clean that bathtub, call that person… you know what needs to be done here. (These examples may be borrowed from my own to-do list…😬)
Day 28: Watch the Sunrise/Sunset
I mean REALLY watch it… not just happen to catch it while you’re running around. Take time to sit down and take it in.
Day 29: Take Yourself Out
Whether it be for lunch, ice cream, or some coffee, soak up some one-on-one time with yourself. Make it something special.
Day 30: Have a PJ Day
For the last final stretch of this challenge, have a full-on lazy day. No makeup, hair tools, or real clothes are allowed. Only PJs, blankets, yummy food, and good TV today.
Get Your Free 30-Day Self-Care Challenge Printable
It is my hope that after these 30 days, you will feel as rejuvenated and refreshed as I did.
I also want to remind you that you have full permission to do ANY of these things (or ANY self-care activity in general) whenever you need or want.
You do not need to be participating in this 30-Day Self-Care Challenge to implement any of these activities.
Say you need a PJ day on a random Tuesday in September… You best be having a PJ day on that random Tuesday in September.
No matter where you are, what you’ve done, or what you have to do, make time for YOU. Self-care is not just helpful, it is essential.
Be kind to yourself.
Take care of yourself.
Please.
I hope you found today’s post helpful. We all get overwhelmed at times. Give yourself grace and allow some time to regroup.
You got this!
I am proud of you, I am here for you, and I am rooting for you always.
To help you on your journey towards self-care, I want to offer you a special deal on my self-care journal (AND all my other self-improvement products).
As a follow-up to this self-care 30-day challenge, the self-care journal can be a great tool.
Use the code BLOGSQUAD20 for 20% OFF ALL PRODUCTS IN MY STORE.
I hope this helps you further pursue a life of happiness and joy. Sending positivity and love your way!
Amanda says
I love this so much! I also tend to push myself and overlook self care but it really is so important! The printable calendar is a nice touch to help people stay on track 😃❤️
Mel says
thanks Del, can’t wait to get started. you’re the Best!! 😊