30 Day Self-Care Challenge

What better way to start the year, than with a 30-Day Self-Care Challenge? As a caregiver, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in caring for others, that you neglect yourself.

I challenge you to recommit to caring for yourself this year. You would be surprised at how adding just a few simple tweaks to your day can really refresh you and when you are refreshed, you can give care gracefully.

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Daily Devotion

First, commit to 20 minutes of daily devotion. You can use this time to pray, ready the Bible or your favorite devotional, or write in your journal.

I love the simplicity of Jesus Calling Devotional and the powerful devotions in Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks, but there are millions of devotionals and bible plans to choose from.

I dare you to give God the first fruits of your day, and watch how much smoother your day runs.

Daily Walks

After your devotional, put on your walking shoes. There are so many benefits of walking regularly. Some of the benefits include:

Decreased stress and anxiety
Improved memory and focus
Lower Blood Pressure
Lower Cholesterol
Lower Blood Sugar
Weight loss and maintenance

Commit to walking at least 5-6 days per week. You can walk on a treadmill at home, go to the gym, or walk outside. Sometimes when I’m pressed for time, I just do laps around my dining room table. The idea is to just get it done.

In the last year, I’ve discovered Leslie Sansone and her walk at home programs. She has tons of free content on YouTube.

This my favorite one. It works wonders on the waistline.

I also love this DVD of hers.

Stay Hydrated

If you are anything like me, you struggle with drinking enough water. I get so busy with the day, sometimes I look at the clock and half the day has passed and I’ve only had a cup or 2 of water.

However, there are so many benefits of good hydration, it’s downright neglectful not to stay well hydrated.

Some of the benefits of good hydration include:

Weight Maintenance and/or Weight Loss

Healthy hair, skin, and nails

Anti-aging Benefits

Muscle & Joint Health

Headache Prevention

Increased Energy

Constipation Prevention

Detoxification

Who couldn’t benefit from at least one of these?

I love these time-marked water bottles to keep me on track.

Self-Care Rest and Relaxation

Make a list of things that you enjoy doing that provide you with stress relief and helps you unwind. It could be reading a couple of chapters of a good book, taking a relaxing bubble bath, or learning a new skill.

Choose at least 1 thing off of the list each day. Here are some ideas to get you started with your own list.

12 Self Care R&R Activity ideas

1. Read or Listen to a book

2. Find a good movie to watch

3. Do some therapeutic baking

4. Take a nap

5. Biblical Meditation

6. Do a puzzle

7. Call a friend and catch up

8. Go to a movie

9. Have lunch with a friend

10. Watch the sunrise or set

12. Do your favorite hobby

13. Listen to your favorite music playlist

Detox

Detoxification is the process of ridding the body of toxins and unhealthy substances. There are numerous ways to detox. Here are some ways to help detoxify your body daily.

Detox Baths– Add 2 cups of Epsom Salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 15 minutes. Epson Salt, also known as magnesium sulfate is wonderful for stimulation muscle and nerve repair while reducing inflammation and improving circulation and sleep. You can find Epsom salt at your local drugstore.

Detox Tea– Drink 1-2 cups of Detox tea. Most detox teas aim to detoxify the liver and kidneys while aiding in healthy digestion. Here is one of my favorites.

Detox Water– You can simply add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or 100% cranberry juice to a warm cup of water or if you’re feeling fancy, whip up one of these 20 Detox Water Recipes. Detox water helps cleanse the liver and kidneys and reduce bloating and inflammation.

Foot Soaks– Add a ½ cup of Epsom Salt to a warm basin of water and soak your feet for at least 15 minutes. Foot soaks with Epsom salt provides many of the same benefits of detox baths.

Choose at least 1 detox method daily.

Sleep

While it’s easier said than done, aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Getting an adequate amount of sleep has many benefits. Among them are:

Improved immune system

Decreased stress and anxiety

Decreased risk of heart disease and diabetes

Better mental clarity and decision-making

Easier weight maintenance and weight loss

Improved mood

In Summary

Self-Care is so important for everyone, but especially caregivers. There is no way to give your best to your loved ones long-term without taking time out to care for yourself. Be kind to yourself and take the 30-Day Self-Care Challenge.

Print your FREE copy of the customizable 30-Day Self-Care Calendar.