What is a self-care challenge? There are so many weight-related, fitness, and food challenges we can participate in, which is one of the many reasons I like to mix it up with variety! In the past, I have challenged you to get more sleep, and it was a success. Now we are going to try something new:
a self-care challenge
Make sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post! Originally this was to be the New Year’s Challenge, but we decided to let the momentum of a fresh start carry us through January. Let’s keep the ball rolling with Self-Care Challenge February, the month of love! It’s important to show yourself some love too, so think of this as a special Valentine’s gift you give yourself!
Here’s all there is to it:
Each day of February, be mindful of noticing any acts of self-care. Use this 28-day chart to track your progress. TOM Tribe Members can download this free 6-page Self Care Idea List from the Guides Section. If you aren’t a member yet, just sign up, the Self Care Idea List is the very last guide at the bottom. To accept the challenge, simply comment on this post. “I accept this challenge” or “I’m in” – whatever, just let me know you are participating in the comments on THIS post.
Self-care doesn’t have to be a big deal like scheduling a massage, though it certainly could be those things. Who doesn’t enjoy a spa day? For this challenge, think everyday self-care. Focus on the day to day self-care habits that keep you ticking.
What are those little things you do, like remembering to take your vitamins, going to bed half an hour earlier, or turning off your phone a few hours before bedtime? Maybe there’s a hobby you enjoy? Mine’s knitting!
Why spend time on Self-Care?
Self-care has been portrayed over the last few years as a way to pamper, but I believe it’s more than that.
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. They account for almost 60% of all deaths and 43% of the global burden of disease [1]. This is expected to markedly increase with chronic disease contributing 73% of all deaths and 60% of the global burden of disease by 2020 [1]. The most prevalent chronic diseases—cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and type 2 diabetes—are linked by common and preventable biological risk factors (i.e., high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and obesity) as well as major behavioral risk factors including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use. Patient centered care, which includes self-care or self-management, is a fundamental concern for nursing and essential to the prevention and management of chronic diseases [2].
In the podcast Self-Care part one, we talked about the question “is self-care selfish” and came to some conclusions. We shared some of our ideas of Self-Care part two and how we go about implementing those daily to stay sane. Last of all in Self-Care part three, we talked about the importance of self-care when you are alone. This isn’t a new subject, you can find ideas for self-care in my 31 Habits Series ebook.
Signs you have neglected self-care. First, it’s a feeling of being:
- overwhelmed
- burned out
- overscheduled
- stretched too thin
- restless when you get a day off
- annoyed by everything
- envious of others who have more free-time
- angry for no good reason
- tired of seeing photos of people on vacation
- emotional about everything
- easily angered.
- exhausted due to interrupted sleep
- anxious and panicky
- caught up in your fantasies about solitude or getting away
Now, you may be thinking, that’s me! If so, you need to learn how to improve your self-care game! If none of these apply to you, consider yourself among the few and help us and lead by example.
Throughout this month, we will be giving away some prizes. We know that the TOM Tribe are among the healthiest communities out there, so we want to make sure we show it! Share your self-care moments using hashtag #selfcarechallenge2018. You can also simply tag @thatorganicmom on social media – we’ll be watching and looking for you! Don’t worry, if you find this too personal, simply comment on this post your daily self-care act and that will count as an entry!
Self-Care Challenge Prizes will be announced throughout the month
What will we giveaway? Could be items from our Beauty Idea List, one of our natural beauty or wellness ebooks, or something relevant from the TOM Store. There will be lots of fun stuff, plus you’ll be making self-care a priority all month, a huge gift!
Now, don’t forget to share your self-care challenge ideas in the comment section below so the rest of the Tribe can benefit from them! We want to see lots of self-care talk going on in the comment section, so don’t be shy. Hearing that you are prioritizing yourself and participating is a huge motivator for us to continue coming up with fun challenges!
What better way to show you love your girlfriends than inviting them to join you in the 28-Day Self Care Challenge! Pin this post or share this link and ask all of your girlfriends to join you all month long.
Source:
Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Robyn A. Clark, Eneida Rejane Rabelo-Silva, and Harleah G. Buck, “Self-Care and Chronic Disease,” Nursing Research and Practice, vol. 2013, Article ID 827409, 2 pages, 2013. doi:10.1155/2013/827409
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I am soooo over scheduled, tired, and am battling serious life threatening chronic disease. I have studied integrative medicine for over 30 yrs as well and this is vital as I not only help family but also friends through my constant research. One of the hardest things has been learning its ok to say no sometimes to others. Even for time you would like to spend with them or for doing something for them. But if we do not spend time also for renewing our own selves, inside and out, we will have less and less to give to others. I hope to do that by make 2 schedules to start… one for must do’s and one for hope to do’s! And secondly, not allowing others or other priorities to start so soon each day that I do not take time for breakfast, prayer, taking a deep breath, and finding peace to begin the day with a grateful heart… no matter what!
This is a very good suggestion Cathy! I love the idea of having the two schedules. I agree with not letting others take over your day. It’s always best to take a minute in the morning for prayer, gratitude, just to calm your heart before the day begins! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m in!!!! Thank you for reminding us that it is ok to take care of ourselves. As a working mom, that is easy for me to forget.
Glad to have you on board Caren! Can’t wait to kick off the challenge, but I have to admit, I started already! No sense putting off till tomorrow what I can do to take care of myself today! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m in! Looking forward to a month of intentional self care with such great women!
Good to hear you’ll be joining us Lorraine! Hope you’ll share some tips with us on your blog too!!!
I’m in! As a homeschooling mom, with a chronic illness, finding time for self care is so hard yet also a must. Looking forward to being intentional about it for this month.
Welcome to the challenge Rachel. I can relate. Thankfully, I’m down to 2 (out of 6) kids in homeschool now, but yeah, with a chronic illness it can be challenging. I hope that this challenge helps you to restore some energy and build up your reserves because I know spring and summer will be busy for you!!
I’m. In!!! Apparently my comment was too short, here are some extra words! 😉
Haha! I didn’t know there was a minimum comment either. Lol glad you’re in!!
I’m in! Going to bed early!
Yay! Headed to bed myself! Sleep well!
My favorite thing to do!
I am in! I spend all of my time caring for everyone that I always pushed myself to the end of the line. Before you know it you have nothing left to give. I am burnt out, I need to take the time for me and not feel guilty about it.
Amy, that is so true. I hope that you are able to restore yourself a bit and please don’t feel guilty because that is seriously an energy drainer! You can’t pour from an empty cup, so fill it up.
I’m participating! Do you want daily comments? Is this where we comment? Or in a Facebook group or page?
Hi Rachael! So glad you are participating, comments here will be best as Facebook posts get buried rather quickly. Commenting on this post will also enter you for any giveaways we do related to the challenge. As far as the challenge goes, I’d love to hear what everyone is doing for self-care but commenting is not required! 🙂 Hope to hear more about how it’s going!
My self care involves changing my diet and it is going pretty well! I wanted to add foods not take anything away- so my daily goal is 5 servings of veggies and fruit, and most days I meet it. We have tried dragon fruit for the first time- which I really like and cherimoya fruit- which I didn’t hate- but I wasn’t crazy about the texture. I am going to try it again in a smoothie.
That sounds like a great goal! I remember the first time I tried Dragon fruit, I’m with you the texture was kind of strange, but I thought maybe mine hadn’t ripened properly? Keep up the good self-care practice!
Hi everyone! My self care has been centered around my health also. I am in a program through my health plan to lose weight and so far, with God’s strength, I am doing well. I am trying to make wise choices with food and take walks every day, plus I am drinking lots of water. I still struggle with getting enough sleep though.
It’s amazing that your health plan will cover something like weight loss. Mine barely covers anything, consider yourself blessed in that department! I need to get back into taking walks but this rain has me feeling down and staying indoors 🙁