August Self-Care Challenge
twyla77
Posts: 445 Member
in Challenges
July was another month of so many great self-care tips & stories, so let's do it again for August!
For the new joiners, here's what this challenge is all about!
We're all here on MFP to improve our physical health & strengthen our bodies, but what about working on our mental health? As indulgent as the term "self-care" sounds, it really is an important way to help prevent "overload burnout" as well as reduce the negative effects of every day stress.
I'm committing to 1 act of self-care every day of August! These acts don't have to be costly or time consuming, just little things that I can work into my regular schedule to help me feel good mentally while I work on feeling good physically!
If anyone wants to join this challenge please do - if you want to log in daily or a few times over the month to comment/share what you're up to, that would be great - the more ideas the better, because not everyone feels the same about certain things - some people might consider a day at the spa getting a pedicure and facial relaxing, but to me that would be a stressful afternoon! To each their own, this isn't about what's right or what's wrong, it's about what makes YOU feel good!
A few ideas from blogs, articles & friends to get started:
*try a new recipe
*say no to something without feeling guilty / realize the benefits of saying no to some things
*declutter your wardrobe / donate some items of clothing that you haven't worn or no longer fit
*get up out of your office chair and go for a walk (outdoors if possible!)
*start a puzzle
*tell yourself a body positive affirmation such as "I love _______ about my body because it makes me feel special & unique."
*go for a bike ride to nowhere in particular, just for fun! Not to get your Fitbit number up, but just because you feel like it.
*clean up your work area / desk
*unplug for a few hours and enjoy a cup of tea and a book
*buy a drugstore face-mask and a fun nail polish and have a DIY pampering session
*watch a TEDtalk about something you're interested in, or something you'd like to learn more about
*diffuse some uplifting essential oils
Anyways, even if you don't join the daily challenge, I hope you still take a bit of time in August to do something great, just for yourself! You deserve it!
For the new joiners, here's what this challenge is all about!
We're all here on MFP to improve our physical health & strengthen our bodies, but what about working on our mental health? As indulgent as the term "self-care" sounds, it really is an important way to help prevent "overload burnout" as well as reduce the negative effects of every day stress.
I'm committing to 1 act of self-care every day of August! These acts don't have to be costly or time consuming, just little things that I can work into my regular schedule to help me feel good mentally while I work on feeling good physically!
If anyone wants to join this challenge please do - if you want to log in daily or a few times over the month to comment/share what you're up to, that would be great - the more ideas the better, because not everyone feels the same about certain things - some people might consider a day at the spa getting a pedicure and facial relaxing, but to me that would be a stressful afternoon! To each their own, this isn't about what's right or what's wrong, it's about what makes YOU feel good!
A few ideas from blogs, articles & friends to get started:
*try a new recipe
*say no to something without feeling guilty / realize the benefits of saying no to some things
*declutter your wardrobe / donate some items of clothing that you haven't worn or no longer fit
*get up out of your office chair and go for a walk (outdoors if possible!)
*start a puzzle
*tell yourself a body positive affirmation such as "I love _______ about my body because it makes me feel special & unique."
*go for a bike ride to nowhere in particular, just for fun! Not to get your Fitbit number up, but just because you feel like it.
*clean up your work area / desk
*unplug for a few hours and enjoy a cup of tea and a book
*buy a drugstore face-mask and a fun nail polish and have a DIY pampering session
*watch a TEDtalk about something you're interested in, or something you'd like to learn more about
*diffuse some uplifting essential oils
Anyways, even if you don't join the daily challenge, I hope you still take a bit of time in August to do something great, just for yourself! You deserve it!
7
Replies
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@twyla77, thanks for starting a new thread. I'm sorry you're going through a difficult time.
I've started my "One Difficult Thing" planner, and it's going quite well. Lots of smiley-faced stickers. However, I feel very up and down with my self-care. Today was the sort of day where I really felt I was my own worst enemy. More self-abuse than self care.
However, I did finish actually reading (as opposed to listening to while driving) a very good novel. It's been a long time, so I feel good about that.
I hope we all have a positive August! 🌼3 -
I'm in! My life is all over the place right now, so a self-care reminder sounds great!
And I'm going to kick it off today with the two TEDtalks I just watched about delaying/preventing Alzheimers! They were quite interesting if anyone else wants to check them out:
https://www.ted.com/talks/wendy_suzuki_the_brain_changing_benefits_of_exercise#t-770996
https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_genova_what_you_can_do_to_prevent_alzheimer_s#t-8242153 -
I’m in, too. I love this thread. It’s positive and motivating. It’s also a reminder to have a little fun every single day. And don’t take life too seriously even though it can drag you down. @DeserveVictory I look forward to these TED talks. My Dad is slipping a little bit and it’s hereditary. So, we can all use this advice.
Today, self care: Can’t think of anything for today.
But tomorrow, I will go to my therapist, get my hair cut and colored and end the day with my painting class. That’s 12 hours of self care.4 -
I'm in. Watched a show I enjoy and kept my cookie servings at what I put out4
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Hi, All, joining the challenge today! Have a great day!3
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This morning I did a new drawing, and at lunchtime I bought a white ink pen to use to draw on black paper.
4 -
Went into my art studio, read a bit of an art book (randomly picked page), conceived of an art idea, and worked on it three times for a total of 2.5 hours. Verrry fun!!! Finally, I did it!!3
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I'm in. This is my focus for August too, I have a dissertation to write! So I'm trying to find some balance in my life and as a therapist (Counsellor) self-care is really important, so my plan is to do yoga daily (I choose to do Yoga with Adriene -free videos on YouTube), Headspace (mindfulness) and something creative each day!
So far today I've done my yoga and Headspace...
4 -
i'm in...need this3
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I'm in. This is my focus for August too, I have a dissertation to write! So I'm trying to find some balance in my life and as a therapist (Counsellor) self-care is really important, so my plan is to do yoga daily (I choose to do Yoga with Adriene -free videos on YouTube), Headspace (mindfulness) and something creative each day!
So far today I've done my yoga and Headspace...
@HatherM I just got the Headspace app but haven’t used it yet! Has it been useful for you? Are there any specific sessions you’d recommend?
1 -
Told myself to write a minute a day (to get me started) & wrote happily for 40 mins! I left it wide open to further insure my success (hopefully): Journal, ideas, thoughts, even fiction or things I learned, found quotes...
Why am I writing? Because although I resist it, I gain deep insights.
I’m learning again that the hardest part for me is beginning!!3 -
MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Told myself to write a minute a day (to get me started) & wrote happily for 40 mins! I left it wide open to further insure my success (hopefully): Journal, ideas, thoughts, even fiction or things I learned, found quotes...
Why am I writing? Because although I resist it, I gain deep insights.
I’m learning again that the hardest part for me is beginning!!
Awesome!
That reminds me of Hemingway. He said/wrote in A Moveable Feast to always finish at a point where you know how to go on.1 -
MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Told myself to write a minute a day (to get me started) & wrote happily for 40 mins! I left it wide open to further insure my success (hopefully): Journal, ideas, thoughts, even fiction or things I learned, found quotes...
Why am I writing? Because although I resist it, I gain deep insights.
I’m learning again that the hardest part for me is beginning!!
Have you heard of Julie Cameron who has a book called The Artist’s Way? She encourages daily journaling- she calls them morning pages. You may want to read her blog / an excerpt. Sounds like you are doing the same thing as she recommends.2 -
i was gifted a bottle of wine today for a favor i did for a friend, but since i’m trying to drink less alcohol in August i re-gifted that bottle of wine to my landlord because she has had a rough time lately! Saw her & her brother enjoying a glass of it on their balcony when i went on my walk later!7
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MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Told myself to write a minute a day (to get me started) & wrote happily for 40 mins! I left it wide open to further insure my success (hopefully): Journal, ideas, thoughts, even fiction or things I learned, found quotes...
Why am I writing? Because although I resist it, I gain deep insights.
I’m learning again that the hardest part for me is beginning!!
Awesome!
That reminds me of Hemingway. He said/wrote in A Moveable Feast to always finish at a point where you know how to go on.RubyRed427 wrote: »MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Told myself to write a minute a day (to get me started) & wrote happily for 40 mins! I left it wide open to further insure my success (hopefully): Journal, ideas, thoughts, even fiction or things I learned, found quotes...
Why am I writing? Because although I resist it, I gain deep insights.
I’m learning again that the hardest part for me is beginning!!
Have you heard of Julie Cameron who has a book called The Artist’s Way? She encourages daily journaling- she calls them morning pages. You may want to read her blog / an excerpt. Sounds like you are doing the same thing as she recommends.
Thank you @Orphia and @RubyRed427 !!
Great advice!2 -
i was gifted a bottle of wine today for a favor i did for a friend, but since i’m trying to drink less alcohol in August i re-gifted that bottle of wine to my landlord because she has had a rough time lately! Saw her & her brother enjoying a glass of it on their balcony when i went on my walk later!
Well done! I know that would make me feel good too.1 -
DeserveVictory wrote: »I'm in. This is my focus for August too, I have a dissertation to write! So I'm trying to find some balance in my life and as a therapist (Counsellor) self-care is really important, so my plan is to do yoga daily (I choose to do Yoga with Adriene -free videos on YouTube), Headspace (mindfulness) and something creative each day!
So far today I've done my yoga and Headspace...
@HatherM I just got the Headspace app but haven’t used it yet! Has it been useful for you? Are there any specific sessions you’d recommend?
@DeserveVictory I have found it really useful. I choose different packs & also dip in and out of the singles too. I've not been 100% consistent with it, I've done a couple of packs or a pack completely and left it for a week or month, but I always go back to it & notice a big difference when doing it daily. I'm much more resilient
I'd start with the Basics 1- 3 as this is the foundation for all the others, I like the creativity one, but they're all good, just different, so depends what you want it for, or just try different ones out . I started with 10 minute practices and now I'm up to 15 minutes.
Singles I like are Early Mornings, Sleeping, End of day, I do this with my hubby twice a week after work to help us both unwind.1 -
Well I managed to create something yesterday... There was no aim but I took some time to do something
Today I've managed my Yoga & Headpace, so that was a good start to my morning 3 -
DeserveVictory wrote: »I'm in. This is my focus for August too, I have a dissertation to write! So I'm trying to find some balance in my life and as a therapist (Counsellor) self-care is really important, so my plan is to do yoga daily (I choose to do Yoga with Adriene -free videos on YouTube), Headspace (mindfulness) and something creative each day!
So far today I've done my yoga and Headspace...
@HatherM I just got the Headspace app but haven’t used it yet! Has it been useful for you? Are there any specific sessions you’d recommend?
@DeserveVictory I have found it really useful. I choose different packs & also dip in and out of the singles too. I've not been 100% consistent with it, I've done a couple of packs or a pack completely and left it for a week or month, but I always go back to it & notice a big difference when doing it daily. I'm much more resilient
I'd start with the Basics 1- 3 as this is the foundation for all the others, I like the creativity one, but they're all good, just different, so depends what you want it for, or just try different ones out . I started with 10 minute practices and now I'm up to 15 minutes.
Singles I like are Early Mornings, Sleeping, End of day, I do this with my hubby twice a week after work to help us both unwind.
@HatherM Thanks for the great review! I’m excited to start using it! Maybe that’ll be my self-care for today!
2 -
Yesterday my sister and I went out of town to do a 8km hike by one of the local lakes. It feels so good to have taken a break from everything and gotten out into nature again!
I’m listening to the audio book The Nature Fix by Florence Williams right now. I highly recommend it and a good walk in a park if anyone is feeling down, out of sorts, or unmotivated!3 -
Spent some extra time at the gym stretching this morning - I usually don't bother because I just want to get out of there, but it actually was really nice!3
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Did more of my third Future Learn course this year. Nearly finished. This one is from Purdue University, called:
"Brain and Behaviour - Regulating Body Weight".
Fascinating to learn about the hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors that might affect an individual's weight.2 -
Oh, and I'm on my first of 10 days leave. Not going away.
Going to probably be doing lots of things that might end up in this thread. 😀5 -
Declutter my closet (phase 1) and took items to the donation site. Took a long walk and a caught up on some reading on a park bench. Today was a good day.
4 -
Made a big salad with veggies and kale. Ate it outside on the deck while reading USA Today newspaper. I never read actual newspapers but I enjoyed turning the pages. Listened to the birds.4
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Went on a walk to get my protein ice cream and colored with the kid4
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Did more of my third Future Learn course this year. Nearly finished. This one is from Purdue University, called:
"Brain and Behaviour - Regulating Body Weight".
Fascinating to learn about the hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors that might affect an individual's weight.
@Orphia Wow that sounds really interesting 3 -
DeserveVictory wrote: »DeserveVictory wrote: »I'm in. This is my focus for August too, I have a dissertation to write! So I'm trying to find some balance in my life and as a therapist (Counsellor) self-care is really important, so my plan is to do yoga daily (I choose to do Yoga with Adriene -free videos on YouTube), Headspace (mindfulness) and something creative each day!
So far today I've done my yoga and Headspace...
@HatherM I just got the Headspace app but haven’t used it yet! Has it been useful for you? Are there any specific sessions you’d recommend?
@DeserveVictory I have found it really useful. I choose different packs & also dip in and out of the singles too. I've not been 100% consistent with it, I've done a couple of packs or a pack completely and left it for a week or month, but I always go back to it & notice a big difference when doing it daily. I'm much more resilient
I'd start with the Basics 1- 3 as this is the foundation for all the others, I like the creativity one, but they're all good, just different, so depends what you want it for, or just try different ones out . I started with 10 minute practices and now I'm up to 15 minutes.
Singles I like are Early Mornings, Sleeping, End of day, I do this with my hubby twice a week after work to help us both unwind.
@HatherM Thanks for the great review! I’m excited to start using it! Maybe that’ll be my self-care for today!
@DeserveVictory let me know how you get on 1 -
Did more of my third Future Learn course this year. Nearly finished. This one is from Purdue University, called:
"Brain and Behaviour - Regulating Body Weight".
Fascinating to learn about the hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors that might affect an individual's weight.
@Orphia Wow that sounds really interesting
@HatherM It sure is.
Here's a link to it:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/body-weight/4/todo/32644
It's free (but you can pay to upgrade to unlimited access to it, and a certificate upon completion) and is a 3 week course.3
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