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October Self-Care Challenge
twyla77
Posts: 445 Member
Wow, I can't believe it's almost October already! Hoping everyone will be joining the October thread, and hope to have some new friends come hang out with us too! I love that even if I don't log something each day, I can still pop by to read what everyone else is up to - always leaves me with a smile on my face! Thanks!
For the new joiners, here's a little bit about what the Self-Care Challenge is 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 October! 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 October to do something great, just for yourself! You deserve it!
For the new joiners, here's a little bit about what the Self-Care Challenge is 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 October! 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 October to do something great, just for yourself! You deserve it!
10
Replies
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I am in for October!
I've got my habit tracker app ready to go and I'm going to checking off all those healthy habits!
Also, October is my favorite time of year, so I have some fun activities planned!5 -
I'll repost the maintenance list for the days we struggle to get by:
- Get out of bed.
- Brush your teeth.
- Wash your face.
- Shower, even if you just get in and rinse off! The water might feel amazing for you.
- Eat something. Even if it’s just a cracker or some bread. Just get something in your belly!
- Walk out onto your back porch. Stand there for 10 seconds and then if you want, go back inside. Great job, you made it outside! If you feel like it, take a short walk. Get some sunshine!
- Put on your favorite TV show or movie.
- Check your email and clear your inbox. Respond to anything that is important.
- Change your sheets.
- Check your actual mail.
- Stay hydrated. Fill up a water bottle and keep it close by.
- Take your medication.
- Stretch. This can be a small quick stretch on the couch or some yoga.
- Check your text messages and answer those from people who are important or worried about you.
- Pay any bills you might have to avoid late fees.
- Change your clothes if you didn’t when you first got out of bed.
- If you have a pet, make sure they are good on their food and water. Nothing feels worse than your pet having an empty water or food bowl and you not being aware of it!
- Do a creative hobby that you like.
- Open up the blinds to let the light come into your house.
- Watch a funny video. Laugh.
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I'm in! The next few months can be fun but stressful. It's important that we take care of ourselves!2
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What habit tracker do you use? I'm considering using one!RespectTheKitty wrote: »I am in for October!
I've got my habit tracker app ready to go and I'm going to checking off all those healthy habits!
Also, October is my favorite time of year, so I have some fun activities planned!
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Thanks for the new link. This is such a helpful tool for me and many others. The thread gives me so many ideas and also inspires me. Xo3
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I would like to join. How does it work? Do we just login everyday?2
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I also would like to join
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I'd like to join too. I'm trying to work on my anxiety and it's been suggested that doing one small thing a day just for me would help - so this sounds like a perfect way to build the habit and keep on track, as well as getting some ideas for acts of self-compassion from you all 5
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@charity_c
@Salinde2016
@aemsley05
You're in!
It's up to you how many times you post. No pressure.
For me, I find I'm more likely to come back and get nice inspiration and encouragement if I keep checking the thread every day or so, and reply as much as I can.1 -
@twyla77
Thank you so much!
Your Self-Care Challenge has had a huge impact on me!
Thank you for continuing it in lovely October!! 🎃1 -
I would like to join for Oct please, please join me up. Thank you2
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@dejavuohlala welcome! 0
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Thank you0
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MyEvolvingJourney wrote: »
What habit tracker do you use? I'm considering using one!RespectTheKitty wrote: »I am in for October!
I've got my habit tracker app ready to go and I'm going to checking off all those healthy habits!
Also, October is my favorite time of year, so I have some fun activities planned!
I use Loop Habit Tracker. So far it's really been helping.1 -
Can a newbie join? I would love a reminder to make time each day to do something good for myself.1
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I just started my goal to lose over 100 pounds and I would love to join this challenge.2
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@CupcakeDJD newbies are totally welcome! glad you’re joining us!
@mrivera0481 welcome! can’t wait to support you on your way to your goal!
2 -
Thanks!RespectTheKitty wrote: »MyEvolvingJourney wrote: »
What habit tracker do you use? I'm considering using one!RespectTheKitty wrote: »I am in for October!
I've got my habit tracker app ready to go and I'm going to checking off all those healthy habits!
Also, October is my favorite time of year, so I have some fun activities planned!
I use Loop Habit Tracker. So far it's really been helping.
0 -
I haven't been doing much on the self-care front (other than reading), but after seeing a fellow MFPer's bullet journal entries (@tinkerbellang83), I decided to give it a try. I've been reading about bullet journaling recently, and I had a pretty journal from Michael's (with "Bright Ideas" in a floral design on the cover), so I dug out my markers and colored pencils.
This was so quick, easy, and fun! I even managed to let go of my perfectionism when I messed up an "a" (I've read that you're not supposed to worry about such things when bullet journaling).
I know we have some really creative people on this thread; maybe someone else would like to join me? (I am NOT artistic, but I still had fun.
) 1 -
I haven't been doing much on the self-care front (other than reading), but after seeing a fellow MFPer's bullet journal entries (@tinkerbellang83), I decided to give it a try. I've been reading about bullet journaling recently, and I had a pretty journal from Michael's (with "Bright Ideas" in a floral design on the cover), so I dug out my markers and colored pencils.
This was so quick, easy, and fun! I even managed to let go of my perfectionism when I messed up an "a" (I've read that you're not supposed to worry about such things when bullet journaling).
I know we have some really creative people on this thread; maybe someone else would like to join me? (I am NOT artistic, but I still had fun. )
You made me Google.
https://bulletjournal.com/pages/learn
That sounds like what I've been doing in my ToDoist app.
My app is making me so productive I don't want to mess with things, but I do have the urge to start a journal or diary soon. Just haven't worked out the format that will mean I keep doing it.
I keep a Word document of Good Things that happen which works as the diary I want to remember, along with my Instagram feed of Art/Photography I'm proud of.
A bullet journal sounds like a lovely idea for someone not so digital-oriented as I am.1 -
I am in for October. I have been bulletjournaling for a while now. Just in the process of preparing my October pages.3
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TerriRichardson112 wrote: »I am in for October. I have been bulletjournaling for a while now. Just in the process of preparing my October pages.
I've seen bullet journaling on Pinterest and always wanted to do that. Do you have a fav site for instructions or tips ?0 -
I haven't been doing much on the self-care front (other than reading), but after seeing a fellow MFPer's bullet journal entries (@tinkerbellang83), I decided to give it a try. I've been reading about bullet journaling recently, and I had a pretty journal from Michael's (with "Bright Ideas" in a floral design on the cover), so I dug out my markers and colored pencils.
This was so quick, easy, and fun! I even managed to let go of my perfectionism when I messed up an "a" (I've read that you're not supposed to worry about such things when bullet journaling).
I know we have some really creative people on this thread; maybe someone else would like to join me? (I am NOT artistic, but I still had fun. )
You made me Google.
https://bulletjournal.com/pages/learn
That sounds like what I've been doing in my ToDoist app.
My app is making me so productive I don't want to mess with things, but I do have the urge to start a journal or diary soon. Just haven't worked out the format that will mean I keep doing it.
I keep a Word document of Good Things that happen which works as the diary I want to remember, along with my Instagram feed of Art/Photography I'm proud of.
A bullet journal sounds like a lovely idea for someone not so digital-oriented as I am.
Great ideas! I need to check out the ToDoist app. (I seem to have an unhealthy addiction to paper.)1 -
I'm going to try to upload my first attempt to bullet journal. Also, my first attempt to post a photo. Fingers crossed!
P.S. The water glass idea was taken from @tinkerbellang83.
P.S.S. I'm NOT naturally artistic! 6 -
Lol, I think I need Botox!1
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I love bullet journaling - i track my workouts, moods, meals, shopping / outfit wishlists etc. It’s a hybrid fitness tracker, journal & inspiration board all in one - i love picking it up and flipping through it when i’m feeling unmotivated or stuck!4
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2
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What a lovely idea! I'd love to take part. 3
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I love bullet journaling - i track my workouts, moods, meals, shopping / outfit wishlists etc. It’s a hybrid fitness tracker, journal & inspiration board all in one - i love picking it up and flipping through it when i’m feeling unmotivated or stuck!
Exactly! I'm surprised how it's inspiring me.
2 -
tinkerbellang83 wrote: »
Your ideas are great, @tinkerbellang83! I'd been reading about bullet journaling for a number of months, but was sort of thinking it was just a Day-Timer rip-off, to be honest You changed my mind, and I'm so glad you did!
I did another page today, incorporating household tasks. Looking forward to more! 📒
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