I recently completed Mar’s #14DaysofSelf Challenge and really enjoyed it. While intuitively we all know we should carve out time for ourselves, how many of us make a conscious choice to do so…especially on a daily basis?
So I thought I’d share suggestions for your own challenge…. (and seriously I do encourage everyone to do their own challenge!)
Scheduled it – I literally put “Self care” on the to do list in my planner every day for the 14 days. I know that may sound crazy, but reviewing my to do list every morning meant that among other priorities, I was reminded to put myself on the list.
Mixed it up — While not necessary, I made a point to try to do something different for myself every day during the challenge. Some days were planned in advance, but other times it was just in response to the day.
Big money/time not required — When I mention this challenge to a friend, her response was “How are you going to fit in daily spa treatments?” It was interesting to me that in her mind, self care = big, time consuming (and expensive) activity. While I certainly wouldn’t turn down a daily massage, the truth is neither the time nor monetary commitment had to be big for it to be meaningful.
Feed the mind, body and soul — While I’m the first one to advocate for getting your sweat on, this challenge was also a great reminder to feed your needs on many levels.
Lessons learned from #14daysofself challenge Click To TweetGetting still and asking myself what I needed each day was a great way to find some balance and peace in what has been a very hectic couple of weeks.
Did you participate in Mar’s Challenge? How do you practice self care?
Joining Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday 
and
with Jill for Fitness, Health & Happiness 
love this! and love that you participated. I think everyone has the same idea that self-care is about the spa, but it really is so much more!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…It’s Game On: Week 4 Training Recap
This challenge was such a great reminder that there’s so much more we can do for ourselves. Thanks again for hosting!
LOL at “how are you going to fit in daily spa treatments?” Don’t we all wish! Great approach to this, Michelle!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Stick with your New Year’s Goals!
Seriously when she said it I thought she was kidding 🙂
Loved the #14daysofselfcare!
It was a daily reminder of all I do for others and how important it was for me to take care of myself to take care of others.
I have a draft post on my #14days.
Great minds think alike 😉
So true Tamieka – if we don’t care of ourselves there’s nothing left to give to others!
I struggle with deciding WHAT I want to do for self care.
I found what I wanted varied from day to day. Try different things and see what you enjoy the most – as long as you take care of yourself right?
I loved participating in this challenge! And I agree, self care doesn’t have a be big, expensive gestures. A lot of times it was something really small that still made me happy like a cup of my favorite tea, an epsom salt bath at home, extra catch up time with friends, or relaxing with a cat in my lap 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – online favorites this week
All sounds like good things! Glad you enjoyed the challenge too!
Sounds like a great challenge. I love that you included feed the body mind and soul.
jill conyers recently posted…On My List of Favorite Things
It’s so easy to just focus on the physical, but the mind and soul need care too! 🙂
These are great tips. I’m trying to make self-care more of a priority – beyond just my morning exercise time.
Thanks Coco!