2021 Self-Care Challenge
2020 has been one tough and straight up devastating year for many of us!
Because of covid-19, many people have had to suffer the loss of loved ones, jobs, potential business opportunities and so much more.
However, even though there has been a lot of unbelievably bad moments this year. There has also been a lot of good ones too.
Now don’t get me wrong, this year was definitely not the year I imagined it would be. Nevertheless, if there is one thing that 2020 has taught me, it is just how important self-care is.
Self-care is critical to help you manage stress.
When we are emotionally and/or physically exhausted, managing stress becomes so much more difficult.
Taking the time out to maintain your self-care routine so that you can take care of yourself mentally and emotionally can make a world of a difference when life is coming at your from every direction.
But what is self-care?
Self-care may look different for some people, but essential what it is, it is “the practice of taking action to preserve improves one’s own health”. [1]
Now to some, that may be a massage followed by a warm steamy bath to help them unwind, and for others it could be reading a book for an hour with no interruptions.
However, the problem with developing a self-care routine isn’t the routine itself, it's the mindset about carving out some alone time for yourself.
You see, many of us have so many responsibilities and have to wear so many different hats at once that we feel guilty about carving out some time to take care of ourselves.
Society has created this myth that we need to constantly be working on something all the time.
So much that our only time we can take a break is when we watch tv while we eat.
But with 2021 right around the corner, it is time to make yourself a priority again!
To bring this year in with some positive momentum, I have decided to start the 21 Day Self-Care Challenge!
Research suggests that it takes a minimum of 21 days to form a habit [2] which is why I decided to create this challenge to help you get started.
This is a 21 day challenge that challenges you to carve out time in the morning to develop a morning routine that will help you take your mind off of your everyday stressors and give you a more positive outlook on the day.
The self-care 21 day challenge is an easy 5 step routine to help you relax your mind and get your day off to a good start.
Here's the Routine:
1) A Glass of Water
First, you start your morning off with a glass of water.
Leave a glass of water by your bed at night when you go to sleep so that when you wake up in the morning, all you have to do is roll over and drink.
This is important because as we sleep, our body becomes dehydrated. Waking up and having a glass of water not only rehydrates your body, but it also helps you to wake up and feel more energized in the morning.
2) 5 Minute Meditation
Next, is a 5 minute meditation exercise.
After you have had your water and handled your business, the next thing to do is to meditate for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Meditation in the morning is a great way to help your brain secrete endorphins so that you can feel good emotionally as soon as you wake up.
Practicing meditation in the morning is also a powerful way to increase your focus and reduce stress.
3) Read for 10 Minutes
Reading is another way to help take your mind off of your everyday stressors and help keep your brain sharp and healthy.
Now I know carving out 10 minutes in the morning is a difficult task to ask so I do not necessarily expect for you to read for 10 minutes every morning.
But taking a minute or two to read a page of a good leisure or self-help book is a great way to increase your brain power and reduce stress for the rest of the day.
4) Do a 2 minute HIIT exercise
Exercising in the morning is a great way to get the blood flowing and to help you fully wake up to take on the day.
Performing a quick 1-2 minute 20 seconds on,10 second break hiit exercise is perfect for not only waking you up but also releasing more endorphins to make you feel good.
5) Write Down 3 Things That You’re Grateful For
Lastly, write down in your journal 3 things that you are grateful for.
This is a simple task but one that can have a huge impact on your outlook for the day.
These 3 things should be different every day and should be meaningful to you. Take the time to really think about what you are grateful for each day, and soon you will start to notice that you have a different outlook on the world.
That’s it for the 21 Day Self-Care Challenge. Follow us on instagram and tag us in your post with the hashtag #21dayselfcarechallenge so that we can all follow along together in our journey to becoming our best selves!
I love you all, and I hope you all stay safe, healthy, and have an amazing new year!
Click on the link below to shop our new self-care apparel!
As always, with love,
Steven Polee Jr
Founder of Marcella Candles
www.marcellacandles.com