With December here already, it is time to wrap up the old year and bring new habits into the new year. My favorite way to remind myself to take care of my own mental health and body is to keep a monthly challenge each month in my planner. Each day I look forward to seeing what my daily "me-time" task is.
1. Fill out your planner, set days aside for yourself
Day 1 - crush those goals and treat yo'self sister. With it coming to be the end of the semester, it's important to take care of your mind, body, and heart.
2. Take a bubble bath
Day 2 - take a bubble bath or add your favorite bath bomb. Relax and read a great book.
3. Catch up on a show you enjoy
Day 3 - let yourself binge once in a while. Relax, drink your favorite hot cocoa, and bundle up with your favorite Netflix series.
4. Clean out your social media feeds
Day 4 - clear out unneeded people on your social media platforms! That person you liked in 6th grade? Delete. The boy on the football team who thought you were cute? Delete. Your cousin's friend's sister's mom? Yep, delete her too.
5. Clean one single room in your house
Day 5 - It can be overwhelming to tell yourself you have to clean your entire house that you've put off for weeks now. Start with a single room, a single chore, one at a time until you get the job done... you'll feel better once it's over.
6. Make a HAPPY playlist
Day 6 - my personal favorite thing to do when needing a little boost of happiness is to create a happy playlist. Add all of your favorite shower jams to one playlist and start your concert party of one.
7. Make a list of all your favorite things
Day 7 - favorite quotes, favorite songs, favorite recipes, favorite books or bible verses, anything you love... jot them into lists.
8. Write as many positive things about yourself as you can
Day 8 - It's hard to see positives in yourself when society tells you all the things you aren't and should be. Take today to reflect on all that you are, inside and out.
9. Do your laundry, fold it, and put it away!
Day 9 - The worst chore ever has to be done and you will feel 100 x better after it's done, trust me.
10. Eat something nutritional for your body
Day 10 - Even though Taco Bell is yummy, your body needs nutrition, especially during this time of the semester. Make an extra effort to eat your fruits and veggies today.
11. Read something that makes you happy
Day 11 - Read your favorite blog, a magazine, your bible, a great chapter out of your favorite book, read something that sparks your soul.
12. Color in a coloring book
Day 12 - Bring it back to your childhood and de-stress today by coloring. Whether it be out of a children's coloring book or an adult stress relief book, doodle your heart out.
13. Go get a check-up
Day 13 - this is SO important. As we grow older and stress becomes more prevalent, do NOT forget to schedule a yearly check-up.
14. Make a list of your community
Day 14 - It's easy to feel alone when you are overwhelmed.. take today to write down all of the individuals who make up your community, you'll be surprised how many you've got.
15. Get outside
Day 15 - Ride your bike, get our your rollerblades, go for a walk in your nearest park... get outside and give yourself time to relax and reflect.
16. Plan something to look forward to
Day 16 - a girls' day with your closest girlfriends, a movie night with your momma, a day trip to window shop at your favorite boutique, no matter what you plan... make it something you are going to look forward to.
17. Zumba it out
Day 17 - Today is about reminding yourself to dance through the rain. Zumba is a great workout and relieves so much stress as you are simply dancing your heart out. Step out of your comfort zone and try it, you'll be thankful that you did.
18. Donate your time or your belongings
Day 18 - In order to move forward, you must give back. Being able to donate your time to help others or donate things that we no longer use is one way to boost happiness instantly. There is nothing better than knowing you are helping others who haven't been as lucky as you.
19. Wake up 10 minutes earlier
Day 19 - Yep, you read that right. Set your alarm simply 10 minutes earlier and be surprised at what will happen... you'll be thankful that you did.
20. Play a game you enjoy
Day 20 - A family game, a board game, a card game, Wii game, anything that will get your mind off of the real world for just a little while.
21. Make a list of all your accomplishments
Day 21 - take pride in all that you have done up until this moment, you have worked so hard to get to where you are. Write it all down today, big or small, thank me later sis.
22. Drink plenty of water
Day 22 - WATER, WATER, WATER! Studies show that you are supposed to drink your weight in ounces of water. Drink up!
23. Journal
Day 23 - there is nothing more therapeutic than journaling about what is going on in your life right now. The good, the bad, the small or big, journal it all out. Make a plan... you got this.
24. Talk to someone about how you feel
Day 24 - Speak up. Get help. Open up. Tell someone how you are feeling, let them be a light for you. We aren't supposed to tackle this life alone.
25. Catch up with someone
Day 25 - That girl you sat next to in church a few months ago? Ask her to coffee. The friend you used to see every day in high school? Chick-fil-A sound's pretty good. Your momma? Make time for her today
26. Watch a TedTalk
Day 26 - No better way to inspire yourself than to watch an incredible TedTalk that touches on exactly how you are feeling.
27. Create a budget plan
Day 27 - Groceries, bills, rent, fun money, the shirt you want, Starbucks fund, you name it.. budget it out. This will allow you to have just a little less stress on your shoulders.
28. Tell someone you appreciate them
Day 28 - This one never goes out of style. The good old fashion "I appreciate all that you do for me", spread it around like confetti. Get creative, make a craft or a DIY gift.
29. Wear something that makes you feel confident
Day 29 - Pull something out of your closet this morning that makes you feel confident and worthy. Something that makes you feel like you can tackle anything that life throws in your way today.
30. UNPLUG
Day 30 - YES. YES. YES. Today you are going to turn off your push notifications, be in the present, let everyone else live their lives without letting yourself compare yours to theirs, be mindful. You've made it to day 30, what do your next 30 days look like?
