As a mom, my own needs usually come last when I’m busy putting my babies’ needs first. Sometimes I’m too tired to even remember my needs, and I know I’m not the only one. Most moms are putting their babies first, which of course is usually only natural. We want our babies to be happy, healthy, and have all the best. I remember hearing this quote, something to the effect that when you’re on a plane you have to put your own oxygen mask on first before you can help anyone else, and thus making sure your needs are being met is vital if you want to effectively raise someone.
I wanted to create a challenge for this month, knowing that most likely none of us will put our needs first, but at the least let’s all agree to take a moment to ourselves once a day. To really indulge in some self care so that we’re remembering that we’re more than just a mom, but a person too, and to keep ourselves from burning out or being overstimulated.
Here is the August Self Care Challenge:
1. WRITE DOWN THREE THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR TODAY.
2. TAKE A 15 MIN WALK AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
3. ENJOY A 30 MIN HOME SPA SESSION (FACE MASK, MANICURE, OR BATH).
4. READ A CHAPTER OF A BOOK YOU’VE BEEN WANTING TO START.
5. PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING FOR 5 MIN.
6. LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC OR A PODCAST EPISODE.
7. SPEND 15 MIN JOURNALING ABOUT YOUR DAY.
8. DRINK A CUP OF TEA OR COFFEE IN SILENCE.
9. DO A 15 MIN STRETCHING ROUTINE.
10. WATCH A MOVIE OR SHOW YOU LOVE.
11. TAKE A 30 MIN WALK OR VISIT A PARK.
12. SPEND 15 MIN ORGANIZING A SMALL AREA OF YOUR HOME.
13. WRITE A POSITIVE AFFIRMATION AND REPEAT IT TO YOURSELF THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
14. TRY A NEW HOBBY OR CRAFT FOR 15 MIN.
15. CALL OR VIDEO CHAT WITH A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER.
16. UNPLUG FROM SCREENS FOR 30 MIN.
17. INDULGE IN A TREAT YOU ENJOY.
18. TAKE A LEISURELY BIKE RIDE OR WALK WITH YOUR FAMILY.
19. SPEND 15 MIN DOODLING OR COLORING.
20. WATCH THE SUNRISE OR SUNSET.
21. SPEND 15 MIN DAYDREAMING.
22. WRITE A THANK-YOU NOTE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE.
23. PRACTICE A 10 MIN GUIDED MEDITATION.
24. VISIT A LOCAL MARKET OR SHOP.
25. SPEND TIME GARDENING, TENDING TO HOUSEPLANTS, OR RELAXING WITH YOUR PET.
26. DO A 15 MIN YOGA SESSION.
27. LISTEN TO CALMING SOUNDS OR NATURE SOUNDS FOR 15 MIN.
28. SPEND 15 MIN CREATING A VISUAL BOARD FOR YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS.
29. WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR FUTURE SELF.
30. TAKE 15 MIN TO DECLUTTER YOUR DIGITAL SPACE (EMAILS, PHONE APPS, ETC).
31. HAVE A MINI RETREAT AT HOME – LIGHT CANDLES, PLAY SOOTHING MUSIC, AND RELAX.
As previously stated remember to take care of yourself, and try to participate in each day. If you miss one it’s okay, just pick up on the next one the following day and keep going.
Feel free to share a picture on Instagram or Threads with the hashtag #TheAugustAgenda, but don’t feel pressured to share either! Remember that this is about self care; so be slow, intentional, and take care of your needs before worrying about presenting to social media!
I look forward to taking care of ourselves this month, and I hope this leads to more acts of self care in the future.
xo, Beth.
