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151

Self-Care Challenge

by DOMINIQUE MICHELLE ASTORINO

January: Feed your soul

February: Set (digital) limits

Is technology stressing you out? You don't always have to respond to texts immediately. Give yourself a no-phone zone in your house. Create these habits early in the year so you can carry them with you through the following months.

March: Meditation challenge

We know asking you to meditate every single day in March is a little aggressive (in the most zen way, of course), so we'll give you a goal of meditating for at least two minutes each time. Put a few reminders in your calendar this month, pick a cozy spot in your house, and learn how to meditate if you need some guidance.

April: Make time for tea time

May: Find your bliss

If you've been all over the HIIT train, this one is going to feel great. This month, aim to find a low-impact workout like walking, yoga, Pilates, swimming, or cycling, and add it to your routine twice a week. Tip: try doing any of this outside and in a nature-packed area like a park, forest, beach, or meadow if it's accessible. Earthing, grounding, and forest bathing can be excellent forms of self-care!

June: Foam roll and release

We're obsessed with myofascial release right now, and you should be, too! This summer, we urge you to get to know both the massage therapy ball — learn which muscle groups you need to roll most, find tension points in your body, and give yourself a little TLC and self-massaging from head to toe. It'll also help your body feel great every day.

July: Create a morning routine

Want to wake up on the right side of the bed? Start your day with some self-care? Great. It all starts with a morning routine. Give yourself a few extra minutes every morning. Can you challenge yourself to getting up 30 minutes earlier each day? You'd have time for meditation, breakfast, or maybe even a quick morning workout.

August: Try aromatherapy and essential oils

We hope you try this all year long, but, in August, we want you to try creating your very own aromatherapy routine at home or in your office. Find the oils that are best for your health needs. Are you craving some relaxing lavender or seeking energizing citrus? Perhaps you want to breath a little deeper with eucalyptus or kick those tension headaches with peppermint. Get yourself a diffuser and some oils, and find what works for you. Diffuse daily, and make a note of how you feel.

September: Sleep challenge

The time is nigh to create a bedtime routine that'll help you get more restful sleep, but here's your goal: at least eight full hours each night for the entire month. Set an early bedtime to be sure you'll get to sleep soundly. Sleep will not only help with your energy levels, but it'll also help with your immune system and ability to lose weight, if that's a goal of yours. And it'll help cut down on stress levels. Win!

October: Focus on journaling

Take time at least a few minutes each night or each morning to journal. Start with what you're grateful for—that always helps set things off on a nice note—and, continue to write anything you want about goals, hopes, dreams, plans, struggles, and ideas--even food and fitness! Self-reflection and a little 'me time' with some peace and quiet will add balance to your day.

November: Do some body care

Get a massage, try acupuncture, start taking CBD, go for a reiki treatment, hire a nutritionist or dietitian for an evaluation session, treat yourself to personal training, or visit a spa. You only have to do one of these just once, but if you're feeling up for the challenge, we think you should check all of these boxes in November. Amp up your indulgent self-care before the holiday madness kicks in!

December: Give back

Plus, you make them feel good, too. The holidays are an ideal time to take a day for volunteering, whether it's at an animal shelter, a homeless shelter, a meal kitchen, a toy drive, or wherever else sparks your soul. It'll help you feel like you made a difference—all the while helping those in need get a little extra love during the holidays. It's the perfect way to wrap up the year and pay forward all that good energy you've been building up.