7 Things to Do for Your 7-Day Self-Care Challenge

Self-care, which is a holistic approach to maintaining one’s health and happiness, can encompass a full menu of activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. And while people who are new to the term may think that the end result of self-care is selfishness or overindulgence, it’s actually the opposite that’s true. People who make it a point to practice self-care are often kinder and more compassionate on both themselves and others, as well as focused on the “bigger picture” that their life goals entail. 

It may be easy to forget to nurture yourself when you’re busy with commitments at work and at home, and if that’s the case, you may benefit from a more structured approach to self-care. Enter the “seven-day self-care challenge,” a simple initiative to demonstrate self-care in small and doable ways for one week straight.  

The self-care practices that you include in your seven-day challenge don’t need to be grand or expensive; nor do they need to take up a lot of your time. In fact, they can be as simple as doing small actions you already perform each day with a little more gusto, such as choosing what to wear and enjoying a healthy and delicious meal with your loved ones.  

Below are seven self-care habits to incorporate into your daily life through the special seven-day self-care challenge:  

1) Dress to Express and Comfort Yourself

Many people overlook the value of simple activities, like choosing an outfit, when it comes to their self-care regimen. But simply being more mindful about the everyday things you do can have a profound impact on your well-being. One example is dressing up either to express yourself or to make yourself extra cozy on days you need it.  

With this in mind, embrace your unique style and immerse yourself in the act of choosing clothes that make you feel your best both outside and inside. This can apply equally to an outfit of consisting of your favorite polo shirt and well-made, comfy leggings or a new set of sleepwear to achieve that perfect night’s snooze. 

2) Prepare a Nutritious Breakfast

It can be very good to kick off your self-care regimen in the morning, starting with your breakfast. A meal that’s both nutritious and a joy to dig into will provide your body with both the physical and emotional fuel it needs to kickstart the day. Plus, preparing a hearty breakfast for yourself will help you demonstrate some healthy self-appreciation, which is an excellent precedent for an otherwise tough or tiring day ahead. 

Incorporate a balanced mix of whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits or vegetables into your morning meal. This ensures you have something tasty and nutritious in you. If you don’t have much time to cook or prepare your breakfast, you can meal plan and still enjoy the same benefits.  

3) Do a Digital Detox

In today’s age of smartphones and constant connectivity, it may be like second nature to stare at your device’s screen all day. You may also be glued to your laptop at work and a couch potato at home. But remember that all your screen time is sure to add up and put a strain on your mind. Health-wise, it may also take a toll on your ability to rest and achieve deep and restorative sleep.   

That said, sometime in your seven-day self-care challenge, consider taking a break from screens and doing a digital detox. Reduce your screen time and engage in real-life activities that will make it easier for you to focus on the present moment. 

4) Engage in Physical Activity

Regular exercise is one of the cornerstones of self-care. On top of improving your physical health, a more active lifestyle will often give you healthy outlets for pent-up stress. 

You don’t need to be a fitness enthusiast to bake exercise into your self-care routine, and it won’t be long before you see its effects. Even low-impact activities such as a daily walk or yoga session can help you let loose and feel refreshed, both in mind and body. You can even pair your physical activity with proactive recovery, for instance, by opting to book yourself in for a regular swedish massage in Glen Allen, VA (or elsewhere more relevant), in order to stimulate muscle recuperation and fully relax your muscles before you hit the gym or go for a long walk again. 

5) Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Another self-care activity that you can do is meditation, which will support your mental clarity and improve your ability to focus. To bring this practice into your seven-day challenge, simply dedicate a few minutes of mindfulness meditation for each day. 

Find a quiet space in your home, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Let go of racing thoughts and simply be present. If you find it naturally hard to sit still or want some extra guidance for each meditation session, you also have the option to use a structured guide like a meditation app. 

6) Write in a Gratitude Journal

Expressing the things you’re grateful for is a beautiful way to nurture your emotional well-being, and it’s also an excellent form of self-care. For this, a gratitude journal will be the perfect companion for your seven-day self-care challenge—and hopefully, you’ll be able to write on its pages in the days succeeding your first self-care week.  

Practice gratitude by jotting down what you’re thankful for in your journal each day. Even a few written words can shift your perspective and encourage a positive mindset.

7) Contact a Loved One 

They call it “self-care,” but the practice is also enriched by healthy social connection to others. That’s why you’ll want to extend your seven-day self-care challenge to include quality time with family members, friends, and others you hold dear to your heart.  

Call or send a message to your loved one and find out how they’re doing, and schedule a visit or a meetup whenever it’s convenient for either of you. The conversations don’t always have to be long to be meaningful; as long as they’re consistent and done from a place of authenticity, they’ll do a lot for both your individual well-being and the other person’s. 

The journey to self-care is a continuous one, so hopefully, a seven-day self-care challenge can inspire that healthy continuity. Consider doing any of these things to start a longer foray into self-care, and remember, it isn’t selfish to prioritize caring for yourself—on the contrary, doing so also allows you to be your best self for those around you.