Welcome to week three of the Self Care Challenge where I challenge you (and me) to play. In the name of “adulting” we often forget the benefits of play. Not only does play increase joy, but it relieves stress, boosts creativity, and improves our relationships. In other words, adding a bit of time to experience play into our routine, will make “adulting” easier. So get out the checkers or soccer ball and get playing.
Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
Katie Reed
Self Care Challenge
Week Three – The Art of Play
Play falls to wayside as our to do lists get longer. We have work, a home, and loved ones to care for. It is rare we have time to let loose and when we do our energy levels are low from all the work we have done. So, add some play to your to do list and live a little. Read more about the benefits here.
Let’s stop life from getting in the way of living.
Ready to join me?
Did you miss week one and two? Start here to catch up.
Below you will find a graphic for each day. Clicking on the graphic will jump you to the section of the page with the instructions or inspiration for each activity.
P.S. Make adjustments to the prompts as you see fit. Have fun with it. This is all about how you are able to fit slow living into your life. The only rule is that you do you!
Day 15 – Plan a Game Night
Call some friends and get together for some cards or board games. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just a game, some friends and some easy snacks and you have the recipe for a night of laughter and play. Let your competitive side show as you and your friends compete for the crown of game night champion.
Day 16 – Take a Nature Walk
Go for a walk to nowhere in particular. Stroll at a relaxed speed and notice the plants and insects. Breathe in the fresh air and bask in the warmth of the sun or coolness of the shade. Take plenty of water with you and maybe a buddy as you reintroduce yourself to the details of nature you might have been overlooking.
Day 17 – Watch a Funny Movie
You know the movies I am talking about. Those ones that are almost so silly you hate to laugh to it but just can’t help it. Try a new comedy or stream an old favorite, just don’t forget the popcorn.
Day 18 – Create a Motivational Playlist
Find some time to put together a playlist of all the songs that get your heart pumping and toes tapping. The songs that make you feel like you can do anything. The songs that remind you of your favorite childhood memories and summer road trips. Make this the soundtrack to your summer as you create new self care memories.
Day 19 – Cook Your Favorite Meal
Throw away any idea of being healthy (unless that’s your thing) and cook your all time favorite meal. Pizza oozing with cheese, French fries, or a big plate of nachos. What’s a favorite you haven’t been allowing yourself to have in a while? Now’s your time, no one’s watching, indulge.
Day 20 – Start with Dessert
When you were a kid did you wish you could just skip dinner and head straight to dessert? I did. Well, you are the adult now so why not start with dessert for once. Take some playful pleasure in breaking this “rule” and spoil your dinner.
Day 21 – Make a Game Out of Your Chores
Chores come with the territory of being an adult. Why not try making them a bit more fun with these ideas:
- Dance while you clean (and turn the music up)
- Set yourself a time limit and challenge yourself to getting everything done before the buzzer
- Enlist a partner to help and gossip while you clean
- Treat yourself to an extra long bubble bath after your chores are done
- Make some DIY cleaning products with your favorite essential oils. Get some ideas here.
That brings us to the end of our second week of the self care challenge. I hope you gained a new appreciation for your body and some new habits to take you into a future where self love is a priority.
Keep this challenge handy
Pin this post to your Pinterest board or bookmark it in some way and come back to it when you feel life is getting hectic again. When the times comes that you feel like you are due for another recharge, come back and do the challenge again.
And don’t forget to come back next week for week three of the self care challenge when we build a relaxation tool kit.
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