A 30 Day Self-Care Challenge For Times of Social Change
Welcome to our 30-day self-care challenge! We at The Wellness Project are so happy you’re here, as taking care of ourselves, in every aspect, is so important in living a healthy, abundant life.
This calendar has been tailored to meet your holistic needs no matter your current situation — whether you work from home, work out of the home, or are involved in the revolution currently taking place in Lebanon.
In Lebanon, as realities are shifting and every day brings new information, life can feel simultaneously scary, daunting, exciting, and exhilarating. Due to this, we feel it’s an especially important time to reflect and implement some self-care strategies.
To take care of yourself, we hope you use this self-care challenge as a way to charge your batteries and refill your cup. Just as social activism is so important, so is making sure we stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit while participating.
If you have any questions or need additional support in this challenge, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments.
Day 1: Start a Journal
To kick off the challenge, let’s create a journal. To do this, get a blank journal that you’ve never written in before, and start by writing down all the things that you’re grateful for today. These things can be as specific as you’d like, or as broad as you’d like. For example, you can write that you’re grateful for a sunny day, for the health of your family, for the smell just after it rains, or for a specific person in your life.
Further, we suggest tailoring this journal to be about the revolution — the events of each day and how they make you feel. Sometimes simply the act of writing can help bring you clarity and focus when it comes to times of change.
Physically listing out all the things on your mind will help set the tone for the rest of your day. If you want to take it one step further, include some self-reflection. To get you started, check out our article Why the Art of Self-Reflection is Making a Comeback (And How to Jump on the Bandwagon).
Day 2: Get Active In Your Community
While the saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is absolutely true, I find that getting active in your community and giving a bit of your time to others is an excellent way to refill that cup. Not only does staying socially active intrinsically feel good, you can know that you’re taking actionable steps to better society.
In regards to the revolution currently happening in Lebanon, think about the ways you could get involved that would make you feel fulfilled. Does this involve getting out on the streets and participating? Does this involve watching the news and staying up-to-date? Or does this involve donating in some way?
Everyone is different in how they can get socially involved, so think about what this means to you.
Day 3: Book an Appointment You’ve Been Putting Off
In times of social change, all of our energy goes into giving to the cause. However, if we feel our physical health slipping in any way, we need to take care of ourselves so we can give more of our energy to what we believe in.
While we don’t always think of them as self-care, booking dental, medical, and eye appointments are all very important to your personal well-being.
Day 4: Clean Out Your E-Mail
In today’s digital age, especially if you work online or are active in the revolution, e-mail inboxes can fill up fast and, when they do, they can quickly become overwhelming.
Today, clean up your e-mail inbox by organizing your mail into separate folders, unsubscribing from newsletters you no longer read, and deleting any irrelevant messages.
This can go a long way in giving you clarity and mental space to give to other causes.
Day 5: Create a Sleep Routine
Getting enough sleep is so important to a healthy life, and yet many of us either don’t prioritize a sleep routine, or it goes out the window during times of social change.
Being consistently well-rested is essential to participating in whatever life throws at you, so make sure you block all light and noise out of your bedroom (unless you sleep well with white-noise), go to bed at the same time every night, and avoid food at least 2 hours before you sleep.
For all the best ways to get a restful sleep, check out our article 10 Easy & Effective Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep.
Day 6: Reconnect With an Old Friend
Planning to meet up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while is always a treat, for both you and them. Especially during times of revolution, reaching out to an old friend is a great way to make sense of current events, gain perspective, and feel connected.
People you’ve known for a long time tend to understand you in ways new friends don’t, and therefore give you a unique connection.
Day 7: Organize Your House
A messy, disorganized house has more of an effect on your emotional well being than you think. If your cluttered space is making you anxious, then give it a good clean today, or at least spend ten minutes to organize. Put all of your things into their designated spots, and set aside anything you no longer use or need.
An organized house is a calm, relaxing place to come back to after working or being active in your community.
Day 8: Go On a Date With Your Partner / Yourself
Much like reconnecting with an old friend, taking time to reflect with your partner, or all by yourself, will go a long way in making sense of the revolution in Lebanon.
Ask yourself (or your partner) questions that have been on your mind about the revolution. Doing this will help you gain perspective and energy.
Day 9: Donate Your Old / Unused Stuff
During times of social change there are often plenty of people or organizations that could benefit greatly from donations. Today, take the time to research some organizations that you can donate to, and round up things around the house that could be beneficial in this capacity.
Not only is this extra stuff taking up space and cluttering your home, there is probably someone out there who could repurpose your goods.
Day 10: Book an Appointment With a Therapist
If you’re feeling mentally drained by the revolution in Lebanon (in any capacity), don’t hesitate to find a professional to talk to. Research some good ones in your area and, if money is a concern, find practitioners who offer free introductory sessions (many do!).
We often forget that everyone reacts to social change differently, and dealing with anxiety and other stressors can take a major toll on our mental health and sense of security.
Day 11: Listen to Music
Music is a great healer. Today, make some time to put on your headphones, lay down on your couch, and listen to music that truly moves you.
Even better, find some music by Lebanese artists to ground you.
Day 12: Define Your Values
In participating in the revolution, whether you do so by keeping up with the news, volunteering, or by getting out in the streets, understanding your values will go far in helping you make sense of where you fit in the situation.
Values come in many shapes and sizes such as integrity, intelligence, bravery, cleanliness, honor, independence, and more.
Check out this list of over 200 core values.
Day 13: Do a Full-Body Stretch
Stretching your muscles is a great exercise for increasing blood flow, healing, and creating immunity to injuries.
Stretching your muscles is an especially great idea if you’re on your feet all day. Continuous standing, especially on cement, can be tough on your back and knees.
Day 14: Write a Letter
Today, get your feelings out by sitting down and writing a letter. This letter can be to a politician involved in the revolution, to yourself in 20 years, or to a situation you’re currently in.
You don’t necessarily have to send the letter, but just the act of writing can help you find clarity and release regarding your feelings.
Day 15: Get a Massage
Let’s be honest, there is never a bad day for a massage. Today, either book yourself an appointment with a professional or get your significant other to work out your knotted muscles and release tension.
During times of uncertainty, we tend to store tension in areas we don’t even consciously feel it. While it may feel like a luxury, you’ll feel much better overall if you take the time to work out knots and kinks.
Day 16: Learn Something New
Keeping yourself curious and learning is a huge part of self-care. So today, seek out new information that will keep you up-to-date with current events and interested in the world around you.
Day 17: Do a Digital Detox
It’s not always easy, but putting yourself on a digital detox is always worth it. Today, or even just for a few hours, turn off the TV, Computer, and your cell phone. If you’re worried that someone will need to reach you on your phone, then turn off all notifications except from that person (this is a feature on most new phones!).
If you’re in Lebanon, then use this idea to be more present in the local happenings. While social media is an excellent communicator in times of change, there are so many more ways you can be present and socially active.
Day 18: Do a Face Mask
Face masks are excellent for getting toxins out of your skin and nourishing your face. Especially if you’ve been spending long days active in the Lebanese revolution, take time to care for and clean your skin.
If you’re wondering what the best ways to take care of your skin as we transition to cooler temperatures, check out are article on The Best Skin-Care Tips for Fall!
Day 19: Practice Mindfulness
Today, no matter what you spend your time doing, make a point to be mindful. Eat your food with intention, pay attention to how your surroundings make you feel, and take a mental note of what you see, smell, and hear.
Actively being present will make you feel more connected to your surroundings.
Day 20: Look at the Stars or Clouds
I love stargazing. Not only does it remind me that there is so much life outside of myself, they’re truly beautiful and full of wonder and possibility. Make time today to take notice of the stars, pick out a few constellations, and practice gratitude.
If you live in a city where you can’t see the stars, then I suggest downloading a star app or paying attention to the clouds. If you’ve been involved in Lebanon’s revolution, then this is a great practice to reset your mind and find clarity in the moment.
Apps such as Star Chart or Night Sky can help you see where all the stars are in relation to you.
Day 21: Read a Book or Magazine For an Hour
Reading is a great way to relax and learn some new information you’re interested in. Today, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, or spend time with your favorite magazine.
This is a great time to pick up some Lebanese literature and help you feel more connected to your environment and country.
Day 22: Clean Out Your Car
Next to my house, I generally spend the most amount of time in my car. So, if you’re anything like me, take time today to give your second home a good clean.
If you don’t have a car, then clean something else you use often such as a storage room, book case, or closet. In our busy lives, having a clean home and car will set you up for success.
Ten minutes of this can go a long way.
Day 23: Spend Time in Nature
For humans, spending time in nature is such a simple, yet powerful reward for the soul. Get your nature fix by going for a hike, playing with your kids in a park, reading in a meadow, or taking a walk in the countryside.
If getting to nature isn’t a possibility today, even digging your toes into some dirt for 5 minutes will go a long way in grounding you. For more ways to help you destress, check out The Best Self-Care Habits to Help Manage Stress.
Day 24: Primp Yourself
In times of social change it can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of yourself. If this is the case, do something small and simple that makes you feel fresh.
I often find that part of feeling good on the inside means taking care of myself on the outside. Even washing your face or applying lotion can feel really good.
Day 25: Develop a Personal Mantra
A personal mantra is a string of meaningful words that give you a boost every time you say them. While mantras are very personal, some common ones to get you started are “I am worthy”, “I am free to be myself”, “I am whole, healthy, and strong”, and “I have the power to create change”.
Day 26: Edit Who You Follow on Social Media
Everyone who is in need of a social media purge, raise your hand!
What you see on your social media can have a profound impact on your mood and outlook. So today, unfollow everyone who posts content that no longer serves you, doesn’t make you feel good, or you don’t learn anything from.
At the same time, today is a good time to follow social media accounts that you can learn from, keep you up-to-date with the news, and give you a new perspective.
Day 27: Prepare Yourself a Healthy Meal
How you fuel your body is just as important as what you fuel it with. Especially if you’re busy giving your time to your community, eating healthy meals that will keep you going is very important.
Today, prepare yourself a delicious meal using whole foods, and enjoy it one bite at a time – free of distractions.
Day 28: Take a 45-Minute Walk
Today, get out, move your body, and relax your mind all at the same time by taking a leisurely 45-minute walk. Even if you’ve been on your feet all day, a walk is a great way to clear your mind and recharge your batteries.
Day 29: Sign Up For a Class
As mentioned earlier, keeping yourself learning and curious is a huge part of self-care. If you just can’t justify spending time or money away from the revolution, then sign up for a current events seminar.
Alternatively, you could use this time to disconnect and sign up for a yoga or dance class. Whichever serves you best.
Day 30: Meditate for 30 Minutes
There are so many benefits to meditation, including recharging your batteries after a busy or stressful day. Today, sit down, close your eyes, and let yourself go for 30 minutes. For help with how to get started with meditation, check out our article 5 Reasons You Should Incorporate Meditation Into Your Self-Care Routine.
We at The Wellness Project are so excited to have you join us on this 30 day challenge! Be sure to leave a comment if you’re participating, and let us know your favorite self-care strategies!
Sources:
https://scottjeffrey.com/core-values-list/
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