2020 Holiday Self-Care (Sanity) Challenge

Any year, December is an easy month to lose yourself in shopping, sugar, self-doubt and stress! Now let’s add 2020 on top of that with the uncertainty, massive change, trauma and heartache so many of us have experienced this year. No matter who you are, or what this year put you though, we all deserve a little more love and compassion right now.

And nobody is better at loving you the way you need to be loved than … YOU! So let’s make this month’s challenge a little “easy” on ourselves and make taking care of our body and spirit a priority … every single day.

Challenges don’t need to be hard, we don’t need to “crush-it” month over month. As a part of growth, it’s important to take time to get back to the basics. Anytime of any year is the perfect time for a little focus on Self-care, but especially right now.

Self Care is Not Being Selfish

And remember, Self-Care is not being selfish. Taking care of yourself only makes you stronger, happier, healthier, and more peaceful. Which will, in turn, make it substantially easier to take better care of everyone you love.

Well then, What is Self Care?

Dictionary.com says it best:

noun: the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation.

Which should really come as no surprise, because it is exactly what it sounds like. But the main point is that it is an ACT, which means YOU have to do it. It does not happen accidentally. And that’s why this challenge is so important. It’s easy to make everything else a priority this time of year, so dedicating focus to the practice of taking care of yourself is essential to preserving or improving your health.

Why take the 2020 Holiday Self-Care (Sanity) Challenge

Because it’s not always easy to make your health (and sanity) a priority. But for the sake of your own satisfaction, and ultimately, everyone around you, this little challenge can go a long way. Especially during the holidays. It’s been a hard year. You deserve some love. So give it to yourself.

What is involved in the 2020 Holiday Self-Care (Sanity) Challenge

Self-Care will look different to different people at different times, and there is no right or wrong here. Below is a list of common actions associated with self-care. I suggest you engage in at least one of these per day. Remember, these are only suggestions. If you have a different self-care practice you enjoy, plan it and do it!

1. MEDITATE 
2. Take a yoga or full body STRETCHing class
3. Workout hard to break a SWEAT and release stress
4. Workout easy (WALK) to get some fresh air and peace of mind 
5. Practice breath work (BREATHE) to calm your nerves
6. Write a GRATITUDE journal entry 
7. Say YES to something that brings you joy
8. Say NO to something that causes unnecessary stress
9. Cook a healthy, plant forward meal (MEAL PREP) 
10. JUICE or blend yourself a nutrient dense, plant powered beverage
11. Other: ____(Whatever you need today to feel cared for)___

Getting Started on the December Self-Care (Sanity) Challenge

1. You can register right here for the tracker.
2. Then join the 30-Day Challenge Series on Facebook to let us know you’re IN!
3. Check in throughout the challenge. We’re getting started as a group starting Tuesday, December 8th! Look for the daily prompt and share your progress.
4. Share this post with anyone and everyone who could use a little motivation to get loving on themselves.

Do I have to pay for this Challenge?

Nope! My community challenges have always been free. I’m all about barrier free/excuse free challenges and I’ve been hosting free fitness challenges since 2013. My goal is to get you moving and having fun no matter what. However, I did recently put in the option to pay if you’d like. You can pay whatever you want for the challenge. I suggest either $5 or $1 per day, in this case, $24. Or whatever. The most important thing is you get started, take care of yourself and feel lots of joy this holiday season!

The fine print and legalese for the December Self-Care (Sanity) Challenge:

1. Always talk to your doctor or health care provider before making any changes to your diet or exercise.
2. You are in charge of your health and safety. This challenge serves as a guidance tool and should never supersede information you’ve received from a local practitioner.
3. If you have questions about your form, body or modifications beyond what is provided, you need to work with a local personal trainer or physical therapist who can see you individually so that you get the best advice for your specific needs. I will not customize this plan for you without seeing you, it simply isn’t safe.
4. By signing up for this challenge, you acknowledge this is a DIY challenge, you release liability and vow to work with a local trainer if you have questions and promise to be smart and safe.