An Uplifting 30-Day Challenge

written by rebecca poole

A new season is an excuse to do something you’ve always wanted to do or to simply try something new. No matter what goals you have in mind, this monthlong challenge paves the way for a better you. Each week includes a different theme, so make sure to continue building on your goals as the weeks go on!


WEEK ONE:
Focus on Fitness

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Start off this challenge strong with a fitness-centric week. Begin by simply lacing up your sneakers for a walk in nature. Continue to intensify your workout as the week goes on by incorporating circuit-training sweat sessions.


    Day 1 - Head outside for a 30-minute to 60-minute walk.

    Day 2 - Try an online yoga or Pilates class.

    Day 3 - Get your heart rate up with 4–6 HIIT-style exercises. Examples include jump squats, planks, mountain climbers, and burpees.

    Day 4 - If you sit most of the day, try incorporating stretches into your routine to help alleviate tension. Examples include shoulder shrugs and triceps stretches.

    Day 5 - Try a 30-minute workout that combines walking and running. Warm up by walking for 10 minutes. Then run for 1 minute, followed by 1 minute of walking or jogging. Repeat 5 times. Finish with a 10-minute walk to cool down.

    Day 6 - Rest day. Strive for optimal hydration with this checklist.

    Day 7 - Finish the week strong with 8–10 HIIT-based exercises. Examples include high knees, jump lunges, and jumping rope.


WEEK TWO:
Kick Up Your Creativity

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If you’re looking to get your creative juices flowing, here’s a week full of inspiring ideas to do just that.


    Day 8 - Try a new recipe. Here are some quick and easy ideas.

    Day 9 - Learn something new! Watch a TED Talk or a documentary.

    Day 10 - Take a different route while walking around your neighborhood.

    Day 11 - Unplug for the day. Read, write, or draw instead of turning on the TV or scrolling social media.

    Day 12 - Create a vision board. Ask yourself: what do you want your future to look like in two, five, and ten years? Break down the goals that will get you there and then display them as a reminder.

    Day 13 - Set up a treasure hunt and do your own version of geocaching right in your backyard.

    Day 14 - Set a timer for 10 minutes, and write down everything you’re feeling.


WEEK THREE:
Happy Home, Happy You

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Your home should be a space where you can truly relax at the end of a long day. If it’s not feeling that way lately, it may be time to make some much-needed changes.


    Day 15 - Rid your home of chemicals and make your own natural cleaners.

    Day 16 - Do a closet overhaul. Try the KonMari method to get truly organized.

    Day 17 - Is your bedroom an ideal place for sleeping? Clean it up, and make a plan for long-term changes to create the perfect sleep environment.

    Day 18 - Organizing your closet and your bedroom can be exhausting. Today, just focus on organizing your spice cabinet.
    (Helpful tip: Make a list of your spices and keep it near the spice rack to have a quick reference for recipes.)

    Day 19 - Make sure your entryway and mudroom are spick-and-span.

    Day 20 - When was the last time you cleaned inside your cabinets? Wipe down these and other overlooked areas for an even deeper clean of your home.

    Day 21 - Brighten up your home! Let more natural light in, get some indoor plants, and maybe even consider painting a room a lighter color.


WEEK FOUR:
Make Every Day Self-Care Sunday

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You’ve probably seen the hashtag #selfcaresunday on social media at some point, and while Sundays are a great day to rest and recharge, why not do something for yourself every day?


    Day 22 - Start a bullet journal to organize and reflect. Bonus: This may even help diminish stress levels.

    Day 23 - Meditate. If you don’t know where to start, here are some free apps to download.

    Day 24 - Take a bath or try a homemade face mask as part of your nighttime routine. Mix 1 cup of dry oats with ½ cup of warm water in a blender until finely ground. Pour the oat mixture into a bowl, and mix in ¼ cup of honey. Apply to your face, leaving it on for about 10-15 minutes for best results.

    Day 25 - Treat yourself to your favorite luxurious coffee drink in the morning.

    Day 26 - Clean up your social media. Unfollow people who don’t bring you joy when they pop up on your feed.

    Day 27 - Write down 10 things you’re grateful for in this moment.

    Day 28 - Make future plans with a friend you haven’t seen in a while and have been planning to reach out to (even if it’s a virtual happy hour!).

    Day 29 - Put a bouquet of flowers on your kitchen table.

    Day 30 - Set your intentions for the next month. What will you do to continue accomplishing goals as this challenge comes to an end?



Download Challenge Guide

Posted in June 2020 on Apr 12, 2020