30-Day Self-Love Challenge
With 2023 almost here, there is no better time to plan new year resolutions. Self-care is often seen as a luxury, something that we can treat ourselves to when we have the extra time and money. However, self-care is essential to our wellbeing and can’t be put off until we have a “spare” moment.
So what better way to kick-start self-appreciation than a 30-day self-love challenge?
Here is the 30-day challenge I’ve created, which gives you an opportunity to complete a daily task to improve your self love. There is no “failing” the challenge—it is simply a way to prompt some daily self-love. If you feel a particular task is not relevant to you, then feel free to skip it or just repeat a previous task. The aim is to make time for yourself, every single day. This challenge is about making self-care a priority in your life, and I hope it will help you to feel calmer, happier, and more centered.
(At the end of this post, I’ve also included a pdf summary of the 30-day self-love challenge for you to easily print and use!)
Challenge: 30 days of self love
Day 1: Positive affirmations
Let’s begin with a simple but effective one: think of or find some positive affirmations or quotes. Write them down and read them aloud like you really mean it. Here are some quotes to get started.
Day 2: Start a journal
For the next few weeks, aim to write a daily journal entry. This can be a reflection of the day’s events, things that are on your mind, or as a way of tracking your mood and mental health.
Day 3: Have a relaxing bath
Switch your mind off and the bubbles on! Light some candles or aromatherapy, put in a fun bath bomb and soak up the positive vibes.
Day 4: Gratitude list
Write up a list of things you are grateful for— it could be family, friends, career, health or any other area. Write up the list and stick it above your desk as a reminder of the good things in life.
Day 5: Cook your favourite food
Nothing nourishes like a delicious home-cooked meal. Whip up your favourite dish, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try a new recipe. Savour the flavour of every bite.
Day 6: Do something creative
Not all of us are artists but we can all revel in the spark of creativity. So do something creative you enjoy, whether it’s drawing, painting, writing or a craft project. Don’t worry about how it will turn out or pass any judgement, just enjoy the process.
Day 7: Exercise and enjoy it, no goals
For some people exercise is more of a chore or feels like punishment. Today, do some form of exercise you like and focus on the energy in your body. Don’t look at time, calories or weight, just get your body moving and you will feel great afterwards.
Day 8: List 10 things you love about yourself
Reflect on 10 things that you love about yourself— from skills, traits, personality, appearance to attributes, write them down. These are your best qualities and what make you great!
Day 9: Brighten up your space
Change the environment around you to lift up your spirit. Whether it’s a nice bunch of bright flowers, a lovely candle or some fun little knick-knacks make your space your own place.
Day 10: Plan your goals for 2023
Now we’ve got some inspiration and motivation, time to plan your goals for the new year. Be honest, realistic and prepared to work to put your dreams within reach. I’ve written a previous post on tips for achieving your goals.
Day 11: Read a book
Grab a book you’ve been wanting to read, find a cosy spot and start reading. Turn off all distractions and escape into the story.
Day 12: Get a good sleep
A lot of us aren’t getting the best sleep we can, and often we know why. Whether it’s from too much caffeine, busy stressful lifestyle, or poor sleep hygiene, tonight is the night to address it. Turn off your devices, have a nice warm bath and get to sleep early— your body will thank you tomorrow morning.
Day 13: Appreciate nature
Spend some time outside, whether it’s sitting and reading, doing some gardening, or simply lying in the sun, take in the beauty of the natural environment.
Day 14: Treat yourself
Today is the day to buy yourself something nice. New shoes or maybe a nice dress— you deserve it.
Day 15: Address your bad habits (and gain some good ones)
You’re halfway through the challenge now! Today I would like you to reflect on your habits, both good and bad. Time to renew your motivation and become the person you want to be, one habit at a time. For tips on developing a new habit, see my previous post.
Day 16: Meditate
Sit down for at least 15 minutes and spend some time meditating. Close your eyes, switch off from the world and focus on your breathing and your body. Drift away into a state of inner peace.
Day 17: Create a ‘feel good’ plan
Think about things that make you feel good. Some ideas include an uplifting playlist, a comforting tea, your favourite chocolate or something else. Make a list of these things to refer to on those days when you need something to boost your spirits.
Day 18: Plan a day out
Plan to do something you’ve wanted to try and bring a friend/significant other along. It could be a restaurant or cafe, new store or a fun activity, you name it!
Day 19: Do something nice for someone else
Pay it forward and do a good deed for someone else today, whether it’s a family member, friend or complete stranger. Be a kind human and spread the love— you never know how big an impact your act of kindness may have on someone else’s day.
Day 20: Positive self-talk in the mirror
Now we’ve built up to today when your challenge is to stand in front of the mirror and express self-love. Appreciate your body and the way you are— both the good and not so good is what makes you uniquely you.
Day 21: Indulge in your favourite movie
Grab some popcorn (or your treat of choice), sit back and relax with your favourite flick. Or if you prefer, a Netflix binge!
Day 22: Utilise your skills
For today’s task, do something you are good at. Bring out your skills and excel in your talents.
Day 23: Treat yourself to a spa day
From a massage, to facial, or maybe getting your nails done, devote some time out of your busy day to pamper yourself today.
Day 24: Take time off social media
Set a time period and ban yourself from social media. Shut off devices and stop scrolling feeds, liking photos and watching reels.
Day 25: Self-improvement
Identify one of your weaknesses and plan your action to improve this.
Day 26: Go for a run
Step outside and go for a run (or a walk). Feel your heart beating and the blood pumping through your veins— it feels good to be alive!
Day 27: Show gratitude to someone else
Self-love goes hand-in-hand with love for others, so show an act of gratitude to someone in your life and feel the warm fuzziness.
Day 28: Dance to your favourite song
Take some time out today, put on your favourite song and let loose! Enjoy it and sing along like no one’s watching!
Day 29: Dress up
Almost there! Put on your favourite outfit + makeup and let your self-confidence ooze!
Day 30: Reflection
Congratulations! Take time out today to reflect on your achievements, as well as your challenges. Are you going to continue doing any of the activities? Or revisit those that you found difficult?
Click here to download the 30-day self-love challenge as a pdf!
So how did you go on your 30-day self-love challenge? What did you find the hardest? How do you feel after completing it? Let me know your experience in the comments below!
