Welcome to the fourth week of our New Year’s wellness challenge!
Maintaining your health and wellness – physically and mentally – are key to living a happier, healthier existence.
Here are the challenges for this week.
January 23: Read for 30 minutes.
This is one of the few challenges that I repeated this month. Why? Because in today’s world of phones and videos, reading for leisure is happening less and less. As a former high school teacher, I know how valuable and essential it is to read regularly. If you read every day, you can:
- Improve your focus and memory
- Improve your ability to empathize
- Improve your communication skills
- Exercise your brain
- Gain valuable knowledge
- Reduce stress
- And some studies say that you may even live longer!
January 24: Look in the mirror and say something self-affirming 10 times.
A mirror is a wonderful tool for self-reflection and building self-confidence and self-love. Here are some phrases to try:
- I am loved.
- I am filled with hope.
- I have all it takes to be successful and confident.
- I can do whatever today brings on.
January 25: Find an audiobook or podcast to listen to.
If you’re going for a walk, driving a distance, or doing household chores, try listening to an audiobook or podcast. While they provide entertainment to get through your task, there are also some benefits, such as:
- Learning something new
- Deep diving into a subject of interest
- Can improve critical thinking skills
- May give you a mental health boost by occupying your focus on the book or podcast instead of dwelling on negative thoughts.
January 26: Write a love note to your 18-year-old self.
We grow and change yearly, but some issues we have with ourselves can be the hardest to look past. Writing a love letter or note to your younger self can:
- Help you work through stuck points from your younger years
- Bestow kindness, compassion, and understanding on yourself
January 27: Try a yoga or stretch class for relaxation.
Find a class (online or in a studio) that is designed to encourage relaxation today. You will feel great when it’s done and will continue to reap the benefits, such as:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- A better night’s rest
- Lower blood pressure
- Sense of well-being
- Reduced muscle tension
January 28: Watch a feel-good movie.
Spend your Saturday night relaxing with your partner, kids, or a friend in front of a feel-good movie. Watching a movie can:
- Take your mind off your worries
- Calm you down
- Make you laugh
- Provide insight and understanding in different situations
January 29: Try a new hobby.
Hobbies allow you to learn, stretch your limits, and carve out time to do something enjoyable. There are many hobbies to try, including:
- Learning calligraphy
- Knitting or needlework
- Writing
- Making soap, candles or crafts
- Painting
- Pottery
- Gardening
- Learning an instrument
A little progress each day can add up to big results!