Day 12 – 30-Day Self Care Challenge

Taking a nap or just relaxing can be tough. This could be the toughest of the challenges yet. Especially if you’re in the midst of the work week.

Often we think of napping or taking a bit of a break, but then –  just don’t. It feels like there is so much going on; there just isn’t enough time…

Yet, the few minutes (even 10 minutes helps!) of relaxed downtime spent with your eyes closed can make a world of difference in your outlook.

Copyright 2019 Taru Nieminen

Day 11 – 30-Day Self Care Challenge

Taking a walk by yourself can give you tons of insights into what’s going on in your life. Walking in nature can be an immediate energy and mood boost. Try it alone and without your phone!

Copyright 2019 Taru Nieminen

Day 10 of 30-Day Self Care Challenge

Take a Bubble Bath or a Long, Hot Shower with Essential Oils

The aroma of essential oils may boost your energy levels, wake you up, or make you sleepy. Depends on which one you choose. Peppermint will wake you up, lavender will make you relaxed, while orange and grapefruit will boost your energy. Here’s a quick guide to 10 different essential oils with an infographic!

Or try Epsom salt (magnesium) to relax in a tubful of warm water. If you don’t have a tub, try rubbing magnesium oil on your body after your shower. (If you’ve never used either, take care to limit your use, as magnesium has a muscle relaxing compound, and can make you sleepy! Oh, and it can also act as a fantastic way to combat constipation! 😉

Copyright 2019 Taru Nieminen

Day 9 – 30-Day Self Care Challenge

Hair or Face Mask/Facial

Use a store-bought face mask or give yourself a facial. If you have time and the funds, pamper yourself with a facial by a cosmetologist.

Hair mask? What is that about? Found out about that as I started to get a few grays showing up… It doesn’t bother me, but I like my hair color just the way it is, thank you very much, Mr. Time. I decided to research how to get my hair back to its original color (highlights, lowlights, and hair color had been my friends for a long time) without chemicals.

Lo and behold, there’s a way! And it’s so easy. To get your hair back to its natural color, mix a few tablespoons of coconut oil and lemon juice together and smother your hair with the paste. Leave it in for an hour, rinse off, shampoo hair, and voilà!

Honestly, I didn’t think it would work. And your results may be different. Also, it’s not forever, so you’ll need to redo it whenever new hair starts to show its roots, just like when coloring hair.

Copyright 2019 Taru Nieminen

Day 8 – 30-Day Self Care Challenge

Healthy Meal Planning – Be good to your gut

Whether you’re a carnivore, a vegetarian, or a vegan, taking care of your gut is essential. When the bacteria in our stomach and colon turn vile, we suffer. The good flora in your gut keeps you happy. Yes, it really does. Research has shown that when your gut’s happy, you’re happier. And when your gut has too much of the bad bacteria, you may suffer from depression, anxiety, and other disorders like diabetes, inflammation, and even cancer.

Taking care to balance your gut health with prebiotics and probiotics is a good start. If you don’t eat enough of these in your diet yet, there are amazing supplements out there for you to get a jumpstart. This is my favorite. Do your own research to figure out what you may need.

Copyright 2019 Taru Nieminen

Day 7 – 30-Day Self Care Challenge

Gratitude List/ Journal Feelings

Being grateful for what you already have can do wonders for your life. If you have not tried this before (or have a journal, but haven’t written in it lately), it’s easy. Start with just listing three things you’re grateful for.

They can be very “ordinary” but when you actually write them down, they can become a driving force in your life. Think of all that you DO have.

Write down: “I’m so happy and grateful now that I have…”

• Food in my belly
• Fresh water to drink
• A roof over my head
• Someone to love me/I can love
• Enough money in my account to pay the rent/mortgage
• Friends to turn to, etc.

Copyright 2019 Taru Nieminen