5 Self-Care Challenges To Make Next Week Your Week

Does finding time to relax stress you out? You’re not alone.

A recent poll suggests that many adults in the US feel relaxed for just 40 minutes per day, on average.

Push Yourself to Treat Yo Self!

Making time for self-care is a challenge. You're ready for it. Oh, how you're ready for it. Right? Push yourself to treat yo self with IRLA Treat Yo Self challenge medals. Get a series of five medals that mark your milestones for those moments -- or hours -- you stole for just for you. As you set more goals, and need inspiration for your next indulgence, your IRLAs give you the motivation to do more and more.

Feel like you get less than that? It turns out 47% say they get even fewer minutes of downtime than that.

With work, family, and other obligations to contend with, the poll’s findings are likely no surprise.

If you’ve been looking for ways to cut back on stress and give yourself more space for an occasional indulgence, we’ve got you covered.

Already big fans of the “treat yo self” lifestyle – you can check out the ultimate treat yo self weekend itinerary here – we’re upping the ante this week. Whether you want to improve your sleep, indulge in gourmet treats, or spend time in nature, we've got you covered. So, grab a glass of wine, light some candles, and let's unwind with these five weeklong self-care challenges to help you take back your time. 

So, why should you focus on a week of self-care instead of just a single night? What does prioritizing yourself for seven days do that a single massage can’t?

In one sense, it’s like the difference between going to the gym for a single workout and committing to going regularly. A hard workout can release endorphins and get you feeling better now. Consistent workouts will have a bigger impact on your overall well-being.

With a weeklong focus on it, you can help reset your priorities and find the right balance for your daily life. In addition to that, here are three other qualities that regular self-care can bring about:

1. Promotes mental health - Taking care of ourselves physically and emotionally can improve our overall mental health and well-being. By committing to a week of self-care, we can focus on activities that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve our overall mood.
   
   
2. Prevents burnout and fatigue - When we neglect our self-care needs, we can become overwhelmed and burnt out. By taking time to care for ourselves, we can recharge our batteries and prevent feelings of exhaustion and fatigue.
   
   
3. Improves physical health - Many self-care activities, such as exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep, can have a positive impact on our physical health. By committing to a week of self-care, we can focus on building healthy habits that can improve our overall physical health.

Still, even with those benefits some folks may find it hard to stick to self-care like they should. That’s why we developed these self-care challenge medals, fondly known as the Treat Yo Self IRLA Pack. 

They’re real-life achievements you can unlock and display for self-care milestones like getting a massage, buying yourself a completely unnecessary gift, or going on a spontaneous trip.

It’s time to get your best sleep ever by committing to a nightly self-care routine that promotes restful sleep. 

This could include things like taking a warm bath or shower before bed, using aromatherapy oils, drinking herbal tea, and using a weighted blanket. The benefits of getting a good night's sleep are numerous, including better mood, improved cognitive function, and lower risk of chronic diseases.

Budget-wise, this challenge can be as affordable or as extravagant as you'd like, depending on your preferences and budget.

This is a week all about looking forward to everything you’re going to eat. 

From treating yourself to fancy cheeses and artisanal bread to trying out new gourmet recipes that you've been wanting to experiment with, every snack and meal can be an indulgence. 

The benefits of this week are both physical and mental - it can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as provide essential nutrients and antioxidants. That said, this week could be a bit more on the expensive side, so plan accordingly. 

This self-care challenge is about finding the exercise you enjoy doing, and doing it every day.

This could mean taking a yoga class every day, going for a long hike or bike ride, or trying out a new dance class. The benefits of movement are numerous, including improved physical health, increased energy, and reduced stress and anxiety. 

Unlike gourmet meals and groceries, this self-care challenge can be a bit more budget-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. 

Now this week is all about taking the necessary steps to feel as good as possible with your favorite self-care activities. 

For some of us, this is a week of massages, facials, and bubble baths. For others, it might  be picnics in the park, riverside strolls, and movie nights. 

Give into your whims and relax without thinking about the daily stresses that you may have going on. While these indulgences can be as expensive or affordable as you like, it’s worth picking at least a day or two to schedule a service you might not ordinarily have done. 

There’s nothing quite like nature for helping us to feel restored.

This week’s self-care challenge is about committing to a daily walk in a local park, going for a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting outside and taking in the beauty of your surroundings.

In addition to the daily dose of nature, this happens to be one of the most stress-free self-care challenges because it doesn’t have to come with any additional costs – and we’re fans of finding ways to treat yo self for free!