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Whether you want to lose weight, live healthier, exercise more often or relax more in 2018, it’s all about self-love. That’s why we’re giving you a small monthly challenge this year that is much easier to maintain than one big resolution. Every month we take a step that will keep you focused and motivated to take good care of your emotional, mental and physical health:
January: Feed your soul
January, a fresh start and a good time to take a closer look at your diet. Take the time to think about your diet. Think ahead and prepare meals in advance. Cook for yourself and your family and feel that taking good care of yourself starts with feeding yourself well. Give your body the energy it needs!
February: Set digital limits
Do you also notice that technology causes you to become overstimulated and stressed? Then set boundaries. You don’t always have to respond immediately to texts or say yes to everything. You don’t always have to be ‘on’ and this applies to both Instagram and email. Give yourself a period each day when you put your phone away or turn it off. Create these habits early in the year so that you benefit from them in the coming months.
Also Read: One day you will look back and realize how far you have come
March: Meditation
Asking you to meditate every day in March is going a bit far if you don’t normally meditate. But try to meditate at least 10 times in March. Put some reminders in your calendar and look for an app that suits you. VGZ has a nice mediation app and the Dutch app ‘Mindfulness’ also has pleasant guided meditations.
April: Make time for Tea
Tea can be very good for your body, mind and soul. In April you can try different types of tea. Find out which tea you like best and which tea makes you feel calm. Tea can be a wonderfully calming nightcap so you can fall asleep peacefully later.
May: Find a calm workout
This month, focus on a gentle workout such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, walking or cycling. Find what you like and do it twice a week.
June: Foam roll and release
Foam rolling can feel so good! Get to know the foam roll better this summer and discover which muscles need the foam roll the most. Find the tension points in your body and let the foam roll do its work.
July: Create a morning routine
Do you want to start the day well from now on? Start your day with some self-love in the form of a morning routine. Give yourself a few extra minutes every morning. Can you challenge yourself to get out 30 minutes earlier in the morning? You then have time for meditation, breakfast or maybe even a short workout.
August: Try aromatherapy
In August you can try out whether aromatherapy is something for you. Look for aromatic oil that is good for your health. Do you need some soothing lavender or energetic citrus? Maybe you want to breathe a little more with eucalyptus or fight your headache with some mint. Go on a journey of discovery and find out what feels right for you.
Also Read: 8 self-care survival tips for when you’re exhausted
September: Sleep challenge
The time has come for a sleep routine so that you sleep better and get enough rest at night. Go to bed early to ensure you get enough hours of sleep. Sufficient sleep not only provides more energy, it also ensures that your immune system improves, you experience less stress and that you can better control your weight.
October: Keep a journal
Take time every day before you go to sleep or before you get out of bed to write a few sentences in your journal. Start by writing down what you are grateful for and continue by writing down your goals, your dreams, your struggles, and your ideas. Self-reflection and some time for yourself helps you stay balanced.
November: Take care of your body
Book a massage, try acupuncture, go for a Reiki treatment, ask for advice from a nutritionist, go to the sauna for a day or treat yourself to a month of personal training. Choose something that suits you and take care of your body in November.
December: Give Back
Do you know what makes you feel good? Helping others. December is a good month to give something back. Take a look at what kind of volunteer opportunities there are in your area. It’s a good way to end the year on a good note.
Also Read: The art of doing nothing: why you should give yourself a break every now and then
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