Welcome Email (Sunday):
because tomorrow is the big day! Are you getting as excited as I am?
We’re officially kicking off the Simply Real Health 5 Day Challenge in just one sleep, which means you are:
- A day away from finding more space and time for taking care of YOU, and the transformative power that comes with even the simplest acts of self-care.
- About to see what unapologetic self-care looks like, and how sometimes small shifts in our daily routines can inject so much brightness, grounding & way more joy.
- Five days from experiencing the full mind + body + heart connection that comes from being more intentional with how you take care of yourself and with paying attention to what feels good, inside and out.
AH! I cannot wait, and I honestly believe that this challenge is more needed than ever right now. (For me, too.)
FIRST: go ahead and print out your checklist for the week.
(Or screenshot it to keep track on your phone!)
The gist? Every day this week I’m challenging you to do 3 things:
1. Drink enough water. Did you know ½ of your body weight in ounces is the recommended amount? (+ more if you sweat or live in a warmer climate.)
WHY: Because proper hydration is one of the best ways to improve your full-body health, from your skin and sleep to your digestion, energy, and even hair, bones, and joints. Plus, making sure you’re hydrated well keeps you from mindlessly snacking or grazing on things just because you “feel” hungry. Did you know most of the time you’re actually thirsty when you feel hungry?
2. Move your body for 10-20 minutes. Walk, bike, run, yoga, dancing in your living room, streaming workouts from your favorite instructors online or free youtube videos, it doesn’t matter.
WHY: Blood flow detoxes our bodies which detoxes our thoughts and energy. Fresh air helps our lungs breathe in new oxygen to regenerate and repair itself (and keep our immune systems healthy), and all the cells in our body thriving. If you are able to move your body, you are LUCKY and beyond blessed, so don’t take it for granted. Wanna know a secret? If you value yourself and your health as a big priority in your life, and everything else gets easier. Plus, our bodies are meant to move. You do have 20 minutes, and it’s worth every single minute.
3. Do 5 minutes of self-care/re-nourishment/and/or replenishment time for your nervous system. know. As a a working mama of 3, and I’ve had moments in the last two years especially so, where I was telling myself I didn’t have time … until later that day or week, I’d have mini moments of breakdown or overwhelm or feeling frustrated. You can put off taking time for yourself, but sooner or later, things build up.
WHY: I’ve found that just taking 5 minutes a day can alleviate so much of this because it’s a 5 minute release. Five minutes to just be by myself, treating my body or mind to something that brings me calm or joy. It’s not silly. It’s not optional. And it’s not selfish. In a world that is busier than ever, we NEED to make the time to get quiet, reconnect with ourselves even for a minute or two, and check in with how we are doing: what do we need more of right now/tomorrow? What do we need less of? How ARE we doing? How are we feeling? What would help?
We need space to process our emotions, and in our go-go mentality and culture, most of us have learned that taking time for ourselves is selfish. I think the opposite: it’s healthy. And necessary. And is such good practice in learning how to check in with yourself in tiny, daily ways. Because being healthy means being physically healthy in our bodies, but also in our minds, our mentality and in how we let ourselves process emotions and feel things (instead of stuffing them down).
Examples of 5-minute self-care acts: journaling, reading something uplifting, prayer, meditation, a walk around the block, stretching, gratitude list, face mask or gua sha/facial massage, shower/bath (my go-to!), foam rolling, breathwork, yoga, listening to a favorite playlist, etc.
Bonus: PLUS, each day there will be one extra self-care prompt if you feel inclined and able to participate. Those are different every day, so keep an eye on your inbox for reminders to take part.
It’s time to focus on what we CAN control:
- How we care for our bodies.
- Our internal dialogue.
- Movement.
- Rest.
- Making choices that feel good inside and out.
- Remaining grounded in the present.
- Nourishing & hydrating ourselves effectively.
I hope this challenge helps to lift you up in each of these ways.
Sending you so much and I can’t wait to cheer you on (and do this together, because I need it too!)
Show me your activities or checklist in our community group here! Or on insta by tagging me @simplyrealhealth so I can cheer you on. See you tomorrow for day 1!
xx,
Sarah
DAY 1: MONDAY
Welcome to the Simply Real Health 5 Day Challenge!
Over the next 5 days, every morning, you’ll be getting a juicy little boost inspiration from me. Tiny inbox presents, if you will.
I’m over here giving you all the socially distant, digital high fives because you did it! You signed up and that is a BIG deal, mama.
But listen, I don’t want to overwhelm you. This isn’t about adding another thing to your full to-do list right now. That’s actually the OPPOSITE of my intention with this challenge.
As excited as I am for you to take your self-care into your own hands, remember that this is solely for you to feel good and to remember that you are worthy of “me time,” every single day, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
So, let’s jump right in, shall we?
Be sure to grab your checklist in the welcome email for the week!
D A Y # 1 ASSIGNMENT:
Happy, happy Monday!
And happy DAY 1 of the 5 Days To A Healthier Life Challenge! Let’s DO THIS.
As a reminder, each day I’m encouraging you to THREE THINGS:
1) Drink enough water (½ your body weight in ounces).
2) Move your body for 10-20 minutes.
3) Do 5 minutes of self-care/you time/quiet time.
Plus, each day has ONE bonus activity if you’re into it and have the mental capacity!
Today’s bonus? Add a life-giving boost moment to your morning routing. Why? Morning routines are IT if you want to start your day grounded, centered and calm so you can handle whatever comes your way during the day with more grace. Make it something you love or that brings you peace OR, make it something you’re already doing and add a little more intention to the act.
Examples: adding chlorophyll drops to your water, saying 3 things you’re grateful for as you pour your morning matcha or coffee, 5 mins to foam roll or stretch, listening to a song or playlist that lights you up, reading a few pages in a lifting book, or looking out the window at (hopefully the sun), or stepping outside for 2 minutes of fresh air.
There are sooo many options. They can be TINY. The important part is picking something that makes sense for you and that you’ll want to try and stick to, at least most days this week.
That’s it! Five mins and done for day 1 (plus your water, movement, and self-care).
Be sure to share your activities by tagging me @simplyrealhealth so I can cheer you on, or posting in our community group here!
See you tomorrow for day 2!
Sarah