The 14-Day Self Care Challenge

If you have walked the store aisles since December, you have likely seen a blossom of color in pinks and reds and purples.  Or perhaps you have perused the candy aisle and seen a torrential amount of sugary goods, chocolate delights, and things that seem unusually syrupy sweet…

Sure, February is the month of Valentines Day! I love to decorate this month and put heart decorations, love decorations and red and white towels out.  Without question there are people in your life who claim, “it’s just an artificial holiday to promote consumerism”. Ok - fine - call it what you will….. It is likely a day that someone created to spread love, color, sweet treats and happiness in the doldrums of winter. So, with that in mind, I got to thinking.

Valentines does not have to cost money, it doesn’t even have to contain artificial ingredients or be a lot of work.  Instead, what if you promoted 14 days of self love to bring more love, happiness and serenity to your life?  

Why February is the Perfect Time for a Self-Love Challenge

With winter in full swing and Valentine’s Day bringing a mix of emotions, it’s the perfect time to turn inward and practice intentional self-care. This 14-day challenge is designed to help you reconnect with yourself, embrace joy, and create sustainable habits that support your well-being. It can be completed at any point during the month of February (or really any month for that matter.)

The Self Love Challenge

Day 1: Gentle Yoga  

Try a little light yoga for 20 minutes. You can use a video or perhaps just two to five poses:  legs up a wall, happy baby, child’s pose, pigeon.  You choose - just exhale and enjoy the time to yourself.

Day 2: Nature Walk (probably my favorite activity): 

Leave your phone at home or in the car.  Turn off all distractions and take a walk.  It doesn’t have to be long or even in an unfamiliar place.  You just take a walk and vow to look at things a little differently, with curiosity, and see what you notice! I’d love to hear what you find.

Day 3: Journaling

Take some time to journal with a cup of tea.  You may prefer to start your day this way or perhaps you want to sit after all the dishes are done in the evening. Regardless, take time to contemplate what brings you joy this month.

Day 4: Reflection & Meditation

Decide in the morning when you are going to carve out 5-10 minutes today for meditation.  You can truly meditate or perhaps all you really need is to sit still and quiet your mind (isn’t that meditation?).  Enjoy the solitude.

Day 5:  Bubble Bath or Hot Shower

Today, plan on treating yourself to a bubble bath or a hot shower as part of your evening, just before you get ready for bed.  Take the time to absorb the warmth and thank your body for all that it does to carry you through the days.  Perhaps incorporate a little lavender (not required).  Sweet dreams my dear.

Day 6: Nourish your Skin

Plan to use oil on your body after you bathe.  You can do this in the morning as an added step to your routine.   My recommendation is you follow more of an abhyanga massage – meaning warm some oil, in the evening decide to put it in your hair, or on your face, or more all over your body paying special attention to your limbs and body. All while doing this - remind yourself that you love yourself and are thankful for all that your body does for you.

Day 7: Dance for Joy

You are half way through the February challenge - so make time to DANCE.  You can dance with your partner, you can dance with your four legged friend, you can dance solo while no one is watching.  Turn up the tunes and dance around your kitchen or house.  It is energizing and you know you are getting the full benefit if you are dancing and smiling – to turn on a familiar song or two and get to moving.

Day 8:  Cozy up with a Book

Take time to read a little in front of the fire.  Perhaps you don’t have a fire - that’s ok, turn on Youtube or a fire on your phone.  Maybe you like the crackling sounds of a fire (I do); or perhaps it's 80 degrees and you don’t want the warmth of a fire - that’s ok – use your imagination or technology.  Otherwise build a fire, or light a few candles or maybe even build a fire outside.  Sit by the fire and take a few minutes to read.  (Bonus points for not using your phone to read or scroll).

Day 9: Creative Expression

Today is a creative day.  Be imaginative and create anything.  Some ideas might include: a puzzle, a floral arrangement, coloring, painting, writing, or a photo collage.  There are no rules, other than to intentionally create ANYTHING you desire.

Day 10:  Bake a Sweet Treat

Go ahead - indulge.  For you it might be an ice cream sundae, or a batch of cookies or brownies, or a loaf of homemade bread.  It’s February and maybe you want to make fudge.  You can eat it or give it as a gift - time to get baking.

Day 11:  Write a Love Letter to Yourself

Take time today to write yourself a love note. Say kind things to yourself, Thank yourself, pay special attention to your heart, your joy, your spirit.  You can tuck your note away or even put it on a sticky note and look at it.  Think affirmations for YOU and only you. Go ahead - do it now.  You got this!

Day 12:  Declutter  

Decide to do a mini clean out of an area or perhaps get rid of fourteen things that you have been meaning to declutter for awhile.  You can recycle, upcycle, donate, or just clean out your refrigerator.  How did it feel to pick a finite number of items?  What did you choose?

Day 13: Choose your 2025 Word (or reflect on it)

Did you pick a word for 2025 as you set intentions this year?  If you didn’t pick a word already,  ponder possible words that you could choose.  If you have already chosen a word – check in with yourself. How does that word feel now?  Does it still speak to you?  What word is resonating with you now?  Pick a word, revisit that word, share that word, and put it on a note that you see daily. Manifestation is huge – so embrace those words!

Day 14:  Embrace Your Natural Beauty

The last day of our self love challenge.  Wash your face, go make up free today (don’t forget your sunscreen), and tell yourself “I love you” at regular intervals throughout the day! 

The Lasting Impact of Self-Love

And that’s a wrap on the 14 day self love challenge! While this is just a quick challenge, remember that self-care isn’t just about the fun bubble baths and spa days—it’s about building small, daily habits that support your well-being. By prioritizing self-love this February, you’re creating a foundation for a happier, healthier you all year long – it’s up to you to keep the self love momentum going.

Hugs and light to you and yours!