30-Day Self-Care Challenge: Done and Dusted

July 7, 2017 in - 7 min read

 

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It has been a journey – a beautiful, refreshing 30-day long journey. I have been loving myself so much lately and quite frankly I have never loved myself this much. I am really fighting the urge to get all up in my emotions now. Why haven’t I thought of doing this earlier? Why didn’t I celebrate myself even before I came up with this idea? How did it take me so long to realize that self-love it so crucial?

Nonetheless, I am super proud of myself for finally doing it. It’s all over now, I accepted the challenge I gave myself and I completed it. A few things I did were also on my Bucket List (which I try not to neglect) so I kind of hit a flock birds with one stone. The activities I did required such little effort. Enough talking, go on and read all about it…

Day 1 – Self-Praise

On the first day of the Self-Care challenge I figured it was appropriate to write a post centered around me praising myself – check it out here.

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Day 2 – Unfriend and unfollow

This wasn’t difficult for me and long-time overdue, I have seen plenty of accounts that I am still friends with on Facebook and on Instagram but aren’t really active or (the worst) double or triple accounts so I unfollowed away.

 

Day 3 – Movie Marathon

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I had never watched movies back-to-back because I am not really a movie person but hey I did it and I truly enjoyed my day. I watch 5 cool movies, so that’s like 10 hours of my day I spent just staring at the screen. I am not going to go in depth, otherwise I will go on forever:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy. It was a science-fiction movie, not quite my genre but I actually loved it. There were a couple of puns here and there and that’s what I live for.
  • Incarnate. This was my favourite one out of the 4 movies I watched, it was more of a horror/thriller kind of movie but it was so tense and sad too.
  • Dark Shadows. This was funny, not hilarious but just funny and a very weird love story.
  • The Perfect Guy. I only watched this because every female in my life has mentioned it, it wasn’t that bad or good neither. It was just a movie *yawns*.
  • The Boss. If Melissa McCarthy is in the movie, you already know you are going to spend 2 hours merely throwing your head back with laughter and for some odd reason, I was sort of inspired by this movie.

Day 4 – Draw

I recently watched a TedTalk on drawing and this guy was saying that most people have fallen into the illusion that they can’t draw and I was sitting here thinking, “What is this dude saying? We really cannot draw!”. Then he went on and demonstrated how one can master the art of drawing. So, I learnt from him and I can draw now!😂

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(I even signed my work so best believe I am an artist 😂)

Day 5 – Create Inspiration Board

This was meant to go up my Pinterest account, but me being a newbie at it I really didn’t know how to. 3 weeks later, I finally figured it out. Here are a few pictures I created and you can check the rest of them on Pinterest.

 

Day 6 – Drink 5 glasses of water

One of the things I am proud of – I drank 5 glasses of water. I know you are probably thinking that’s nothing, to me that’s a lot😂! Plus, its winter here in South Africa so drinking cold water just freezes your internal organs.

Day 7 – Exercise

I always tell myself to exercise every single day but I am terrible at committing myself to activities. But I spent almost the entire day just doing little exercises, mainly just stretching my body while listening to music.

Day 8 – Get a manicure

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Day 9 – Go to bed early

When I told my family that the task of the day was to sleep early they had themselves a good laugh because they know that I am hardly ever in bed earlier than 1 or 2am. But hey I got in bed as early as 10pm and I don’t even know when I fell asleep. Cheers to myself.

Day 10 – Learn something new

I have always seen pictures that have text that look as though they are ‘lit’ so I went on YouTube and got myself tutorials on how to do it then later I found myself practising some more.

 

Day 11 – Start reading a book

I read “Yours Until Death” by Gunnar Staalesen and believe it or not 15 chapters later, they still haven’t gotten to the point or even given us a hint on who falls in love with who. I guess I have to read on to find out.

 

Day 12 – Drown in wine

I didn’t necessarily mean it in a literal sense though hey otherwise my challenge would’ve ended on Day 12. I had myself a glass of Darling Cellars. I dislike red wine but we were out of rosé.

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Day 13 – Delete useless pictures

I went from 13 694 pictures to 10 949. Soooo, does this mean I have 10 000 useful pictures? Also, how did I get to 13k pictures?

 

Day 14 – No social media

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Day 15 – Make Origami art

 

Day 16 – Get piercing

It’s so pretty! I am considering getting another tragus piercing on my left ear too. It isn’t clear here, you will get a better view of it on Day 29.

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Day 17 – Go cycling

Went on a cruise cycle around the neighborhood.

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Day 18 – Have a date with myself

I went to Lakeside Café and had myself some lovely lemon and herb chicken with chips on the side. My word, the bees decided to keep me company though and I just wanted to cry and the Wi-Fi was so slow. But the food and the venue was lovely.

 

Day 19 – Declutter

I have always had a lot of things, things I don’t even really need. I threw away all the unnecessary stuff I have been keeping and folded away all the clothes I never wear.

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Day 20 – Visit Art Gallery

 

Location: Tatham Art Galley – Pietermaritzburg

Day 21 – 5 Things I Am Grateful For

  1. My mind – my mind is taking me places, it also allows me to write my blogs and it enables me to think things through before I jump into them.
  2. Family – I live with clowns so I am forever and always laughing at the silly things they do and say.
  3. The gift of life – some people originally had major plans for this day and the future but they did not make it. But here I am, still alive and healthy.
  4. Amanda and my partner – my favourite people outside family who make life so bearable. They are such incredible souls.
  5. Nature – for making me think that I am a photographer.

Day 22 – Yoga exercise

I did a beginner’s exercise by a lady called Adriene. I have always seen yoga as a little weird and I have never really understood the point of it, until I actually did it. I feel like I want to do more and more yoga exercises now because of how you feel afterwards and I slept like a baby after that 20min exercise.

Day 23 – Relax in face mask

Made a face mask out of 1 tsp of turmeric, 1 tsp of yoghurt and 1 tsp of honey. The turmeric almost dyed the bathroom sink and I was so terrified at the thought that my hands would be yellow forever. Everything turned out well though, I guess I was just being dramatic 😂.

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Day 24 – Adopt a new hobby

I love designing things and playing around with Photoshop so the entire day, I just had a date with my laptop and just made whole bunch of logos.

 

Day 25 – Bubble-bath

 

 

Day 26 – Create movement piece

This was so much fun. Also, I don’t know how YouTube came to the conclusion that this thumbnail was the most appropriate one to use 😂.

Day 27 – Indulge in luxury chocolate

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Day 28 – Write about Self-love

An Important Lecture on Self-love

Self-Love

Day 29 – Cut hair

 

Day 30 – Pledge to self

PLEDGE

Again, this challenge was really refreshing. Never have I ever focussed on myself like this, I found it fun checking my calendar every night before I sleep to see what I will be doing the next day with myself.

There are a few lessons I learnt in these 30 days. One, self-love is your shield – they can try and hurt your feelings or belittle you but that won’t even get to you if you know your worth. Two, you don’t not have to be drastic by spending loads on money on yourself as means of showing appreciation to your soul, a walk to the next neighbourhood and back is efficient too. Three, I am happier on days I go without social media. Also, I realised that I really love the way I am living my life.

I attached the Self-Care Challenge below, so if after all of this you are inspired to get on with the challenge, download the picture and start your adventure. Have fun with yourself and take care of your mind and body.

BuddingRegardless

Until next time,
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37 Comments

  • […] that will excite you, something that you have been wanting to do or work on. In 2017, I created a Self-Care challenge for myself and doing that helped boost my self-esteem and helped me understand the importance of […]

  • […] hair has grown and how healthy it is made me so happy. Last year July, I cut my hair as part of my Self-Care challenge and a year later my hair had grown way too long, it is pretty unrealistic. I also realized how a […]

  • Luciano Rongo February 15, 2018 at

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  • Siphosetu October 16, 2017 at

    😮 your hair! You really cut it! 😄 it still looks amazing! 💜

  • […] I’m that type of person who talks with their hands. I recently removed the ones I had during my 30-Day Challenge because they were really starting to annoy […]

  • sarahlynnphodder August 1, 2017 at

    Woohoo! Way to go girl! this is brilliant – definitely something I want to do 😀

    • Mbalenhle August 1, 2017 at

      I’d be glad if you do it 🤗. You’ll benefit from it 💖

  • myexpressionofthoughtsblog July 22, 2017 at

    Beautiful post!! So well you placed every piece of puzzle together for beautiful and healthy life of self and all!!

    • Mbalenhle July 24, 2017 at

      Ahhh😊 thank you so much. I’m glad you liked it 💝

  • […] I saw a blog post titled 30-Day Self-Care Challenge: Done and Dusted at Budding Regardless, I immediately had to read it. It did not let me down. Mbalenhle Khuzwayo […]

  • Christy B July 20, 2017 at

    I did the face mask last week! And earlier bedtime last night. Awesome that you did all of this in your month – and what a weight must be off your shoulders at realizing you have control of your time <3 Love the hair too – fierce 🙂

    • Mbalenhle July 24, 2017 at

      If only you kneeeew how I am feeling now since I have completed the challenge 😊. Haha. I hope you didn’t freak out like I did when I had to wash off the face mask🙈. And thank you so much Christy, I love this new look too 💐

  • angelspartaness July 18, 2017 at

    How wonderful 🙂 What a beautiful concept! I definitely enjoyed reading this and seeing all the different ways that you can practice self-love and self-care every single day~ Good on you for thinking this up, and thank you for sharing this! I definitely have to work on something similar very soon <3

    -Helene, https://angelspartaness.com/

    • Mbalenhle July 19, 2017 at

      Really glad you enjoyed it✨ . There are so many little things we can do for ourselves to just show appreciation hey 😊. Thanks for stopping by 💖

  • Postivfworld July 17, 2017 at

    I love this!! Well done for taking this challenge and taking time out for yourself!! You have definately inspired me to do the same!

    • Mbalenhle July 18, 2017 at

      Thank you 😊, you should do it.. It is really worth it 🌻

  • Moushmi Radhanpara July 14, 2017 at

    I love the post.
    It is a wonderful idea, I guess I could adopt to some of these too.
    Thanks for this share.
    (My favourite- Art gallery)

    • Mbalenhle July 17, 2017 at

      I hope you do 😄. Thanks for stopping by 💖

  • Vilina Christoph July 13, 2017 at

    Love this so much! I might take some of your ideas 🙂 ❤

  • davekingsbury July 10, 2017 at

    A very positive post! I admire your get-up-and-go. Think mine just got-up-and-went … 😉

  • traceintheplace July 9, 2017 at

    wow i absolutely love this post! i’m inspired to start my own 30 day self care challenge. thanks for sharing!
    – Trace

    • Mbalenhle July 9, 2017 at

      I’m glad you’re inspired ✨ . Thanks for stopping by and following 💝

  • Deshi Nenkinan Nehemiah July 8, 2017 at

    👏👏👏i suddenly feel like going on this challenge.
    Can i have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram handles?

    • Mbalenhle July 9, 2017 at

      Oh hey Deshi 🙋.
      My social accounts are on my sidebar but for Facebook it’s Mbalenhle Khuzwayo and on Twitter and Insta its umbalenhle_k 🌈

  • Misabella July 8, 2017 at

    Good on you for taking on this self-care challenge! Great post 🙂

  • lauzieslifestyle July 8, 2017 at

    You have the most amazing bone structure and your new hair really highlights it. Love the cut.
    I love this whole concept as well. I struggle to go to sleep early and I never get round to doing yoga, so these daily tasks would really help with that. I’m glad you learnt from this experience. X

    • Mbalenhle July 9, 2017 at

      😊🙈 Thank you so much, I feel like now that I’ve cut my hair short my long neck looks way longer than before😄.

      I’ve gotten myself into this bad habit of sleeping late, I could be done with every task by 9pm but I’d still go to bed at 1am 🙉. I need to do more yoga though for my body and my mind 👌. Thanks a lot for stopping by 💖

      • lauzieslifestyle July 10, 2017 at

        Long necks are elegant though. Audrey Hepburn was known for having one.
        I am the same with sleeping. I procrastinate sleeping – as weird as that is!

  • Lindsay July 7, 2017 at

    Also, WOW you can really dance! More, please!

    • Mbalenhle July 9, 2017 at

      I will definitely try to make time for dance now ☺ . Thanks again 🌷

  • Lindsay July 7, 2017 at

    OMG I LOVE your new hair!!!!!
    Also, the new logos are pretty fabulous as well.

    • Mbalenhle July 9, 2017 at

      I absolutely love this new look too🙈. Thank you so much Lindsay 💕.

      And as for the logos, I don’t know why I made so many of them because now I’m struggling to choose one to use😊.

    Leave a reply

    About Me

    About Me

    Hi and welcome! My name is Mbalenhle K but everyone calls me Mbali for short (say: mm-bah-lee). I am a freelance copywriter who loves all things art, experiences and aesthetics (big time Pinterest gworl 🧚🏽)! I am the founder of Budding Regardless where I talk about mindfulness, self-development and self-nurturing for creatives. Read More

    Mbalenhle K.

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