30-day chill out challenge: A day-by-day guide to chillaxing into summer
For many of us, this season brings vacations or staycations, more flexible schedules and chances to just kick back. Are you ready for all that relaxation? Our 30-Day Chill Out Challenge will help you shrink your worries and strengthen your optimism. Give it a try.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Day 1: Set a two-minute alarm on your phone, or use a kitchen timer. For those two minutes, close your eyes and take deep breaths. Fill up your abdomen with the breaths first and then your lungs. Try not to think about other stuff…just concentrate on your breathing.
Day 2: Treat yourself to some ice cream! Or sorbet, if you’re lactose-intolerant.
Day 3: An hour before you usually go to bed, turn off your computer and TV, and put down your phone.
Day 4: Take a short walk—around the block is fine.
Day 5: People who laugh are more chill! Watch a funny show or a few funny videos online.
Day 6: Get fresh flowers for your table, desk, bedside or even beside your bathroom sink—wherever you think they’ll cheer you up most. You can cut them from outside or buy them in a store. Or steal them from your neighbors’ garden! Just kidding, don’t do that.
Day 7: Enjoy a glass of iced herbal tea.
Day 8: Take a 20-minute nap. (If you’re at work, be discreet.)
Day 9: Text someone you haven’t talked to for a while—your brother or sister, a friend, whoever—just to say hi and tell them you hope they’re having a good day.
Day 10: Write down 10 things you really like about yourself.
Day 11: Set that alarm again, this time for three minutes. Close your eyes and use the time to imagine yourself in your “happy place”—a beach, the woods, a house you used to visit or wherever you like. Hey, it sounds cheesy, but it works!
Day 12: Compliment someone.
Day 13: Try to go the whole day without hearing or reading any news—not even the headlines. You may need to stay off of social media for the day to accomplish this.
Day 14: Treat yourself to shower gel or a bath bomb in a soothing scent, and take a long bath or shower.
Day 15: Write down 15 things you’re grateful for today.
Day 16: Drink a big glass of ice-cold water. (We feel better when we’re hydrated!)
Day 17: Spend a minimum of 20 minutes reading a book.
Day 18: Listen to one song that always makes you feel happy. Dancing is optional.
Day 19: Take a walk in a park. If it’s raining, take an umbrella.
Day 20: Spend 15 minutes looking at cute animal videos online. No less than 15! The Chill Out Challenge is serious business!
Day 21: Hug somebody.
Day 22: Take off your shoes and rotate your feet in circles—10 one way, 10 the other. Then give yourself a foot rub. You can use lotion, but it’s just an option.
Day 23: Buy two pieces of chocolate (or your favorite candy or other treat). Eat one now. Tuck away the other one for later.
Day 24: Spend just 15 minutes tidying up your home. Ah, that’s better.
Day 25: Lie on the couch and watch a movie. No multitasking! (Yes, this challenge does take discipline at times, but the results are worth it.)
Day 26: Take a nap for half an hour—or longer. You can do this!
Day 27: Eat a piece of fresh fruit.
Day 28: Spend five minutes doing some gentle stretching. If you don’t know how, look up “easy yoga stretches” online and try what appeals to you.
Day 29: Play some kind of game—board, computer, video, mobile, whatever—alone or with a friend.
Day 30: Spend a whole day not worrying about one single thing!
At the end of the 30-Day Chill Out Challenge, don’t be surprised if you become the serene, breezy, take-it-easy kind of person you always knew you could be. Hopefully, you’ll discover a few new favorite ways to relax and keep your cool! If you have any other suggestions, please let us know!
You may also like
See more-
Easter Easter basket ideas for all ages: DIY decorations, gifts and more
Excited to get hopping on those Easter baskets? We love to see it. And we love to inspire it, too! So we’ve put toget...
-
Care & Concern Planning together: End-of-life memory-making and memory-keeping
In 2019, I lost my father to cancer. When his tumor was discovered, we were bombarded by hospitals, tests and then, u...
-
Valentine's Day Ways to find comfort and hope when you’re grieving on Valentine’s Day (or support someone who is)
Grief is always hard, but especially on Valentine’s Day. From social media to stores to kids’ classrooms, it can feel...
-
Valentine's Day How to survive Valentine’s Day after a divorce or breakup
We know that ending a relationship can be extremely heartbreaking. It’s a very significant loss, and when Valentine’s...
-
Christmas Christmas wishes: What to write in a Christmas card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Kids Encouraging words for kids: Celebrating courage, kindness, confidence and teamwork
Though they be but little, kids have the power to change the world around them in big ways. They can do it by bein...
-
Kids Beyond texting: Teaching kids the art of letter writing
So often, it’s the littlest hearts and hands that have the biggest ideas, the hugest hopes, the greatest love. And...
-
Mother's Day What to write in a Mother's Day card
Chances are you know at least a few moms who deserve a shout-out on Mother’s Day. If you’d like some creative ideas f...
-
Valentine's Day Valentine messages: What to write in a Valentine's Day card
Back in the day, when you had to come up with a valentine for everyone in your class, it was enough just to sign your...
-
Father's Day Father's Day messages: What to write in a Father's Day card
Find just the right Father's Day message to tell Dad just how much you appreciate him.
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY Día de Muertos crafts to celebrate with family
The sweet smell of pan de muerto baking, colorful decorations and pictures selected with care, special memories being...
-
Parties & Entertaining Let’s get together: 11 party ideas for adults
I believe that the little moments are what really make life special. Don’t get me wrong—I love celebrating the “big” ...
-
Back to School Free printable lunch box notes to send them back to school with love
We all love sending our kiddos off to school with just a little extra love. Or a few encouraging words. Or sometimes ...
-
Summer What is Disability Pride Month?: Understanding its importance and finding ways to celebrate
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted July 26, 1990 and was the first law in U.S. history to protect people...
-
LGBTQ Pride party ideas and everyday celebration inspiration for the LGBTQ community
We all know that Pride Month is a wonderful time to celebrate and commemorate the LGBTQ community, but it’s certainly...
-
Card Ideas Card messages for kids: What to write in a kid’s holiday card and more
My 3-year-old was having a hard time at preschool drop-off. Dragging his feet. Asking to stay home. This went on a fe...
-
Birthday What to write in a birthday card
Some people have no problem coming up with what to write in a birthday card. Just hand them a pen and they’ll effortl...
-
Gifting 25+ “just because” gift ideas to show you care
I love giving gifts, and it’s easy to do it on birthdays and holidays. But when I really want to flex my gift-giving ...
-
Graduation How to support a new grad: Insights a year after graduating college
After years of hard work, pulling all-nighters and eating way too much greasy dining hall food, the feeling of walkin...
-
Mother's Day What to do when Mother's Day is Mothers' Day: How to celebrate two moms
We announced we were pregnant on Mother's Day. It was the first time my wife Cady and I realized we were about to be ...