Ever get so focused on staying sober that other things, like life, kind of fall to the wayside? I’m pretty sure it’s happened to all of us. Which is why we’re going to do a 30 day energy cleanse challenge so you can shift your focus in sobriety to making room for what matters to you.
That may be appreciating yourself (even if just a little bit) more, pacifying the storms, showing up for yourself even when you feel you can’t, or healing your inner child. Whatever it is, (hopefully) this challenge will help you find what you’re looking for.
If you only have 5 minutes a day to devote to the challenge, then that’s what you’ve got. Don’t worry if something seems like it’s going to take longer to complete. The whole point of this challenge is for you to enjoy yourself. There’s no reason for you to get resentful because of unwritten rules.
Ready? I hope so. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfy, and let’s get your energy shifting so you can become a happier version of yourself.
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MOVE THINGS AROUND
Get things moving in your home. You don’t need to go crazy with redecorating but moving a few things around will free up energy. That picture frame you think would look better on the other wall? Move it. The vase you’re not really crazy about but keep it for the sake of keeping it? Maybe it’s time to part ways with it.
DIGITAL DECLUTTER
Those never ending emails that you don’t even open, unsubscribe. The infinite amount of screenshots you say you’ll go back to for reference but haven’t actually gotten around to, put them in the trash bin. All the downloads you keep promising yourself you’ll use or read but can’t even remember what they are, delete them. Our phones have become an extension of us. There’s no need for them to reflect the chaos we feel.
MAKE SOMETHING
When was the last time you made something with your hands- like baked bread or cake? Made a piece of jewelry? Made DIY decor? Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, there are quick and easy crafts. And I’m sure you know, but it’s worth mentioning that Pinterest is amazing for finding inspiration.
HUG YOURSELF
We need our own affection just as much, if not more, than what we give others. Give yourself a warm and gentle hug. If you’re avoidant or shy away from vulnerability, this may feel cringy. But that goes away with time.
DANCE IT OUT
Put on your favorite song and feel the music. Lock your doors and close your blinds if you’re feeling self-conscious. Let your body carry you. Release the repressed trauma. You can even work up a good sweat if you put your heart into it.
SAY “I love you.”
It may sound silly telling yourself you love yourself. But, when was the last time you said it, if ever? And why should everyone but you get to hear those words, anyway? Have a look in the mirror and say, “I love you.”
SAVOR THE FIRST SIP OF COFFEE/TEA
Just as much as we love the aroma of fresh roasted coffee, we need to drink it to be functioning. But have you ever just had a quiet moment with yourself and that first sip? I mean, really enjoy it and feel pure bliss? If not, take a moment to savor the first sip of your morning coffee.
GO FOR A WALK
Get outside but don’t just walk. Take in the scent of the fresh air. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Look up at the clouds and sky. Admire the beauty of flowers. Hug a tree (really, it works wonders). Let the outdoors be your therapy.
OPEN THE WINDOWS
Oooh…opening the windows during the fall and feeling that cool crisp air coming in is so refreshing. It may not be fall when you’re reading this but I’m pretty sure you know what I mean. Something about having fresh air inside even if you have the AC on just feels so invigorating. Get those windows open and feel an instant shift in your energy.
SMUDGE
If you’re short on time, smudging is always the way to go- you can energetically cleanse yourself in a couple of minutes. While you’re at it, you can give your home a quick cleanse (make sure the windows are open). Not a fan of sage or don’t want to burn it? You can always use a selenite wand. It’s just as effective and smoke free.
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FIND GRATITUDE
Find gratitude for just one thing today. And yes, half heartedly is ok if you don’t have it within you right now. Be grateful for showing up for yourself, doing this challenge, for making it through another day sober, for dedicating yourself to self-improvement, for being you. Whatever it is, be grateful.
EXPLORE THE INNER ARTIST
I’m a firm believer in exploring your creativity. Especially if it’s something you’ve denied yourself or repressed. Plus, it’s fun, it’s a healthy escape, a form of self-expression, and no one has to see it. You never know what will come from a little time spent with your inner artist.
PLAN A VACAY
This is actually my go to when I’m in a funk. I decide where I want to go and then plan everything down to the littlest detail. Even if you don’t actually take the vacation, planning it gets your mind off of everything and gives you something to look forward to.
COOK A MEAL
So, this one can’t be done in 5 minutes but there’s nothing like a home cooked meal. Especially when you put your heart into it. Take your time with this. Don’t rush yourself. Enjoy the prepping- washing and cutting the veggies, making a spice rub or sauce, fileting or slicing your meat. The efforts are so well worth the results. Really don’t have the time? Making a salad counts.
TAKE A BATH
This is probably one of the greatest free luxuries you can ever indulge in. And there’s nothing like a warm bath to take away the stress after a long (or sh*tty) day. Make an herbal soak. Sprinkle in a few drops of essential oils. Pour in some bubbles.
AROMATHERAPY
Your favorite scented candle, the smell of fresh roasted coffee, or inhaling essential oils does wonders for your mood and energy. Feeling down? Try inhaling lemon or sweet orange essential oil. Need to destress? Inhale lavender essential oil. Feeling tired? Try peppermint or grapefruit essential oil.
SHAKE IT OUT
You know when animals do that involuntary shake after a traumatic experience? That’s them shaking the trauma out of their bodies. We don’t do that. So it impacts our nervous system, keeping us in a sympathetic state (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn). Ideally, we want to be in a parasympathetic state (rest, digest, restore, heal). Give your body a good shake to start purging those stuck emotions and get your energy cleansed.
5 MINUTES OF SILENCE
For 5 minutes, unwind from everything- your phone, computer, tv, music, and any distractions. Just have some quiet solitude. Find stillness in the chaos. Enjoy the silence. Befriend yourself. These little moments become less awkward with time.
DONATE/SELL OLD THINGS
Nothing clears stagnant energy more than releasing things that no longer have a use. The dress you keep saying you’ll wear again one day even though it’s been a few years? The sweater you just had to buy because it was on sale but it’s not really flattering? The pair of jeans that don’t fit quite right? Let them go. Make room for new energy to come in.
YOGA
I don’t know about you, but nothing helps me to find my calm the way yoga does. And with all of the videos on YouTube, you don’t even have to leave your home if you’re not comfortable with going to a class. You also don’t have to worry about being flexible- that comes with time and practice. If you’re on the fence, lay in savasana (corpse pose) for five minutes. It’s better than nothing.
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GET COZY
Put on your favorite socks and a sweatshirt. Make a cup of hot chocolate in that campfire mug you love, read a book, lay in bed and watch a movie, star gaze, make smores, bake cookies. Whatever your definition of cozy is, dedicate some time for it. Need some inspo? Check out this guide on hygge.
MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO
There’s nothing like watching a motivational video when you’re in a funk. It shifts your mindset, makes you believe in the impossible and yourself, and really changes your perspective. Even if it’s just for a moment.
SHOWER CLEANSE
Want an instant shift in energy? When you’re in the shower, imagine the water cleansing you beyond the physical. Imagine that it’s purifying you, purging the energetic debris- psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Ok, this may have sounded more woo than I intended, but it really changes your psyche.
CREATE A MANTRA
Sometimes you hear words that resonate with you so profoundly, you have a sudden change in your mindset. Create a mantra that will carry you throughout your journey. Save it on your phone or write it down and put it on your desk. Need some inspiration? Download these mantras phone wallpapers for FREE.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
Smile and say hi to a random stranger. Buy the person behind you at the coffee shop a cup of coffee. Leave a penny on the street for someone to find. Give someone a reason to smile. You never know what those little acts of kindness will do for someone. Not to mention, what it does for you knowing you made someone’s day a little better.
DEEP BREATHING (MIND BODY SOUL DETOX POST)
I could go on and on about the benefits of deep breathing (and I will in a future post), but for right now, we’re going to stick with how it cleans your energy. Deep breathing stimulates your vagus nerve, regulating your nervous system. Each deep breath takes you from survival mode into the parasympathetic state (rest, digest, restore, heal). A few minutes a day will do wonders for your mind, body, & soul.
TRY SOMETHING NEW
Embrace the unknown with child-like wonder. That dance class you’ve been wanting to try out, but lack the confidence? Go for it. The sewing lessons you keep saying you’re going to take? Give it a try. The road trip you keep promising yourself? Don’t let it become a broken dream. Go. Do something for yourself.
WEAR YOUR FAVORITE OUTFIT
There’s just something about your energy when you’re wearing something you really love. That confidence can be felt from everyone, including yourself. Because it’s coming from within. You know you look, and so, you feel great. Put on your favorite outfit. Even if you’re not going anywhere. Because this is about doing it for yourself.
GO ON A SOLO DATE
I saved this for the second last because I know it can be daunting to take yourself out on a date. But I promise you, it is so liberating and empowering. Nothing screams confidence more than someone who relishes their oasis of solitude and isn’t shy about it.
DECIDE WHO YOU WANT TO BE
You’ve been on a self-exploration journey for the past 30 days, so by now you’ll have a better idea of what you want from life and yourself. What you’re willing to tolerate and what your expectations are. Go be that person you’ve always wished you could be. Get that life you daydream about. Make a sober board so you can remind yourself what you’re working towards.
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How do you declutter your energy in sobriety? Leave a comment below. Also, please be sure to share this with anyone it may benefit. Thanks so much!
I’ll see you soon…in the meantime, love yourself so much that even a Hallmark Christmas movie would be jealous.
