A New Challenge

There was no denying it. I was in a slump. It was the height of summer. a busy season for me personally, and I wasn’t taking much time to take care of myself. I was moving from one thing to the next, and it wasn’t until I heard about the Feel Whole Challenge that I committed to doing something for me every day, even if it was a small, seemingly insignificant act.

It’s been said it takes 21 days to form a habit. Twenty-one days of repeating positive behaviors can turn into a new routine, a new lifestyle.

So, I embarked on the journey as part of a team-member campaign at AdventHealth. The challenge included some basic activities that we typically associate with good health: getting physically active, drinking more water, eating fresh foods.

As a result, I spent some more time on the treadmill, carried a bottle of water wherever I went and made better choices at the grocery store.

Then there were the other activities. The ones that some may consider “non-traditional”: praying for someone every day, organizing a space in the house, volunteering. These activities inspired in me more gratitude, self-reflection and joy.

My summer slump wasn’t just about my body, and therefore it wasn’t going to turn around with activities designed for just my body. I needed a recharge for my mind and my spirit as well. God created us as whole beings, and the best way to take care of ourselves is to take care of all three aspects of our health.

Summer is long gone, and now we’re embarking on a new chapter. For some, the possibilities that come with the New Year are exciting, but for others, the transition can be quite overwhelming. You might be in a slump like I was last year. I invite you to participate in the Feel Whole Challenge and see how it can give you the boost you need to change your life in 2020.

You have the power to do something about your health and well-being. You just have to make the decision to go for it.

Below are several Feel Whole Challenge activities to help get you started on your journey. For the full, 21-day calendar and to see the testimonies of those who have completed the challenge, visit FeelWholeChallenge.com.

Share your activities on social media using the hashtags #FeelWholeChallenge and #FeelingWhole. We’d love to see your Feel Whole Challenge journey!

Water

Drink more water today (and keep it going through Day 21!). Here’s how to get a baseline for where you should start. Take your body weight in pounds and divide it in half. Aim to drink that many ounces of water per day, plus an extra eight ounces if you’re exercising.

Prayer

Pray for someone every day of the challenge. Prayer is uplifting, and it’s a meaningful way you can express gratitude and ask God to give comfort to others. Beyond just saying or thinking about your prayers, consider journaling them or jotting down things for which you’re grateful throughout the day.

Healthy Meals

Make a healthy meal you’ve never tried before. Get excited to cook outside your comfort zone. Put a fresh twist on a dish you’ve always loved, or find a new ingredient and introduce yourself to some exciting flavors that are low in calories.

Exercise

Try a new exercise with a friend: It’s easier to stay motivated and try new things with a good workout buddy. Beyond feeling accomplished, exercise also leads to better quality of sleep, a lower resting heart rate, less stress and more energy.

Gratitude

Think of someone for whom you’re grateful and tell them. Recognize those who make a difference in your life and show them some appreciation, it can positively impact both of you. Whether it’s through a conversation, a note or even a phone call, take the time to let someone know what they mean to you.

Plants

Plant something. Find an area outside to bring new life to your outdoor environment, or a nice spot on a shelf where you can care for a succulent. Grow herbs you can use when cooking.

By Ingrid Hernández, AdventHealth Senior Communications Specialist