I think self-care is a term that is thrown around a lot these days. Many think they have found the answer to what it is and made ways to make a profit off of it. Some do serve us for the greater good, while others are most likely ripping us off to make a quick buck and give us the impression that self-care is not attainable or accessible for all, which is actually quite harmful. I believe we’re all worthy of self-care and it shouldn’t have to cost a thing. That’s why first and foremost, I made sure Self-care December was free and accessible to everyone who has access to the internet.
It’s also important to know I’m no expert on self-care. Even as a yoga teacher, I don’t have all of the answers and I can’t tell you to do this, this, and this to achieve your self-care routine. Self-care is something you need to realize and discover on your own and truly put the ‘self’ in self-care. For me, it’s something I’ve been practicing for years, letting it evolve as time goes on. My routine looks way different than it used to but that’s because I’m constantly curious to learn more about it and what serves me and my soul.
What is Self-care December?
Self-care December is where we practice one small but intentional act of daily self-care every day for the month of December. There are also bonus activities included if they sound good to you. This is for anyone who is looking to explore self-care more or have something to look forward to that serves them and their soul.
In 2020, we started on November 30 and email subscribers had early access to the calendars on November 29. For 2021, calendars are available to download on this site and there will not be any special email access.
How it Started
Self-care December first started as a 24-day advent calendar idea at the beginning of November 2020 and evolved to a 31-day initiative. It sounded fun and as a way to have something to look forward to every day in December leading up to the holidays. I wanted something that would ensure I’m showing up for myself and am being intentional with my self-care. I know it’s a pandemic and I’m doing the best I can (we all are, right?), but I wanted more beyond what I already fit into my daily schedule. Even if my daily schedule does resemble a form of self-care and there are activities included that truly fill my cup up, there are some days when I’m just going through the motions (i.e., sit in silence, meditate, workout, enjoy my matcha, stretch, get some fresh air, etc.). That’s why I really wanted to commit to Self-care December, especially in the season where my seasonal depression can tend to sink in if I’m not careful.
I Had You in Mind
Once I could see Self-care December in my mind and what it would look like, I had a feeling I wasn’t the only one who wanted something like this. I asked my followers how they practice self-care and if they would be interested in something like it. The result? They said YES!
I was so happy to see they practice self-care beyond face masques (even though those are nice, too). For some, it was sitting in silence, while for others, it was a long shower or bath or going for a walk. I had them in mind the entire time while making this because I wanted to make sure there was variety, but also included some of their favorite things and it would serve them, too. And because I serve a majority of women, I was even conscious of where I placed some self-care activities based on our menstrual cycles (because it’s not fair to encourage someone to try a new HIIT workout when it’s really time to turn inward, create, and rest). I know we’re all different in our cycles and some are on hormonal birth control, some not, and some are not even menstruating. But I really tried to look at the 21 to 28-day cycle and place activities to where they may serve them during each phase.
The other thing I was conscious and careful of while making Self-care December is self-care is not one size fits all. I honor that we are all so unique and that is what makes each of us so beautifully special. It’s the reason you require different self-care activities than the woman next to you. You might have your self-care routine down to a T, while some women have yet to discover what self-care means and how to practice it. So, with that in mind, I knew it wouldn’t make sense to release just one calendar; I needed to provide you with two options.
Two Calendar Options
I made you two calendar options: one filled in with one daily self-care activity and one blank that you can customize. Whether you’re looking to explore self-care and want a guide to follow that’s already made for you or you already know the activities you want to do every month/want to use the filled-in one as inspo and make your own calendar, it’s totally up to you. If you decide to follow the filled-in calendar and see a day you don’t want to do or are just not feeling it, you can switch the days or sub it for something else! Remember, this is all about you, what brings you joy, and what serves you.
A Note For 2020 Email Subscribers
You have until 12 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29 to ensure you get early access to the Self-care December calenders. If you missed the deadline, it’s okay! You’ll be able to get your calendars on Monday when they go live. Also, you can still become an email subscriber to Self-care December communications after Sunday for access to exclusive social media templates and a couple of check-ins and love notes from me (I promise I won’t be spamming your inbox). You’ll also get an opportunity to provide feedback at the beginning of 2021 to let me know what you thought of it if it’s worth doing again, and how can we improve it for next time. You can sign up here.
Checking in on Social Media
Feel free to check in on social media if that serves you and your Self-care December. For some, it may be fun to connect more with something like this, while for others it may be better to just unplug and remain fully present in what you’re doing. I get it and I support whatever you decide 🙂 If you choose to check-in, you can hang out with me over on Instagram, as that’s usually where I show up the most, so be sure to tag me @rebeccal.howe and #selfcaredecember2020 #selfcaredecember2021 (feel free to also use suggestions provided by the boyfriend who is truly proud of these hashtags ideas – it will make his day).
Let’s Turn Up The Love!
Ready for some daily self-care? Head over to this post to grab your calendar! I hope you enjoy Self-care December and find joy in choosing to take the time to do one small but intentional act of self-care every day in December.