Every year on Jan 1, we see articles about month-long crash diets and super exercise routines. So we are curious... Is four weeks really enough time to change a habit? Can you really see a difference in your body, your life, or your health, by doing something for 28 days straight?
We decided to do some highly unscientific testing...
Eight SheSpeaks team members each picked a different Four-Week Challenge. We'll try them all out over the next 28 days and then let you know which challenges are worth doing and which not to waste your month trying.
Our challenges start today. Will you join us? Five participants will each win an Amazon Echo Dot!
Prep the Day Challenge, Ann
Just like with most families, my life always feels crazy. I have four kids with four different schedules - I need to try something new to make our days run smoother! So I'm challenging myself to do more at night to prepare for the next day. I'll get the coffee ready, lay out my clothes to wear, make a list of things I need to accomplish, and get the ingredients ready for the next night's dinner. Basically, I'm not going to go to bed until I'm organized for the next day. Ideally, I'd like to keep this up forever, but I'll at least try to get through the next month!
Water Challenge, Julia
I'm notorious for not drinking enough water. People often warn me that I would notice such a drastic change by incorporating more water in my life (I tend to drink excessive amounts of coffee and Diet Coke). So I am challenging myself to drink 5 water bottles a day (12oz bottles) for these 28 days. I'd love to see a positive change in my body and energy levels, and to become less reliant on caffeine to keep me going. (And as a bonus, I'm trying not to use any disposable water bottles in this challenge!)
Gratitude Challenge, Carol
I've always tried to focus on the positive but I don't always walk the walk. So when I read about the Rachel Hollis' New Year, Do You Challenge, I knew this would be perfect. Every day, I will make a list of 10 things I am grateful for. They can be big or they can be small, but since I'll need to fill the list every day, I'm hoping it will force me to have a better outlook on life and more appreciative of my blessings.
Cardio Challenge, Missy
I love to ride my bike when it's nice out but I skip it when weather is too cold or hot. For Christmas, I got an Indoor Trainer (stand) for my bike so now I have no excuse. I'm challenging myself to bike 30-45 minutes/day 3x/week this month, and hopefully continue it after that. My goal is to lose 5 pounds per month through Spring and I'm hoping this is a great way to get me on the path to getting healthier in 2017!
No Added-Sugar Challenge, Aliza
I've been reading about how bad added sugar is, that it can cause cancer, Alzheimer's, obesity and "sluggish thinking." But I also read that just a few weeks of a changed diet can show immediate results in your body chemistry, etc. I have done "no sugar" diets before but I can only do that for 10 days. So for the next month, I will just eliminate foods that have added sugar. For example, fruit is ok but not fruit juice. I'm hoping I will feel different in terms of energy. I sure hope it is worth it, I do like sugar!
I saw a 28-day challenge where you work up to doing 45 push-ups at a time. It's supposed to be good for improving upper-body strength, posture, endurance, and overall health. I have my doubts since I've never been able to do even one push-up with my legs straight-out, I'm always on my knees. But it says it will "completely change your body in 28 days" so of course I am intrigued!
Healthy Eating: Soup Challenge, Galit
My husband got into an accident in December and can not be physically active during his recovery. So we need to eat in a more healthy way, with foods that everyone will eat (I'm tired of being a short-order cook!) I'm hoping that soup is the answer. I'll make a new soup every day. It will force me to be creative and cook with more nutritious ingredients. And it's perfect for these cold winter days!
Meditation Challenge, Kelly
Meditation helps bring me an overall sense of well-being and an even greater appreciation of life. I have an on and off relationship with it that I would like to keep consistent. I'm challenging myself to do 20 minutes of meditation daily, regardless of where I am or what is going on each day. I'm looking forward to a greater sense of inner peace.
The more you participate, the more chances you have to win!
Click here to Tweet: "Entering the #SheSpeaksChallenge giveaway: 5 chances to win an Echo Dot, thx to @SheSpeaksUp! bit.ly/2j0FXD3"
*Five lucky participants will be chosen at random to each receive an Amazon Echo Dot, each valued at $49.99. Giveaway is open through February 20th, 2016 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
I would like to get my own blog started.
My challenge this year is to adopt several healthier changes in my life. Eating more fresh fruit, getting more exercise, and addressing some health issues I have been neglecting.
Down 10 lbs............20 more to go!
I'm still trying to drink more water-- it's definitely a challenge, but I'm trying to make the conscious effort to change my bad habits. I am going to download an app on my phone to be a bit more timely with my water intake, so it doesn't seem like such a chore.
Expanding my garden!! I want to grow more herbs, fruits and veggies to be healthier!
I personally want to eat more home grown or organic products and get away from pre packaged goods Want to get rid of all those chemicals out there as much as possible
I just ran 10 miles today! My top coat buttoned up without having to squeeze myself..I'm on my way!
I want to get more fit and lose some weight
I want to commit to meeting my daily steps challenge and having my new activity monitor is already helping accomplish this goal!
I need to have shoes that won't hurt my feet
To get back in my get fit program eating better exercise feel better about myself.
I hope I win! I want to drink more water this year. #SheSpeaksChallenge
im quitting said
I have been working on organizing my home, meditating more often, exercising more and eating better by cooking from scratch at home.
Detoxify my body by not consuming alcohol on a weekly basis. As of Sunday, 1/29/17, I've been 'sober' for 3 weeks straight...I've made it this far, thus I should definitely be able to make it another week, at least, probably more. I have not noticed any physical, mental or emotional changes yet, but surely hope to see, at the least, some weight loss. Keep up the good work, ladies!