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 want to improve my photography skills and buy a high-end camera.
It would definitely be losing weight. I started last year and in 6 months lost about 40 or so pounds and now I want to do better this year. With that I definitely know I have to eat a little better and work on portion control. Also I drink a lot of water now but I know I need to drink more.
I would like to lose some weight and eat healthier.
I want to get in shape. I'm not overweight, I just want to tone up. Be more active this year.
I quit smoking 6 months ago so my new goal is to lose the extra weight I gained after I quit
I'd love to learn another language or at least improve my Cantonese over the course of a month.
I challenge myself to stop eating the 99 cents store tea biscuits that have been part of my diet since discovering them last year. I have been allowing myself a couple of handfuls every other day. I want to give them up. This challenge is my motivation.
Get more sleep.
To get more fit, more muscle.
My goal is to practice more patience with my children.
I also would say to drink more water. I hardly drink any water during the day, and that's not good!
I'm challenging myself to steer away from idle gossip by making myself walk for 30 minutes everytime I listen to it and an hour for every time I retell what I've heard. New England winters can be harsh, so I'd better make sure I myself am not harsh with gossip.
To be a more patient person with myself and everyone around me. To avoid unrealistic expectations from myself and others. To look people in the eyes as I pass them on the street and smile. These are my goals!
My goal is a roundabout way to clear my mind through clearing out clutter in my home. I am trying to clean out, donate, and remove items from clothing to Tchotchkes. Hopefully with a home that is more calming to the eye will also calm my mind.
I don't need to loose weight because I am already a small person but, I do plan on drinking lots more water as I am not a water person. I have cut back on coffee at night and I find that I sleep better. I don't really exercise but, I get enough moving around the house doing, laundry, giving grand kids baths, doing cleaning, cooking, etc. I basically am trying to not eat as much sugar in fact I don't put it in my cereal just with bananas. I think I am trying to eat more healthier because I do eat more fruits and vegetables.