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 lose pounds before the summer, got to make this as this the last year for this resolution
Going to try drinking water much more often. But am looking forward to trying some of the challenges after my knee surgery
I am ready for a new start this year
My goal is to lose 20 pounds (hopefully by swimsuit season!). I'm down 6 pounds already! I just want to be more healthy and active overall to help teach my boys about healthy living and that Mama can reach goals too!
I am doing the water challenge and the no sugar challenge.
To be healthy and get in shape for a better life for me and my kids
I would love to become an orthopedic certified specialist in physical therapy.
Drink more water for my health! Read my books for myself!
Still doing awesome on my water and food challenge. Scale is moving down!
I would like to personally accomplish finishing up my Bachelors degree.
My goal is to walk/run 2017 miles this year. It will probably be very difficult for me to do because that's 5.5 miles a day but I am trying my best. I got sick one day already this year so that hurt my average!
#SheSpeaksChallenge To add some "ME" time I have a hard time as a single mom working full time, going to school and taking care of one child who has chronic health issues that I think I lost a little bit of me along the way. I want to take 15 minutes out of each week to shower longer, grab a book or something relaxing - I had a recent health scare so this is necessary and I have to kick my own butt to do it :)
To add some "ME" time I have a hard time as a single mom working full time, going to school and taking care of one child who has chronic health issues that I think I lost a little bit of me along the way. I want to take 15 minutes out of each week to shower longer, grab a book or something relaxing - I had a recent health scare so this is necessary and I have to kick my own butt to do it :)
#SheSpeaksChallenge I'd like to accomplish losing 15 lbs. by exercising more and eating right.
I've been in a cast/boot for eight weeks now, so I have not been able to have any physical activity. My goal is to start yoga again - even though I still can't be on my foot, no excuses I can still do seated yoga