#52SmallThings: A Weekly Self-Care Challenge

Going outside can affect each of us in different ways depending on the weather, temperature, time of year, symptoms we may experience, or medications we might be on.

Mighty staffer @xokat has lupus, so a lot of direct sunlight can trigger a flare and/or a migraine. But she lives for overcast days — especially when it’s relatively warm outside so she can walk barefoot in her yard — and finds them great for grounding her anxiety.

What about you? How does being outside affect your health?

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What do you like to do when you go outside? Sit and relax? Read a book or paint? Go hiking or camping? Walk your dog? Play sports (like snowboarding!), or maybe take a stroll (or roll) in a nearby park?

Share your alfresco favorites with us in the comments below.

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Let’s put on our backpacks and sunscreen and talk about the great outdoors this week!

Whether it’s to get some sunlight (or shade!), have fun, travel to work or school, run some errands, walk your dog, or take care of other responsibilities (like endless doctors’ appointments), venturing outside is almost always a reality for us on a daily basis. For some, this is a part of a regular routine, but for others, not so much. Sometimes health and other factors prohibit outside time and we totally get and hold space that, too.

What is your experience with the great outdoors? Do you spend a lot of time getting fresh air, or does it depend on your health playing nice?

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Let’s broaden our horizons this weekend by trying something new or different. This can look like checking out a new restaurant, trying white noise to help you sleep, traversing a new trail (metaphorically or literally), or starting a new art or craft project! Whatever you want to try, give it a go over the next few days.

As silly as it sounds, Mighty staffer @xokat is going to try steaming (in a bamboo steamer!) her favorite gyoza dumplings as opposed to pan-frying them like she has for years. That counts, right? 🥟

What about you?

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👍 Pro: Trying new things can put us in position to learn and grow our perspectives and skills.

👎 Con: It can also be intimidating, especially when we might not know what to expect or when there’s a possibility for setback or failure.

What do you think holds you back from trying new things? (P.S. In case you needed to hear this today, trial and error is a very normal part of life… not everyone can succeed at everything!)

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When we put ourselves out there and broaden our horizons, we’re allowing our curiosity to take the lead (and that can be scary, but also rewarding!). This can look like: learning a new language, trying a different type of art or cuisine, taking a chance on an entirely new career path, or dabbling with a new-to-us movement type or exercise.

What are some topics, skills, or hobbies that spark your curiosity? What interests you most?

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