2026 Self-Care Challenge: 10 Days of You-Time

As we step into 2026, it’s time to take a step back from the noise and hustle of everyday life. We often talk about self-care, but how often do we truly dedicate time to it?

Welcome to the 2026 Self-Care Challenge: 10 Days of You-Time! This is a 10 day journey designed to help you reconnect with your mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned self-care practitioner or just starting out, this challenge offers a structured way to put yourself first. Each day is curated to reset, restore, and reimagine what it means to care for yourself. Let’s get into it!

Here's a sneak peek of the 2026 Self-Care Challenge:

Day 1: Rest & Recharge
Day 2: Clean Your Space
Day 3: Skincare Reset
Day 4: Grocery List & Whole Foods
Day 5: Hydration & Electrolytes
Day 6: Start a Workout Routine
Day 7: No Screen Day/Social Media Cleanse
Day 8: Journal & Read
Day 9: Solo Date Outside Your Comfort Zone
Day 10: Call or Check-in With Loved Ones

2026 Self-Care Challenge: 10 Days of You-Time

Day One: Reset & Recharge

Let’s start with the most underrated form of self-care: rest. Today, your goal is to pause, breathe, and allow yourself to unwind. Take a light walk outdoors, breathe in fresh air, and notice how your body responds when you slow down.

Create a sleep friendly environment: decide on an ideal bedtime and wake-up time that supports at least 7–8 hours of rest. In the evening, trade screen time for a calming routine. Think herbal tea, soft lighting, a book, white noise, and a tech-free zone at least one hour before bed. Also it helps to keep your room dark, cool, and quiet.

MUST HAVE PRODUCTS

Day Two: Clean Your Space

A cluttered space often reflects a cluttered mind and that is quite the opposite of self-care. Day 2 is about creating an environment that supports clarity and calm. Tidy up your bedroom, make your bed, declutter your desk, and wipe down surfaces. Even small changes like organizing your nightstand or folding that laundry pile can give you an immediate mental lift. Pro tip: Play some music or a podcast while you clean, to create a fun and motivational self-care environment.

Further Readings for Self-Care

→ Sleepy Girl Mocktail Recipe

→ Work Smarter, Not Harder: Rest Days Are Important

"In a world where our social media feeds are filled with gym hustle culture telling us to “never skip a day”, we are neglecting the number one rule to health and wellness: listening to your body and investing in rest days."

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Rest Days Are Important - Manna Hydration Liquid Lingo

day three: hydration & electrolytes

Water is essential to self-care, and today it is all about replenishment. Start tracking your water intake and aim for at least 64 oz (about 2 liters), adjusting based on your body and activity level. Include a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon in your water to naturally support electrolyte balance or use a quality hydration mix.

Notice how your body feels when it’s hydrated! You should feel more energy, fewer headaches, and an improved mood. Carry a reusable Manna water bottle and make drinking water a consistent habit.

water bottles considered for self-care

DAY FOUR: GROCERY LIST & WHOLE FOODS

Self-care includes what you put into your body too. Today, you’ll build a go-to grocery list tailored to your tastes, nutritional needs, and schedule. Include whole, nourishing foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and quality proteins. Don’t forget some quick snacks or easy-prep items that help you stay consistent even on busy days.

Once your list is complete, go grocery shopping with intention and a full stomach. Avoid impulse purchases and stick to what fuels your body. When you cook or prep later this week, you’ll thank yourself.

DAY FIVE: SKINCARE RESET

Today is your everything shower day. Take your time to exfoliate, shave, do a hair mask, apply your favorite lotion, and finish with a facial treatment like a clay or sheet mask. Maybe even add some eye patches, drink a lot of water, and do your nails if you’re feeling up for it! The goal is not vanity, but it’s about nurturing your body and showing it love. Skincare is often rushed, but today, let each step feel intentional within this self-care routine.

Notice how your body feels when it’s hydrated! You should feel more energy, fewer headaches, and an improved mood. Carry a reusable Manna water bottle and make drinking water a consistent habit.

Further Readings for Self-Care

→ 6 Ways to Hydrate After a Month Out

→ 5 Must-Try Nightime Hacks for Better Sleep

DAY SIX: Start a Workout Routine

Movement is medicine. Today, develop a realistic and enjoyable workout routine, even just 3 days per week will do the trick. You don’t need a fancy gym or intense regime to get in physical activity in your self-care routine. Think brisk walks, yoga, dance, strength training, or even online workouts.

Start today with a 20–30-minute session. Focus on how your body feels, not how it looks. Movement should feel like a celebration, not punishment. Keep it fun and sustainable, and let the endorphins do the rest.

DAY Seven: NO SCREEN/SOCIAL MEDIA CLEANSE

One of the most powerful self-care routines, is incorporating digital detox time. For the next 24 hours, step away from screens, so no scrolling, no Netflix, and definitely no doom-scrolling newsfeeds. If you can’t go completely screen-free, limit use to essentials like work or emergencies only.

Use the time to journal, go for a walk, cook a new recipe, call a friend, or sit in silence. You might be surprised by how much time slows down without screens. Let your mind breathe.

DAY EIGHT: JOURNAL & READ

Today is about inner dialogue and reflection. Spend at least 20 minutes writing in a journal. Whether it’s a gratitude list, an emotional brain dump, or reflecting on your self-care challenge so far, it’s important to release your emotions and thoughts.

Then, get lost in a book. It doesn’t have to be self-help or educational to be considered self-care, just something that brings joy to yourself. Reading and journaling reconnect us with ourselves in a quiet and powerful way.

"It's not selfish to love yourself...it's necessary"

Mandy Hale

DAY NINE: SOLO DATE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Take yourself out on a date! And just you, no phone, and no distractions. Go to the movies, a coffee shop, a museum, or out to dinner. Bring a book or a notebook if you want, but no screens.

This self-care tip may feel awkward at first, but solo dates build confidence and self-connection. You don’t need permission or company to enjoy life. Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely, it means being present and secure with yourself.

day ten: Call or Check-In with Loved Ones

True self-care includes your relationships too. Today, reach out to someone you care about, including a friend, sibling, mentor, or parent. Not just a text, but aim for a call or in-person moment if possible.

Ask how they’re doing. Share a memory. Tell them what they mean to you. Especially in a world with technology and social media, we sometimes forget to ask people, ‘how they’re doing'.

Connection is healing, and vulnerability is a strength. Don’t underestimate how impactful your presence can be in someone else’s day.

Time to Integrate What Works

You made it! Ten days of self-care. Now it’s time to reflect on this journey and ask yourself, what made you feel the best physically and mentally? Was it the rest, the clean space, the movement, or the solo date?

Choose 2–3 self-care routines from the challenge that made the biggest impact and start integrating them into your weekly life. This isn’t about perfection, but it’s about sustainability. Maybe Sundays become your reset day. Maybe Thursday nights are tech-free. Maybe daily journaling becomes your anchor.

Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive, time-consuming, or indulgent. It just needs to be intentional. And in 2026, you deserve to be intentional with your time, energy, and joy.

Here’s to putting you first, one day at a time

Intentional Daily Self-Care Focus: Each of the 10 self-care days centers on a specific theme to holistically nurture mind, body, and soul. The challenge emphasizes being present and tuning into your needs with small but meaningful actions.

Simplicity and Sustainability: Self-care activities are low-cost and easily accessible, designed to be sustainable beyond the 10-day challenge. The emphasis is on building habits that make self-care part of your routine.

Reconnection with Self and Others: The self-care journey blends solo introspection with relational wellness, promoting a balanced, inward-outward approach to self-care and emotional well-being.

Self-care is also visiting our store

Products Featured In This Blog