The last days of the Glen Ivy August Challenge have been very rewarding!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated and shared their inspirations. Congratulations to Estela C., this weeks winner of a Glen Ivy Hot Springs one day admission voucher.

I have to say this was one of my favorite challenges. Like all of you, I made a conscious effort to direct a small portion of my day to better my health and happiness. I spent my time going for walks, meal planning, picking fresh vegetables, and doing some dance offs with my kids! They all made me feel great, and grateful. But the surprise for me was the journaling aspect. What I learned is that writing my thoughts and intentions down, keeping a record, was like giving myself a pat on the back and made me more likely to stay on course. I also realized that reading through your submissions was equally uplifting. While we worked individually on our goals, sharing them gave me a sense of teamwork that was supportive and inspiring. Thanks to everyone who made time for themselves, I hope you continue to do so, and please keep sharing your inspirations with all of us on Facebook!

Here are some of the submissions we received last week:

…My 10 minutes a day is spent doing something from my childhood.  As silly as it sounds, I have forced myself to give into the 10 minutes a day because it brings me back to the feelings of joy as a kid, when we gave ourselves ‘permission’ to play without guilt.  And this was the 10 minutes a day epiphany that now has become a daily ritual. I used to twirl the baton as a kid. I enjoyed it.  I have a desk job, so getting outside for 10 minutes, rather than sitting some more during my break, is really a nice thing to do. — Stacey K.

I have several 10 min activities in a day, yet they are all an everyday must.
1) At least 10 min of exercise and or stretching.
2) 10 min. reading time/prayer/meditation
3) 10 min in the bath tub
4) 10 min with my dog
5) 10 min watering the grass
— Monique O.

I’ve learned that time to myself is import to my well-being. I do many things to give myself much deserved “me” time. Something new in my life is going back to school after many years, and finding that my study time is completely relaxing and calming to my day.  I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, so at times I find it good for my soul to go in the kitchen and unleash my culinary diva!  A stroll through the local farmers market or health food store is another favorite “me” thing to do.  Yesterday, I enjoyed an hour of relaxation by sunbathing at the neighborhood pool. Some days I find a walk around the neighborhood is what I need to clear my mind and give me that sense of accomplishment for the day.  I love music, so I’ll often take a 10 or 15 minute drive just to have alone time and unwind while listening to a favorite CD.  And who doesn’t find sitting at a favorite coffee shop sipping on a beverage relaxing? Simple things are so rewarding … so I take advantage of “me” time, and enjoy life! — Jodie D.

My 10 minutes a day is usually in the morning, cup of tea in hand and on my patio. I usually am praying and meditating on being a better person each day and giving thanks for each moment I am fortunate to have in this life. As a bonus somedays, I give myself a mini facial, along with a cucumber hydrating mask. Ten minutes goes a long way for me and I am looking for more ways to defrag each day. —Gina M.

I’ll think about a time when I was very happy. It could be the day one of my kids was born, time spent with my grandmother, a great deal I got during a shopping trip or my last visit to Glen Ivy. I’m happy everyday the Lord gives me, but I have a lot of specials moments in my life that made even more grateful. Just focusing in one of those moments for 10 minutes a day really helps with any stress I may have. — Shandel L.

Thanks to everyone who joined in. We hope you continue to bring spa into your lifestyle everyday for health and happiness. Let us know how this Challenge worked for  you by leaving a comment below.

Stay tuned for September when we celebrate National Yoga Month!