Here's My 21 Days Journal! #21DaysOfSomethingNew
It doesn’t take us a lot to get caught up in the hustle culture or spend hours scrolling mindlessly through Instagram. It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten how to slow down and make time for the little things in life that truly make us feel alive. When was the last time you simply enjoyed watching the sunset or allowed yourself to sit down with your thoughts without distractions, or danced for no reason at all?
When was the last time you really savoured the pause by doing something new or something you enjoyed earlier in life but never got back to? This 21-day journal is all about giving yourself the space to do things that bring you joy. If you’re unsure of what that might be, I hope something from my journal helps.
1. Learn how to whip up delicious cocktails
Making good looking and delicious cocktails is an art, one you can master with practice. Pro tip - Pick a liquor brand of your choice, e.g. Black Dog and then follow this recipe to the T! Whipping up a Black Dog cocktail couldn’t get easier than this!
2. Sit down to read that novella you borrowed from your best friend
I have to accept that even though I love reading, I rarely have the mindspace for it. If you’re anything like me, your bookshelf too is overflowing with books and novellas you’ve borrowed from friends. And maybe now is the time to pick a corner in your house and read one book at a time, especially one that belongs to a genre you haven’t read before.
3. Give gardening a try
If you like the idea of getting your hands dirty, gardening is the perfect activity for you! First things first, make a list of what you’d like to plant and do your research on how suitable it is for the current weather. Depending on what you want to plant, you’d need gardening equipment to get started. A Gardening Series for Beginners video should help you understand the basics before you dive into it.
4. Cook something just because...
Remember the cookbook that has all the recipes of things your mom cooked for you when you were little? Bring that out and pick a dish that you haven’t had in the longest time! No matter what they say, half the fun lies in actually preparing the dish. Maybe this time you can make it from scratch for your mom and relish a meal together.
5. Draw simply for fun
Have you picked up a pencil after school for anything besides playing Pictionary? Drawing isn’t about replicating a still object on paper, even though that’s exactly what your art teacher told you in school. Colouring or drawing is a way of expressing yourself. Draw the first thing that comes to your head right now and don’t worry about how it looks! Focus on how this makes you feel.
6. Movie Marathon
Pick a series that you can’t have enough of or you haven’t watched before like Star Wars or even The Avengers and watch it in chronological order. Don’t forget to keep the popcorn handy or some quick snacks that you can make in a jiffy!
7. Hair do’s
I love watching DIY videos on Youtube about all kinds of hairstyles. You don’t find the time during a hectic work week for a french braid after all! Pick something for beginners and give it a try. I don’t know how pretty the hairdo will look after the first try, but it’s a great hand workout and that’s a promise!
8. Declutter your wardrobe
There really is no better time to walk into your closet and give away everything that you haven’t worn in the last 5 years. Seriously, we all say we’ll do it but we never really get to it! I know you love everything you own, but you gotta throw out the old to make space for something new. Plus, this really helps you feel better. No kidding!
9. Spend time with family
While it’s not necessarily easy for everyone to communicate with family, you can still do things together that don’t involve heavy conversations. Pick a TV show that your family will enjoy and watch it together or a family friendly board game.
10. Finally learn how to do that winged eyeliner
You have 21 days and 21 opportunities to master the winged eyeliner. If the final look overwhelms you, look for simple winged liner videos that don’t look so scary. If you fail, try again! You don’t have to put anything up on the gram, instead you can do this solely for yourself. Imagine how good it will feel to get this right once and for all.
11. Journal
Why journal, you ask? You’ll be surprised by how much lighter you feel about things that bother you when you get into the habit of journaling. It also helps you be more aware and mindful as a person. Like everything else, journaling requires consistency for it to work. Perfect for a 21 day activity, isn’t it? All you need is a pen and a paper.
12. Dress up for yourself
Seriously, even if it’s just a bold lipcolour, do it! Dress up for yourself for no reason at all even if you’re doing the most mundane task after that. Dolling up for yourself can be an act of self care too!
13. Learn a new dance form
Youtube is my go- to place for all things DIY and soon it’ll be yours too. Learning a dance form at home can simply be a way to get your body to move as you groove to the music. It’s okay if your body moves differently than the person in the video or your posture is wrong. You’re doing this solely to enjoy yourself! Don’t forget that!
14. Make personalized cards
Say what you may but there was a unique charm in receiving handmade cards versus a Whatsapp text on your birthday. Making greeting cards is old school and that’s what makes it so fulfilling, it shows that you care. Start with one person and one card. Get your watercolours out of the attic and paint away!
15. Plan a virtual date night with your SO
You know, you don’t always need to be with your partner to have a good time with them. Pick a TV show that neither of you have watched and start watching it together at your respective homes. Pause after each episode and discuss your views.
16. Follow a skincare regime
It’s not brand new information that dirt and pollution is terrible for your skin. It’s the perfect time to follow a simple but effective skincare routine, even if it’s as basic as washing your face, using a toner and then a moisturizer. Want to take it a step forward? Avoid using base makeup for a while and drink plenty of water.
17. Indulge in yoga/meditation
A lot of people find it difficult to workout indoors. Starting off with a 30 minute video of yoga for beginners is a great way of releasing stress and getting your body to calm down. You’ll also be surprised by how many calories you burn while helping out with household chores. Moving your body doesn’t need to be a task! Pick something that suits you, be it chores, yoga or meditation!
18. Write a letter to your future self
What would you say to yourself 10 years from now? Write that down on paper as a letter to yourself or email it to yourself. It doesn’t have to be emotional or filled with advice, it can be a reminder or a quote that means something to you today. Imagine reading your own words after 10 years! You’ll be happy you did this, trust me!
19. Play virtual games with friends
I’m serious! Invite your friends to play online games like Psych and Ludo while you play from the comfort of your own bed! Online Ludo also allows you to leave messages for the other players during a game, making this experience feel like you’re right there with your BFFs.
20. Go on a media detox
Every couple of months, I sit down to delete old photos and videos from my phone gallery and unfollow people from social media who aren’t contributing to my growth. Only after you get rid of something that doesn’t serve you anymore, can you make space for something new.
21. Treat yourself to a spa day indoors
It’s the perfect time to exfoliate, use face masks, file your nails and treat yourself to some TLC! You don’t need fancy products for these. Fill your bucket with warm water and add some shampoo or body wash to this and dip your feet. It’s literally that simple! Or mix some brown sugar with honey and voila, your DIY lip scrub is ready!
P.S. None of these activities have to be perfect. The point is to have fun and enjoy the simpler things in life.
*Drink responsibly!
