But, how does the 75 Hard Challenge work, exactly?
And more importantly, should you be doing it?
Heres the scoop on the latest buzzy mental fitness program.
Verywell Mind / Getty
Understanding the 75 Hard Challenge
The way 75 Hard Challenge works is simple but far from easy.
Five daily tasks must be completed foryou guessed it75 consecutive days.
Kiki Ramsey, PhD,positive psychologist and author of self-help book, Get Courageous Now.
Each task is designed to create structure and force you to getoutside your comfort zone.
When we fulfill a goal, however small or large, we feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
This, in turn, can motivate us to pursue other, larger goals in life, she explains.
Dr. Ramsey adds that completing daily tasks consistently builds a sense of accomplishment, which can strengthenself-confidenceand self-efficacy.
Builds Resilience
Resiliencedoesnt mean total avoidance of stress.
Rather, its theability to copewith and adapt to stress in healthy ways.
This makes you feel good and reinforces positive behaviors.
Furthermore, research shows that reading andeating a healthy diettwo tasks internal to the challengeare linked to better mood.
Similarly, exercising outdoors (another part of the 75-day challenge) allows for healthy sun exposure.
A few cups of coffee in the morning.
And a glass of water at night or perhaps one more during the day was the routine.
The challenge helped me realize how little water I was drinking.
Damaschino adds that the challenge also helped him understand his relationship with alcohol.
Not drinking wasnt that hard.
Notdrinking in a social situationwas.
It made me realize how much I drink when socializing, he explains.
Another potential drawback is that it’s time-limited.
Is the 75 Hard Challenge Right for You?
You’ll just need to start small with beginner-friendly tips (more on this later).
If approached with a balanced mindset, the potential for personal growth is tremendous.
That said, its not suitable for everyone, given the rigid and restrictive structure of the program.
As always, its best to talk to your healthcare provider before starting anything new.
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