When most of us think of self-care, we picture spa days, bubble baths, or a day at the beach when on vacation. And, sure, those are ways to care for yourself, but self-care is so much more.

When we view self-care through the “treat yourself” lens, it can feel frivolous. and like it’s not a priority. Instead, think of it like the daily maintenance you need to stay healthy and avoid burnout. Self-care isn’t a treat. It isn’t selfish. It definitely isn’t frivolous. It’s absolutely critical to your physical and mental health.

Make a Self-Care Daily Checklist

I love to use checklists because (1) they keep me organized and (2) I get huge satisfaction out of checking things off.

Think of what might be helpful for your overall wellbeing to do daily. But, I encourage you to start small and not create an overloaded lists of daily tasks that are supposed to make you feel better…but they just stress you out. Don’t counteract the intention!

What Goes on the List?

Self-care is highly personal. Start by thinking about what would help you in the following areas:

Stress relief/management
Fun and relaxation
Body care
Healthy habits
Calm environment
Making the next day easier
Emotional care

What else can you think of? What other practices would help you have happier days or add up to a healthier and happier overall life?

Ideas for Each Area

Stress relief/management

Find tasks on your list that you can take off, consolidate, or delegate
Breath work
Meditation or quiet time
Choose your most important task for the day
Set daily goals
Set phone alarms for a few minutes before each meeting that day

Fun and relaxation

Plan something fun for the near-term
Read
Watch a show you enjoy
Listen to a podcast
“Window shop” at your favorite online stores

Body care

Moisturize
Make lingering doctors’ appointments
Clean up your nails and/or get a manicure and pedicure
Skin care routine
Exfoliate

Healthy habits

Plan healthy meals and snacks
Drink at least 64 oz. of water
Get in some activity
Stretch
Check for jaw, neck, and shoulder tension throughout the day
Have a bedtime

Calm environment

Make your bed
Put things away/deal with the piles
Have a clear and clean workspace
Put unfinished projects or to-dos out of site (write a note to yourself if they were out to remind you)
Get a plant or some flowers
Clean up dishes after meals

Making the next day easier

Set phone alarms to remind you when to leave for things
Use Google Maps to estimate what time you need to leave for outings
Check parking, directions, etc. ahead of time
Lay out clothes
Pack any food you’ll need
Put your keys and anything you’ll need in one place
Check your gas tank level and fill up if necessary

Emotional care

Identify 3 things you are grateful for
Get in touch with a friend
Identify anything bothering you
Get rid of the emotional vampires in your life
Give love to family and pets
Get outside and notice the beauty around you

Be patient with yourself, and don’t overload your self-care checklist! Start small with things you KNOW you can do starting tomorrow. As you master those, you can add to the list.

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