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.