How to Create a Simple Self Care Checklist
Do you practice self-care? Do you know what self-care really looks like? I’ve created this guide to help you create a meaningful self-care checklist that works for you.
It’s time to stop putting yourself and your needs on the back burner.
But before I get into it, what exactly is self-care?
What does Self-Care Look Like
Most people equate self-care to pampering. So things like manicures, pedicures, and getting your hair done. Yes, these are self-care activities, but there are other things you can do as well.
Self-care is the act of living in a way that sustains YOUR physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. So this means that self-care is going to look different for everyone. For one person this could mean getting enough sleep at night, and for another it could mean writing down 3 things that they are grateful for today.
Think about the last time you did something for yourself that makes you feel good or adds value to your life. If you can’t remember, then it’s been a long time. Girl! It’s about time to carve out a little time just for you. You are so worth it, so take care of yourself.
Self-care is about balance. And sometimes this means doing things we may not want to do but need to do.
So, we’re going to come up with a self-care plan based on your own needs. And nothing is going to stop us. Not busy schedules. Not the struggles of daily life.
I’m going to show you how to create a self-care checklist that’ll help you identify which self-care practices to implement into your self-care routine.
But before we get into that, let’s discuss some of the benefits of practicing self-care.
The Amazing Benefits of Practicing Self-Care
- Improved quality of life
- Increased productivity and a healthy mind (bye-bye stress!)
- A boost to your self-esteem because you’re taking good care of your body.
- Development of healthy habits like including more physical activity and paying attention to the types of food you consume.
- The ability to recognize and meet your own emotional needs.
How to Make Your Own Self-Care Checklist
The process of creating your own self-care checklist can be done in 5 simple steps.
1. Assess Your Current Daily Routine
The first step is to think about your current daily routine. What is the first thing you do in the morning? Do you have a productive morning routine? Do you go straight to social media? Or do you take 10 minutes to meditate or practice gratitude? Did you get enough sleep the night before?
Are you eating healthy meals and remembering to drink water?
2. Assess Areas of Your Life
How is your life going? Are you happy? Are you working towards your goals?
Is your life going in the right direction? Are you stressed and irritable throughout the day? Or are you focused and productive?
What are some things that you like about your life right now? What are some things that you like and want to change?
3. Identify Areas of Improvement
Reflecting on point one, identify areas of your routine where you can incorporate self-care activities that will improve your overall wellbeing.
Can you set aside 10 minutes to prepare and drink your favorite tea every morning? Maybe you could try meal prepping to ensure you are eating healthily throughout the day. Or perhaps, it’s time you stop checking social media every morning if it’s negatively affecting you.
Reflecting on point two, identify areas of improvement in your life. Are you surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people? Are you in a toxic relationship? Does your job or career satisfy you?
Really think about these things. Whether you realize it or not, evaluating yourself and your life are the roots of figuring out how to create a self-care routine that works for you.
4. Be Mindful Not to Overwhelm Yourself
When you’re ready to start incorporating self-care activities try not to overwhelm yourself by doing too much at one time. You want to start off small.
Try doing two to three small activities a day over the course of a week and then gradually add in more activities.
5. Keep Track of Your Self-care Habits On a Regular Basis
Using a planner or a journal, keep track of self-care habits and activities. Write down the habits you’ve formed and how it has improved your life.
Now that we’ve covered the step to creating your own self-care checklist, let’s see what simple self-care activities look like.
List of Simple Self-Care Ideas
Self Care for Mental Health
The goal for self-care of the mind is to keep it healthy. You can do this by challenging your mind, becoming more knowledgeable, and keeping your stress levels low.
- Read your favorite book.
- Do a word search or sudoku.
- Learn something new.
- Share your thoughts with a therapist or a trusted friend.
- Practice mindfulness.
Self Care for Physical Health
When it comes to physical self-care for the body, I think about it in three dimensions: movement, nutrition, and relaxation. All three work together to improve your overall health.
- Get physical. Take an evening walk.
- Cook your favorite healthy meal.
- Drink enough fluids.
- Run a bubble bath or DIY a spa day at home
- Take a nap in the middle of the day if you’re tired.
Self Care for Emotional Health
Focusing on emotional self-care is a great way to learn more about yourself. You can figure out who you are and your path in life.
- Practice gratitude. Say it aloud or keep it in a journal.
- Meditate for 10 minutes.
- Focus on your spirituality.
- Do something that makes you feel free.
- Go on a long walk with your best friend.
The Key to a Simple Self-Care Checklist
The key to creating a successful self-care checklist is to make sure the self-care activities you choose are beneficial to you and add value to your life. While I know all too well the difficulty of finding time for yourself with all the hustle and bustle of life, it’s very important to take time for yourself.
And remember – don’t overwhelm yourself! Go Slow. One task at a time. Take it one day at a time. Your self-care routine shouldn’t stress you.
But make sure you do set self-care goals and keep track of how you’re doing so that you can measure your progress. Be sure you take the time to reevaluate what is and isn’t working for you.
So, what kind of self-care activities are on your list?
More Self Care Posts
- The Best Self-Care Shower Routine for Peace and Relaxation
- Create a Self Love Altar to Love Yourself More
- Create Your Own Self Care Kit with these Basic Essentials
- A Self Care Sunday Routine (Perfect for Productivity and Relaxation)
- Easy Ways to Pamper Yourself During Your Period
