Self-care Checklist

Self-care is trendy. Self-care is easy. WRONG! Although we hear about the need for self-care, it may not be easy to implement. The basic definition of self-care is the process of establishing behaviors to ensure holistic well-being of oneself, promote health, and actively manage illness if it occurs. Self-care is nonnegotiable. It should be practiced every day. There are eight foundational areas of self-care. Here is a small list of simple things you can do to create or add to your self-care routine. 

What do you do for self-care? What are some of your favorite activities? 

PHYSICAL 

1. Move your body every day. (A simple 30-minute walk goes a long way.)

2. Eat nourishing meals. 

3. Get adequate sleep, between 7-9 hours a night. Take naps when needed. 

4. Sit in the sun and soak up some vitamin D. 

5. Schedule your annual wellness visits. 

MENTAL

1. Practice gratitude.

2. Journal.

3. Go on a social media detox. 

4. Set or review your goals. 

5. Write and use positive affirmations daily. 

EMOTIONAL

1. Have a good cry. 

2. Set or review boundaries around your relationships 

3. Schedule a session with a therapist. 

4. Spend quiet time by yourself. 

5. Do something that brings you joy. 

ENVIRONMENTAL

1. Declutter your wardrobe. 

2. Organize your home & workspace. 

3. Take a trip and explore someplace new. 

4. Purge your cleaning products and replace what you can with nontoxic items. 

5. Rearrange your furniture. 

FINANCIAL

1. Set annual financial goals. 

2. Enlist the help of a financial professional to understand debt & credit 

3. Save a few dollars each month. 

4. Write down financial affirmations. Change your mindset around money. 

5. Use a money app to keep track of your finances and bills. 

SOCIAL

1. Connect or reconnect with people that you value. 

2. Limit time with negative people. 

3. Hang out with friends & loved ones with zero distractions - be present.

4. Form a new personal or professional relationship. 

5. Message a friend and tell them how grateful you are for them.

RECREATIONAL 

1. Tap into your child - reconnect with play. 

2. Spend time in nature. 

3. Have a pampered day. 

4. Go on a trip!

5. Join an in-person class - exercise, art, photography, etc. 

SPIRITUAL 

1. Map out your core values. 

2. Visit your place of worship. 

3. Begin a practice of meditation and breath-work. 

4. Read books related to your spiritual practices. 

5. Keep a gratitude or prayer journal.