Life gets hard sometimes, doesn’t it?

Overwhelming sometimes, too.

Or just – well, A LOT, right?

Between the stresses of daily living and trying to make smart improvements, you can forget to press the “pause” button every day to take care of yourself.

That’s why I want to talk about making a Self-Care Checklist to help.

Now, let me emphasize that there’s not “one size fits all” approach to self-care, the activities you deliberately practice on a regular basis to promote your overall wellbeing.

But I want you to consider these categories and how they apply to your life, routines, and desires. Make a list of what resonates for you, particularly the needs that are currently going unmet. We’ll use that list to create your own personal self-care checklist.

Physical. These needs include general health, exercise, diet, and sleep. Do you need to schedule time daily to exercise? Do you need to get on a corrective exercise program so that your body can keep up with the life you want to live? Eat more fresh vegetables every day?
Emotional. Take time each day for mindfulness or meditation to check in with your emotions. Don’t judge yourself for any need or desire. Write in a journal. Speak to a trusted counselor. Express affection – and your need for it. Take time FOR YOURSELF — away from work, the kids and your partner.
Financial. If you’re anxious about money, then start making a budget and tracking your resources and expenses. Check with a financial adviser to make sure you’re planning for retirement appropriately. If you have a short-term savings goal, make the deposits on schedule. Whatever the worry is, taking action will help. Getting a hold of your financials will allow you to allocate your resources to goals that make your life more fulfilling.
Personal growth. Some people want to study for a degree or certification. Some want to enroll in a spiritual program, learn an instrument or language, or go to a seminar. Lifelong learning is essential, so do what you need to do for your intellectual or professional ambitions.
Social connections. We all need each other — whether it’s family, friends, a religious community, or some other group. A lot of people feel adrift at some points in their lives, and it’s important to make the effort to connect. So, call or write someone you care about. Let them know you’re thinking about them.
Nature. Try to spend time outdoors every day. Go for a walk, play with the dog, wash your car… the sun and air will do you good.
The basics. Simple habits like brushing teeth, showering, going for regular health checkups, and keeping a clean house are important to maintain. If you find yourself slipping on any of these, stop yourself and remember to get back on track. In the speech “Make Your Bed,” Admiral William H. McRaven said that if you make your bed in the morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day.😀

Now review the list you’ve made. Narrow it down to items you want to incorporate into your routines. Try to be realistic about what you can really do right now to make sure your self-care needs are met.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s being responsible.

And this isn’t meant to be a complete, uneditable List of Rules. It’s just a guideline to help you care for your most important asset.

YOU.

How did your list building go? Are you questioning whether the exercise part is what your body needs? We would love to be able to help you develop a program with stretches and exercises that allow your body to keep up with the way you want to live. Use the link below to schedule a time for a discovery call.