Self-care allows you to connect with, hear and eventually live from your truest self. Self-care helps you reclaim the energy that can be drained by day to day life.
We can probably all agree that life is busy. The day to day of surviving, getting ahead and taking care of others takes over. It’s mentally and physically draining and, sometimes, we lose sight of meeting our own basic needs.
When I first started creating a self-care plan I wanted to do it all. A little self-care in every part of my life. Right? Wrong!
As it turns out, not only was trying to do it all overly complicated and unrealistic, “all” wasn’t necessarily needed.
After I laughed at myself, because, well, I tend to get excited excited about things and I quickly jump to ALL, it wasn’t long before I realized the error in my enthusiasm.
There was no denying my needs were being lost in the craziness of life and I needed a self-care plan. And, I eventually knew that didn’t mean I needed to do it all. I decided to approach this by looking at what I’m already doing instead of only focusing on what I’m not doing.
So, I took a step back and made note of self-care practices that already exist regularly in my life and created a doable and sustainable plan.
To begin, or to continue, creating your plan, download the checklist below. Find a little uninterrupted time in a comfortable place with no distractions. There’s no right or wrong answer, no judgement and you don’t even have to answer all the questions. You may even want to add a few questions of your own.
Check off the basic needs you are meeting regularly.
Self-Care Needs Checklist
- Do you usually get six to eight hours sleep?
- Do you eat something fresh and unprocessed every day?
- Do you spend time in nature, not matter how briefly?
- Do you drink enough water?
- Do you get enough sunlight, especially during winter?
- Do you schedule annual doctor’s appointments and check-ups?
- Do you get enough exercise?
- Do you make exercise fun?
- Are you hugged and do you hug often?
- Do you laugh often?
- Do you make time for friendships?
- Do you have someone you can turn to when you’re feeling down and need to talk?
- Do you ask for help when you need it?
- Do you express/release negative emotions?
- Do you forgive yourself when you make a mistake?
- Do you do things that give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose?
- Do you make time for solitude and quiet?
- Are you getting regular spiritual nourishment?
- Do you accept yourself for who you are?
- Do you accept compliments gracefully, without dodging or deflecting them?
- Do you avoid comparing yourself to others?
- Do you feel good about yourself without acceptance from others?
Use these questions as a guide to focus on how you are currently caring for yourself. The questions are simply a reminder of what you’re already doing that is working to care for your body, mind and soul.
Are you just getting started with creating a self-care plan? Did you miss the previous posts? No worries. Follow the links below for more self-care articles, downloads and inspiration:
- How Do You Know If You Need a Self-Care Plan?
- Activities and Comforts To Include In a Self-Care Routine
- Falling In Love with Taking Care of Yourself
I’d love to chat.
Do you have a self-care plan? Do you know what in your life could use a little self-care? Do you ever get overly enthusiastic and jump to “all” about something or an idea?
be the best version of YOU
I can easily fall into the trap of wanting and trying to do it all myself! Thanks for the great tips and I love this checklist
Oh my gosh! I love this! I often forget about self-care because of…well life. I know that I need to take time out for me, but there never seems to be enough time in the day. Maybe this checklist will help me start to set something in action.
Make a plan Renee and stick to it. Keep it simple and doable. Make yourself a priority on that to-do list. You deserve it. Can you tell I feel strongly about this haha
I like this list as it points out the simpler ways we can find joy in life if we just stop and take time to notice them!
Self care is definitely on the top of my list this year. Thanks for giving me some ideas on how to approach that!
Happy to help Tara. It’s so so important! We need to chat about Blogfest 🙂
Yes, let’s chat! For sure… excited…
Love this checklist! I am so adamant about getting my 8 hours! I do lots of the things on the list, but I definitely could use more hugs in my life (who couldn’t?)!
That is a fantastic check list, and I’m going to share it with my mom tribe. I’ve definitely felt overwhelmed by the idea of self-care before–like I’m not doing it right or doing enough. Which totally defeats the point!
Thank you for sharing Allyson! There’s no right or wrong. Keep it simple and focus on what you really need. You deserve it. xoxo
When you’re so busy looking after everyone else it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself too. Thanks for the checklist, I think I’m going to print it off and put it on the fridge to act as a reminder.
A reminder that you see everyday is perfect! It easy to lose sight of what we need so we have to make it a priority. We deserve it!
Great checklist it’s going to help me narrow down what areas I should work on. Sleep is going to definitely be on of the first things.
Self-care is something that easily goes by the wayside for me. I think as moms, we tend to put ourselves last quite often. When I start feeling really overwhelmed, I know it’s time to do a self-care check and worry about me for a while.
Hi Cassandra, a little self care goes a long way in making us better at doing all that we do for others. Make yourself a priority. You deserve it. xoxo
I love this list!! I’ll have to print it and use it for a little reminder during the week. Thanks so much for creating!
Awesome Advice. As an entrepreneur, self care is very important.
Thank you Samahria. Nice to meet you!
Self care is so important! I love your checklist as a reminder to take time for yourself.
I love these tips! Thank you
I love this list. I admit, sometimes I don’t do a lot of these. Sleep is a big one. I need to get more sleep.
Self-care can be challenging. In my experience, if you are the primary caregiver in your family, especially for one or more people with disabilities, it is easy to push yourself and your needs to the side. I’ve struggled with ensuring my needs are met (e.g., I’ve gone without adequate sleep for years). It has only been in the last two years or so that I have realized I need to take care of myself in order to take care of others.
You are correct that one needs to make one change at a time. It seems if you try to make too many changes at once, you fail at carrying through on even one.
You nailed it when you said “take care of yourself in order to take care of others”! Making the time for self care might seem counter productive, but the opposite is so true. Thanks Kelly.
I love that you provided a list of prompt questions – they’re really handy for people who have let their self-care go for so long that they don’t really know where to start. We do tend to think we have to jump to EVERYTHING – we need to get all dressed up each day and go all out with hair and makeup, nails, etc. But truly, just eating something fresh every day or actually taking the time to really enjoy your morning coffee is a self-care item … if you make it one.
Exactly! Self care doesn’t have to be complicated.
I always try to sleep up 8 hours a night! I love my sleep!
I’ve made a plan to meditate daily, as well as give myself time to either walk or jog outside for an hour or so a day. Working from home has many benefits, bu also has its downfalls! I bought a Fitbit to help me walk more, and have made it a daily goal to walk 10,000 steps.
Alexis you’re on the right track for awesome self care! How’s meditating going? Do you like it?
Love that check list. So going over that again. I’m all for self-improvement. Yay!
I think most of us tend to jump in with both feet! I no i do! This is a great checklist and it is a reminder that we don’t take care of ourself how can we take care of someone else? This its right into my year of live, love and laugh! Thanks for sharing!
When I first saw the list, I said this is crazy long. Then I started reading it and said these are all things I need to make time to do. Thankfully the ones I need to work on are much shorted than the ones I am doing.
haha the list is long to kickstart a healthy perspective of self care. It’s so so important. Thanks Stacey. xoxo
This is such important information! Self-care seems like a luxury a lot of times, but it is sooo important and necessary! Great check list!
Hi Becky, I speak from my personal experience, self care is not a luxury, it’s a need. A little goes a long way and it makes us better at all the things we do for others. Thanks so much!
There was a time in my life when I took care of everyone else but me. That has changed a lot and largely for the exact reasons on your checklist!
I love your list and the quote. Self care is something that I am working on. It is so important.
I am so excited to get this tips from you. I am so hopeful now because there is something missing in my life & I today I got that motivation from you. I asked some of your questions to myself & find how bad I was with dealing with the things in my life. I want to obey your advice & Facts, I’m sure its gonna helpful to me in the long run !! 🙂
I love this list! I started reading and the second down on the lis I already don’t do. Lol. I need to pay more attention to what my body needs! Thanks for the post 🙂
Hi Jolleen, you might be surprised when you start listening to what your body needs. The body is excellent at letting you know. All we have to do is listen. Happy to share!
Oh how wonderful! I admit to lacking in several areas but, also, ahead in several other areas. I am working on this though a step at a time 🙂 Awesome planning guide though; perfectly covers everything.
One step at a time Michelle! It sounds like your mindset is exactly where it needs to be for self care.
Thanks for making that quoate downloadable. Powerful words
Hi Mary, I’m a sucker for quotes. Enjoy and thank you.
I was just thinking this morning about what I can do with my current life responsibilities to make more time for self care. I often feel guilty about taking time for myself and that I could be using that time to get XYZ accomplished. Shifting that focus is def one of my goals for this year and beyond!
Thank you for sharing these important aspects of life!
Happy to share Esther. Please, don’t feel guilty! Think of it this way, self care makes us better at all the other things we do in day to day life. I’d love to keep in touch about shifting your focus throughout the year. Let me know how it goes.
Having a great self care plan can change everything. If you feel at your best, so will everything else in your life.
Love this!! I am making more of an effort lately, to meet all my needs… Feels wonderful!
Thank you so much for the lovely printable! This would be so pretty framed and placed near my coffee station to read as I wait for my cup to brew! It’s definitely a great way to start the day (along with prayer and a cup of coffee, of course!)
Happy to share Erin, especially with someone who has a coffee station! A daily reminder is exactly how I started practicing daily self care. Thanks and have a great day!
I love your free printable! I shared it on Twitter, I think my followers will enjoy it too! We definitely need to take better care or ourselves!
Thank you for sharing Kristi. Your followers will thank you 🙂
This post is very interesting. It is totally a good reminder for us to take care of ourselves. The checklist is definitely cool!
I must confess that I never really think about this stuff. This is a great reminder for someone like me.
An amazing post! I was able to tick off most from the checklist but for a few I was reminded that I need to spend a bit more on them. It’s really good to have a reminder from time to time. Shared this on twitter so others can be reminded too 🙂
I know I need to work on caring for myself. I have a one year old and a husband so all my attention usually goes to them.
Hi Ashlea, I have 2 kids and a husband so I know what you mean. Think of it this way. A little time for self care makes us better at being all the things we are for others. I’d love to know if the checklist is helpful.
Selfcare is something i struggle with! Iam to busy making sure my kids family friends etc are all ok i forget to make sure iam ok! I will be taking notes of these points and definatly start taking at least 5 minutes a day making sure im ok!
Hi Emma, I have 2 kids and a husband so I know what you mean. Think of it this way. A little time with self care makes us better at being all the things we are for others. Starting with 5 minutes a day is perfect! I’d love to know if the checklist is helpful. Have a wonderful day.
Thank you for this checklist Jill! Such great reminders here of things that tend to fall through the cracks. I’ll be sharing this for sure!
We all need a reminder every now and then. Thanks so much for sharing! xoxo
I do need something like this. I never take time to myself anymore and it’s draining me. Thank you so much for this post!
Hi Chrissy, start with the checklist and small changes you can make for self care. Keep it simple and doable. I’d love to know if the checklist was helpful.
I never thought of creating a self care plan before. That’s a excellent idea as we can often get too busy to take care of our needs in order to stay healthy and happy.
Very good list to check on self-care without being self-centred. You mentioned to forgive yourself, that is a good one that is hard to learn sometimes. Another point that will lift burdens and give you freedom is to forgive others. Once they are forgiven they no longer have a hold over you. Awesome freedom.
Kathleen
Bloggers Pit Stop
Kathleen you’re so right about forgiving others. One of the benefits of forgiving yourself is how it evolves into forgiving others. Letting go.
Loved our chat. Thanks.
Being a mom of 2 kids, I know that Self care is so important and I would love to make use of these great ideas to get the best I needed. The checklist is quiet amazing and I definitely need to spend some time to see where I stand!
Hi Lisa, think of it this way. A little time with self care makes us better at being all the things we are for others. I’d love to know if the checklist helps.
I enjoyed this blog article so much I had to subscribe to your page. Great Points I always try to keep in mind!
This is a great read! Will definitely be using some of these tips from the checklist! Keep it up xx
This is an awesome list! Love your tips. One thing that really stood out to me is spending time outdoors. Nature always help keep me centered!
Such a lovely great list, on how to create a self care plan.. Let’s plan..
I definitely need the download! I get so caught up on everyday tasks and work and school and other things, that I forget I need to take care of myself.
Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful stuff. It is crazy to me that we do so much for others, but when it comes to self care we often feel guilty about it. Thanks for putting this post together!
Great post. I am glad I’m not the only one who thinks that there’s no “One Size Fits All” when it comes to self-care.
This is awesome list, great points. We need to take care for self first. if we don’t take care for self we can’t take care for someone else.
This is amazing. I DO laugh often. That getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep, well I’m working on it. I was glad to see “Do you feel good about yourself without acceptance from others?” on your list. It’s a flat out super power when we can take our sense of well-being out of the hands of others, and love ourselves, by ourselves, for ourselves.
Hi Nicole. Thank you so much for your comment. I loved reading it. My favorite part was what you said about “super power when we can take our sense of well-being out of the hands of others”. That’s wonderfully worded! I’ve learned [for the most part] to do just that. It’s one of the many things I have learned from teaching yoga. Plus, giving other people that much power lead me down a very destructive and unhealthy path. Never again.
I loved out chat. Thank you again and have a wonderful day. xoxo
What a fantastic checklist!
Seems like all these things work together. Focusing on just a few and neglecting others would be a problem. Love that your list is comprehensive. Getting enough sleep and enough spiritual nourishment are both important.
I just started self development and self care. It really helps to relieve one of stress.
This is the most thoughtful post that I have come across today. So often we tend to neglect ourselves while taking care of our responsibilities. These tips are much needed
OMG. Looking at your list, I answered NO on 85% of them. Makes me realize how I must be abusing my body. I’ll have to keep a snippet of your list to remind me. Thanks
That checklist is so, so helpful! As a busy mom it’s easy to look over those healthy living principles. I know finding time alone to study the Bible and getting enough rest are crucial in helping me serve my family well.
This post just hits the mark that so many of us totally miss. As women, we seemed to be programmed right from the very beginning that our role is a nurturing, caring one for people around us – but not a lot is said about the importance of taking care of yourself in the process. After all, if we are in better shape, we are better equipped to help and nurture others that need our care. Great information, checklist and booklet to address something so important.
Gotta love a good checklist! Good reminders.
This is such a great post, really need this in my life! Thank you so much for sharing! 😀
This is so so helpful. Will definitely gonna use a few!!
Ooh, I need that checklist and need to follow it as well!
Thanks for sharing!