How to Create a Self-Care Checklist

If you find yourself falling behind in doing the things that you know are good for you, it may be time to create a self care checklist.

Just as you might have a regular to-do list for meal prep or cleaning tasks, a “good things to-do for yourself” list can serve as a handy reminder amid the hustle and bustle of every day life. These are great things to add to your time budget!

It’s been a rough couple years globally, and at the same time each of us has had her own personal challenges in the course of raising kids, managing the home, and carrying on day-to-day life. Somewhere in the messy middle, the idea of taking care of oneself can get hopelessly loss.

This is where I found myself this winter. A couple of our kids were awaiting diagnoses for recurrent issues, I was struggling with my pandemic weight gain, and we had a family wedding to prepare for.

It felt like one long tunnel to get through.

Along the way, though, I realized that I wasn’t doing a good job taking care of myself, doing the things that I know are good for me, like Self Care Sundays, yoga, good nutrition, adequate hydration, or any of the things that I would consider fun and entertaining.

That’s when I got the idea to create a self care checklist for myself.

I don’t know about you, but I’m the type of person who needs direction each day. I am prone to distraction, so checklists keep me on the straight and narrow. Especially when it comes to self care.

If you’re a checklist kinda woman, then I’ve got a new one for you! Here’s how to make your own self care checklist:

Determine your priorities.

We don’t all have the same priorities and preferences when it comes to taking care of ourselves: body, mind, and spirit. Yours may differ from mine, and for good reasons. We’re different.

Brainstorm a list of all the things that you think would be helpful to your overall wellness if done on a regular basis. This can range from making sure you’re hydrating to planning a vacation day each month.

Sometimes, even getting your house shipshape with a Home Reset can help you feel physically and emotionally.

Scroll down for ideas to inspire you!

Create your list.

Once you’ve identified the things that you want to work into your regular schedule, create a list that will be easy to access and make you smile. Usability is key here!

I made mine in Canva and then printed it in color. I laminated it so I could use a sharpie or wet-erase pen to check things off as I did them.

Test your list.

What sounds like a good idea on paper doesn’t always work out practically. I speak from experience here.

When I first started working my list, I found out that doing all the daily things became a full-time job! I didn’t get much else done in those first few days because I was so busy “taking care of myself”.

What was supposed to help me achieve better wellness became more of a chore, so I had to adjust my list to be more doable.

Let your list guide your daze.

There may be days when you are firing on all cylinders and can easily and naturally work in moments of self care amid other tasks and responsibilities. Some may even be really great habits you do already.

Other days, you may need your self care checklist to guide you when you don’t know what to do next. Look at your list and just do the next thing.

Self Care Checklist Ideas

Consider adding one or more of these practices to your self care checklist:

Daily

• Read the Bible.
• Pray.
• Journal.
• Do mental health work, like the Neurocycle app.
• Do a yoga workout. (I use the Yoga Studio app.)
• Go for a walk or run.
• Work out.
• Hydrate.
• Take vitamins and supplements.
• Moisturize.
• Floss your teeth.
• Don’t skip breakfast!
• Drink tea.
• Take a hot bath or shower before bed. (This milk bath is nice!)
• Eat more vegetables.
• Connect with your people.
• Clean/tidy a space.
• Check your planner.
• Read for pleasure.
• Read for learning.
• Be creative.
• Get outside.
• Record your blessings.
• Clear your desk.
• Listen to a podcast.
• Watch a show/movie.
• Visit with a friend.
• Play a game.

Weekly

• Set intentions for the week.
• Set up planner.
• Get a manicure/pedicure.
• Clean your bedroom.
• Meal plan.
• Do some meal prep for the week, like a batch of Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk. Yum!
• Go on a date night.

Monthly

• Take a vacation day.
• Get a massage.
• Set up your planner.
• Set goals for the month.
• Recap your accomplishments.

These ideas are really just to get you started. Expand on your list and let it go where your personality lies. You’ll notice on my list, I have some “chores” but things that I know are good for me and make me happier.

Isn’t that what self care is all about?

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