Let me start by saying this: Feeling the need for self-care is not a sign you are weak or failing. Intentionally engaging in the practice of effective self-care is a strategy for success and a sign of maturity, wisdom, and personal responsibility.

I know that everything around us makes it seem like grinding and hustling to the point of burnout is the way to demonstrate a serious commitment to personal goals; however, that is often a sign of deeper problems like lack of boundaries, people-pleasing, disorganization, anxiety, and even a need for greater self-acceptance and personal clarity. Today, let us take a step back and work through a self-care checklist to help you reset and recharge.

Why should you care about self-care?

Self-care is the act and practice of nurturing, protecting, and improving your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Self-care is your personal recharging station. More importantly, it is your only vehicle for renewal and recharging.

Our daily actions and habits are either using or restoring our energy, and every day our mind, body, and spirit require positive energy deposits.

When I was younger, every spring, my mom would do a series of deep cleaning routines around the house. Most of us are familiar with this time known as “spring cleaning.” In my house, all of the curtains came down and the windows were washed. Each of the duvets and comforters was washed and put away for the winter. Everything was dusted and cleaned, even the baseboards. Then, the pillows and decor shifted to brighter, soft colors.

This practice signifies preparation for a new season. So, when I think about the self-care checklist and routines that help us reset, I think of them as preparation to set the stage for deep internal work and the next season of our lives.

How often should you practice self-care?

Short answer: Technically, every day; however, there are times when our body and mind require deeper renewal and care.

Sleep and our diet are small daily forms of self-care, but we know there are times when our soul and mental health need more. Self-care can serve as both a proactive and responsive strategy for overall well-being. For this post, I will focus on a self-care checklist for the moments when we want a deeper reflection or reset.

Take a moment now to check in with yourself:

• Do your mind, soul, and spirit need refreshing?
• How do you really feel?
• When was the last time you intentionally took some time to detox and deep clean your inner house?
• Is it time to make room for new things, habits, practices, or routines that result in better mental and spiritual health? 
• Do you feel like you are operating at your best?

This season is a time for resetting and getting rid of the stale, old, dusty inner habits and thinking that need a refresh or upgrade. Just like spring cleaning or a nice reorganization/remodel, a good self-care moment can stimulate a positive shift in mood, peace, joy, and even happiness.

A Self-Care Checklist to Help You Reset:

If you are not sure where to start, I have developed a list of questions below to guide our reflection, planning, and inner detox.

On the left side of the document, you will find a set of reflection questions organized by spirit, mind, emotions, and body. You can choose to reflect on all prompts or pick one that resonates with you the most right now. On the right side, you will find some small actions you can do in each category. Feel free to work through the document at your own pace.

Setting the mood for deep work:

Sometimes I just need to shift my energy and mood before reflecting. Here are some items that just add a little something special to my routines:

• For a quick spiritual refocus, I read this daily devotional: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
• This book really helped me understand how important finding wholeness is: Homecoming: Overcoming Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self
• If you do not have the time or money to always go to a spa, I use these products to bring the spa to me!
  • The BEST Aromatherapy Bath/Shower Oil Sample Set: Aromatherapy Associates
  • Essential Oil Blends and Diffuser: (Scents can really help reset and clear your mind/space)
    • Aromatherapy Associates
    • NOW! Essential Oil
    • Essential Oil Diffuser (multiple colors)
  • At-home Facial Steamer: Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer (the warmth and steady stream of steam makes me melt inside every time)
  • Shower Oil: L’Occitane Cleansing & Softening Shower Oil (this is luxury feeling goodness in a bottle, and a little goes a long way)

Affirmations:

Here are some personal affirmations you can repeat to yourself throughout this process:

• I love the version of me that I am becoming.
• I am worth the time and attention to care for myself.
• I prioritize my well-being, and in turn, I give others around me permission to do the same.
• Personal improvement is my responsibility.
• I am open and willing to evolve.

So, what now?

Honestly, this work might not happen overnight; you might need a week, months, or even the next season of your life to engage in the inner work. It all depends on where you are right now. Just like bears go into hibernation for the winter, you might need to buckle down and put some attention and focus on some self-care practices and routines that can help you rest and do the inner detox, healing, and decluttering.

Wherever you are in your process remember this: Feeling the need for self-care is not a sign you are weak or failing; it is a strategy for success and a sign of maturity, wisdom, and personal responsibility.