Your Self-Care Checklist
Here’s how to take care of yourself every day without breaking the bank.
The older we get, the more important focusing on our self-care becomes. Especially if we also happen to be struggling to make ends meet or acting as a family member’s primary caregiver.
Constant stress can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental health. Taking time to focus on what is good for you and what makes you happy on a regular basis can make a real difference in how you feel.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.
To help you make self-care a habit, we’re sharing a checklist for simple activities you can do whenever you have the time — and without having to spend extra money.
Everyday Self-Care
Squeeze some self-care into your day by making these ideas part of your routine.
Everyday Self Care Activities
- Spend at least 10 minutes outside
- Write down or think of 1 thing you are grateful for
- Drink your water
- Go for a walk around the block
- Stop using your phone 30 minutes before bed
- Read a good book or listen to music
- Spend 5 minutes stretching
- Try meditating for 10 minutes
- Put your phone on do not disturb when you sleep
- Write in your journal
- Say hello to co-workers or neighbors
- Take your multivitamin
Once-a-Month Self-Care
Taking time just for yourself and your needs fills up your cup like nothing else.
Once-a-Month Self-Care Activities
- Try a pampering treatment
- Explore a new activity
- Spend one day unplugged from social media
- Have lunch with a friend
- Volunteer to help someone
- Declutter one area of your home
- Try a new workout
- Sample a new tea or cuisine
- Dive deeper into a hobby
- Enjoy a date night or night out with friends
- Take a “me” day where you do whatever you want
- Spend time with animals or in nature — or both!
If you’ve been running on empty or feeling burned out for a long time, it may feel strange at first to pause and focus only on your needs. Try the different activities listed above to learn which ones really make you feel good.
Finally, if you’re not feeling better after some self-care, it may mean you need some extra help. And asking for help is the ultimate form of self-care. Reach out to a friend or look into affordable therapy options.
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