The Self-Care Checklist Every Woman Needs

Self-Care Checklist

Sometimes going through life we can lose sight of simply taking care of ourselves in meaningful and replenishing ways. Below I have detailed 4 domains of self-care and corresponding checklist for you to use as opportunity to check in with yourself regarding your own self-care routine and habits. And don’t worry, if you can’t check off as many as you like just take note of the ones listed that you like and start implementing them now!

D O M A I N #1:

M I N D

Where are you at when it comes to taking care of your mind? Do you have activities in your life that nurture your mindset? Do you have space to process your thoughts and emotions? A central tenet to overall well-being is our mind. Unique to human beings, the mind goes beyond simply our brain but encompasses our internal world. And taking care of this world is imperative. Here is a list of self-care activities that nurture the mind. Take stock and see where you measure up:

I take time to:

• Play cognitive games i.e. puzzles, Luminosity
• Apply scripture or philosophy to help cope
• Obtain mental guidance and advice
• Express emotions in a safe and loving way
• Study something new
• Read a book
• Make space and time to sit with emotions and thoughts
• Take time to evaluate life events and circumstances
• Evaluate what I'm grateful for on a frequent basis
• Journal frequently
• Attend therapy (click here to read my article on how to find a therapist)
• Sit with and learn from negative feeling states like sadness and anger

D O M A I N #2

B O D Y

Where are you at when it comes to taking care of your body? Do you have activities in your life that nurture your body? Do you take the time to listen to your body’s needs? Also central to well-being is our physical health. The body is our temple and should we neglect to take care of it, it will undoubtedly crumble. Here is a list of self-care activities that nurture the body. Take stock and see where you measure up:

I take time to:

• Get at least 7 hours of sleep
• Eat healthy and clean
• Exercise in a way that works for me i.e. walk, gym, yoga, dance, sports, etc
• Ensure my own safety and stability
• Listen to my body’s needs and adjust accordingly i.e. injury, fatigue, overcompensation, etc
• Awaken my senses with invigorating activities i.e using essential oils, savoring food, enjoying music, having healthy and enjoyable sex, finding the beauty in things, etc
• Treat my body to kindness i.e. cleansing natural detoxes, massage therapy, avoiding self-injury or harm.
• Attend to my medical needs
• Adorn my body in ways that promote self-love

D O M A I N #3

S P I R I T

Where are you at when it comes to taking care of your soul? Do you have activities in your life that nurture your spirit? Do you take the time to listen to your soul’s needs? Our soul is our core, and many believe it is our true self. Spirit embodies our truth, and we should honor it as such. Here is a list of self-care activities that nurture the spirit. Take stock and see where you measure up:

I take time to:

• Meditate i.e Yogic, Tai Chi, Zen, Prayer, Vipassana, Mindfulness, Dance, etc
• Connect with my higher power i.e. prayer, fellowship, scripture reading, praise
• Relish in my blessings
• Foster freedom and independence
• Evaluate my existence outside of societal pressures and oppressions
• Have Quiet Moments
• Be Still
• Listen to my Soul’s needs
• Process what is preventing me from living my truth i.e. therapy, studying myself
• Smile
• Laugh
• Comfort myself
• Spend time in nature/outdoors

D O M A I N #4

H E A R T

Where are you at when it comes to taking care of your heart? Do you have activities in your life that nurture your passions? Do you take the time to fulfill your heart’s desire? We must also take special care to preserve and nurture our connection to others and our external world. Heart embodies our compassion and passion, and minding how we regulate this area of being is essential. Here is a list of self-care activities that nurture the heart. Take stock and see where you measure up:

I take time to:

• Follow my passions in life
• Bestow compassion that I feel for others
• Set healthy boundaries in relationships
• Embody benevolence and give back
• Help others in ways that work for me
• Express and Receive love
• Foster and invest in positive relationships in my life
• Demand Social Justice and Peace
• Thwart Oppression and ignorance
• Evaluate others and myself with kindness and acceptance
• Persevere in endeavors I care about
• Spend time with loved ones

Happy Caring!