I don’t have to tell you that self-care is important, I think we all know that by now, but having your own daily self-care checklist can be life changing. Because even though we may know the importance of self care, that alone doesn’t make it easier to remember to actually incorporate it into our daily lives.
And doing something to take care of ourselves now and again is great, but self care works best when it’s a daily practice!
Because we all need to be reminded sometimes that it’s:
- okay to take that time away from your family
- okay to take time away from your job/side hustle
- and okay to take a timeout from all of your other responsibilities in order to put yourself first and recharge those mental and emotional batteries
If you’re anything like me, life just goes more smoothly when there’s a list around to keep you on track!
So I’ve put together a daily self-care checklist to help you remember both the big and the small stuff that you can do daily to take better care of YOU.
And if you want a printable version of this list you can grab one by signing up for my email list using the form below!
As a bonus it also includes a blank version of the daily self-care checklist, so that you can create one that fits you and your life perfectly!
Now that you’ve done that, let’s jump right into the list:
1. Shower and get ready
On a hard day, or when facing depression or other mental health issues, even just getting in the shower can feel like a challenge.
But it’s also one of the quickest ways to feel a little better and more prepared for your day.
What you do to get ready for your day afterwards can definitely depend on the day, but at a minimum you should brush your hair and teeth, and put on clean clothes.
They sound like small things, but putting that little bit of time and effort towards yourself reminds you that you’re worth being taken care of.
2. Drink enough water
I know we all know this. But it still helps to include it as a part of your daily self-care checklist because it’s so easy to forget in the busyness of every day life.
Many people aim to drink half their body weight in ounces of water, but do what’s best for you!
One great small goal to start off with is just to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning after waking up.
This way you get the added health benefits of drinking some water first thing, and you already have one glass checked off for the day!
3. Eat three healthy-ish meals
Your day starts in a rush, and despite your best efforts before you know it it’s noon and you’re trying to remember whether you’ve had anything but coffee all day.
Sound familiar?
Way too many of us forget to eat when we’re busy or stressed.
The opposite of that can be over indulging in unhealthy choices when we’re struggling emotionally.
Personally I’ve done both at different points, and neither helped with my already overwhelmed mind.
I know you’re busy, I know it feels like there’s zero time in the day for one. more. thing.
But this is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your family.
Eating healthy is some of the most necessary self care there is.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t mean every meal has to be perfectly balanced or that you can’t ever indulge in your favorite treat, but making an effort to eat regularly and eat healthier will improve every other area of your life tremendously.
So rearrange that schedule so you have time for breakfast in the morning, meal prep ahead of time, have groceries delivered so you’re not as tempted to buy those carefully placed unhealthy snacks you see in the store.
Nourish your body and you will feel the difference both physically and mentally!
4. Move your body for 30 minutes
Try to get at least a good 30 minutes of physical activity in your day.
Whether that’s a workout, going for a walk or run, or even just practicing some stretching and yoga.
There are so many different options out there, so find something you really love doing!
It’s one of the best ways to get a quick mood boost, and your body will thank you for it!
5. Take time for a hobby
Reading, coloring, gardening, photography, whatever you’re passionate about, it should absolutely be a priority in your life.
Regularly doing something creative has pulled me out of a dark place more than once, so I’ll gladly shout it from the rooftops all day, haha!
Take a little time each day for something that sparks joy in your soul!
6. Practice a meditation/breathing technique
I personally swear by daily meditation and breathing techniques when it comes to better managing stress, as well as having more patience.
Regular meditation is a wonderful way to feel more grounded and balanced in your daily life.
This means that when difficult situations come up, you’re far more likely to stay calm and clear-headed in the moment.
Breathing techniques can be done alone or combined with meditation to do the same.
I find them especially helpful in difficult moments in motherhood.
A moment taken to pause and take a few deep breaths usually allows me to reconsider and adjust my reaction in a challenging moment.
7. Spend time outside
There’s just something about being outside, and closer to nature that truly feeds the soul!
The fresh air, the sunlight, nature in all her glory.
It’s another wonderful way to feel more grounded.
To sort of reset, and get out of your own head for a moment.
And again, time spent outside taking a walk or going for a run can also be a great way to boost your mood!
8. Decorate/declutter your space
Your environment has a much bigger effect on your mood and mindset than most of us realize!
It’s a lot tougher to feel calm and clear-minded when you’re looking at clutter all around you.
It’s harder to feel inspired or at peace in a space that doesn’t feel like your own.
So do yourself a favor and clear off your desk, put up some art or decor that you really love, and slowly go around giving the same treatment to every space you spend a lot of time in.
You don’t have to take on big projects every day!
Start small!
Think, one drawer or shelf. One table or nightstand.
You’re going to feel a little happiness boost every time you look at your newly decorate/decluttered space!
9. Challenge negative thoughts
Because if we don’t question, or at least examine the way we’ve always thought, it’s much harder to create positive changes in our lives.
Not sure what your negative thoughts are?
Start by journaling!
Journaling is an amazing way to become more self aware and stop self-sabotaging behavior in its tracks!
(You can read more about how to journal for better mental health HERE)
Once you’ve identified the specific negative thoughts/thought patterns you’re dealing with, try creating powerful daily affirmations that say the opposite!
EXAMPLE:
Negative thought: I know I won’t follow through on this goal, so why even bother?
Affirmation: I keep the promises I make to myself, and prioritize what’s important to me.
10. Take one step towards a goal
And speaking of goals!
You need them. I need them. We all do.
It doesn’t matter what the goals are, they can be about your health, your relationships, your career, your family, your hobbies, literally anything that means something to you!
If you’re not sure about what your goals are then this is another time that journaling could really help!
Once you have some goals in mind, make sure that you’re taking at least one small step towards one of those goals each day.
It really will add up!
So let’s be real, self-care isn’t all luxurious bubble baths, fancy massages, or shopping sprees (although those can definitely be a part of it!)
The most important kinds of self-care are the not quite so glamourous ones, the little things we choose to prioritize in our daily lives.
The things we do even when it’s not easy, because we know we’re worth the effort.
(But hey, absolutely throw in some luxurious bubble baths or whatever else might feel a tad bit extra but makes you blissfully content, because you need and deserve those moments too!)
But the great thing is that daily self care doesn’t have to be time consuming!
A lot of the self-care ideas on the list can even be done two at a time!
Going for a walk could check off moving your body and time spent outside, a hobby like cooking could be a great way to check off enjoying a hobby PLUS eating three meals a day, etc.
Don’t forget to grab your daily self-care checklist so you can start prioritizing you and finally staying on track with your self care!
And if you’re looking for more helpful posts on self care and mental health, be sure to check out:
- DIY Self Care Ideas Jar
- 11 Self Care Ideas for Anxiety
- How to Clean Your House When You’re Depressed
- How to Journal for Mental Health
What are some ways that you practice daily self care? Share your ideas in the comments section below to help inspire others!
2 thoughts on “Daily Self-Care Checklist + FREE Printable”
Love your clean blog layout it feels refreshing. 🙂 I love to declutter and tidy up when I am in a bad mood and in need of a little self-care. Time outside is also always working. Thanks for the great post 🙂
Thank you so much! 💖 YES, decluttering and cleaning are my go-tos when I’m in need of a pick-me-up 😊