It can be super overwhelming to do a general Google search of “self care,” only to find list after list of things you NEED to do RIGHT NOW. I remember when I had depression really bad. Trying to do all of these good self care things quickly led to overwhelm and burn out.
The thing is… self care is NOT supposed to lead to burn out! If you’re getting stressed by trying to take care of yourself, then you’re doing it wrong (like me a couple years back). It took me a second to realize that the little things I did WERE my self care. No brainers, like drinking water and exercising daily, needed to happen for me to sustain a healthy body and mind.
So there’s definitely an easier way to take care of yourself—very simple, easy, and fun ways to take care of yourself. I’ve narrowed it down to the very basics. If you can nail each one of these things every day, you’re off to a GREAT start. You can add more things later, but just get started with these few things. 🙂
The simple self care checklist
- Wake up on time
- Work out for at least 30 minutes
- Drink 2 liters of water
- Talk to or smile at someone
- Limit my social media use
- Read something educational or inspiring
- Do something you enjoy
- Get to bed on time
And that’s it! If you just started your journey of self care, remember to keep it simple. I designed this list to help you do just that. I also designed a free course that goes into a little more detail on self care and self love. If you’re looking for something a little more intensive, try out my free 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness email course. It is packed with Hawaiian values that will inspire you to live your best life and be your best self.
I wish you joy and aloha on your journey!
Love,
Lei
Good list! I’ve found that some self-care things I need to push myself to do (like eat healthy or exercise) but like you said, you also need to find fun things. I’m still learning the thing you described about small things can be self-care, whether not beating myself up for a bad decision or giving myself permission not to fold the laundry.
Yes! You totally understand Kara! I LOVE what you’ve said here about just being kind to yourself for NOT doing things too! Another thing that helps me make decisions about self care is to come from a place of love. While there are plenty of important things to “get done” in life, what things would help and improve me? How can I approach my situation (whether it’s stressful, exhausting, etc) from a place of love so I can find balance and experience joy? You are definitely on the right path!!! Sending lots of aloha <3