What’s on your self-care checklist?

As an official member of the midlife woman’s club, I have experienced many of the challenges my fellow sisters face. With the mantra of "lean in" and the heartfelt belief that "I can do it all," I navigated a demanding career and a failed marriage while dealing with midlife healthcare issues, including breast cancer and menopause.

The Cost/Benefit of Leaning In

Undoubtedly, I benefited greatly by believing in myself and grinding it out. But I often lost sight of my self-care, compromising my well-being. On the one hand, this ethos gave me confidence, which helped me feel strong and capable of handling various challenges. On the other hand, it led to high self-expectations and pressure to excel in all areas of life, which was exhausting and at times overwhelming.

The truth is that balancing career, relationships, personal care, and other responsibilities can become a daily juggling act, often leaving little time for self-care. Striving to "do it all" can result in burnout, as the relentless pursuit of perfection in every area can be mentally, emotionally, and physically draining.

Personal well-being is often neglected in the quest to meet everyone else's needs, leading to health issues and decreased quality of life. Societal and cultural expectations that women should be able to manage everything seamlessly reinforce this pressure, further intensifying the stress. Recognizing your challenges is an opportunity for growth. It can lead to a reassessment of your priorities and prompt you to seek support where needed. Having good self-care routines in place will help ensure you’re taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Building Good Self-Care Routines

Here’s a comprehensive self-care checklist to help you stay balanced and nurtured. Keep in mind, self-care is personal and unique to each individual. Adjust this checklist to fit your needs and lifestyle.

Morning Routine

• Hydrate: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
• Meditate: Spend 5-10 minutes in meditation or deep breathing exercises. (Can't stop thinking for that long? Journaling is a good substitute!)
• Stretch: Do some light stretching or yoga to wake up your body.
• Healthy Breakfast: Eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your day.
• Skincare: Follow a morning skincare routine to refresh and protect your skin. Make it a snap with the Rise and Shine Face Care.

Daily Activities

• Move Your Body: Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity (walking, yoga, workout).
• Take Breaks: Step away from work or daily tasks to rest your mind.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Connect: Spend quality time with loved ones, either in person or virtually.
• Mindful Eating: Eat meals without distractions, savoring each bite.

Mental and Emotional Health

• Journal: Develop a regular practice of writing down your thoughts, feelings, and gratitudes. To get you started, check out the Pen to Paper Box.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize your well-being.
• Limit Screen Time: Reduce time spent on social media and digital devices.
• Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments to be present and mindful.
• Seek Support: Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist if needed.

Evening Routine

• Skincare: Follow an evening skincare routine to cleanse and nourish your skin. For a simple kit, try our Nightly Face Time box.
• Plan for Tomorrow: Make a to-do list or set intentions for the next day.
• Limit Caffeine: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime.
• Unwind: Engage in relaxing activities like reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath. Create a restful environment and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep. We have just the ticket in the Sleep to Dream Box.

Weekly Self-Care

• Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a spa day, manicure, or a long bath. Here's one idea: Rebalancing Act.
• Nature Time: Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park or gardening.
• Hobbies: Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
• Declutter: Organize your space to create a peaceful environment.
• Reflect: Take time to reflect on your week and make adjustments for better self-care.

Monthly Self-Care

• Health Check: Schedule any necessary medical or dental appointments.
• Budget Check: Review your finances and adjust your budget if needed.
• Treat Yourself: Indulge in something special, like a new book, a piece of clothing, or a meal at your favorite restaurant.
• Learn Something New: Take a class or start a project that interests you.

Self-Care is Self-Love

Lalah Delia said, “Self-care is how you take your power back.” I believe it is an essential form of self-love, and with practice, it can change your life. "Doing it all" is meaningless if you don't love yourself. Use these tips to strengthen your self-love: 

• Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem.
• Gratitude: Practice daily gratitude to focus on the positives in your life.
• Laugh: Find humor in your day and allow yourself to laugh.
• Forgive Yourself: Let go of any mistakes or regrets.
• Be Kind: Practice kindness towards yourself and others.

Showing Up for Yourself

Reclaim your well-being and embrace the moments of care and compassion you give to yourself. The more you show up for you, the stronger you will be.