self care assessment: figuring out what you need most + list of self care ideas

Self care sounds like a great idea. But where do I start? And what exactly am I supposed to do?

A friend and I had a conversation that sparked this post. (Thank you, friend! You know who you are.)

She was sharing about feeling a little out of sorts after a bunch of life changes and events. As we talked, it seemed to me that she didn’t quite know how she was feeling after such a busy time, nor what she needed next.

Which makes me realize – don’t we all get there?

We seem to be feeling all the emotions, thinking all the thoughts, and knowing we need something, maybe a few things – but what, exactly?

Sounds like it’s time for a little self care assessment.

We can acknowledge that things are out of sort.

Maybe it starts with noticing some bad habits (like eating poorly, staying up too late, sleeping too much). Or sensing ugly feelings (like jealousy, frustration, crankiness, despair). Perhaps the reasons are evident (like major life changes or challenges), but you just don’t know how to adjust. 

I’m no expert here, but I am going to chalk some realizations up to some newly-found self-awareness. It’s okay to find yourself here – it’s not okay to stay here. You are noticing some problematic symptoms of a greater issue. And you’ll need to address it and work through it, instead of powering through (guilty) or choosing numbing tactics (also guilty). 

So if you find yourself a little lost, maybe start here: a little self care assessment to figure out what’s wrong and what to do next.

These are excellent questions to journal through, pray through, or talk through with a friend! Followed by some self-care tips and ideas to really refresh yourself – mind, body and soul. 

This post contains affiliate links – see legal info here.

First, assess where you are right now.

Give credit to things that may be impacting you and taking up a lot of your brain space. Recognize and draw attention to them. Give yourself credit by not beating yourself up – just look at yourself objectively. Allow yourself the same grace that you might give to someone else. 

• What are some events that have been happening recently? (Sometimes I do not give life events enough credit for how much impact they make on my life!)
• What has been occupying my mind lately? And what have I been stressed about?
• How am I doing physically? Have I been eating, sleeping, able to get exercise, shower?
• When was the last time I was able to adequately express what’s going on with me in a safe place? (Through journaling, prayer, a conversation, creative outlets?)
• Who is someone I trust that knows about what’s going on with me?

Second, let go of some things.

One of my favorite yoga sayings is “let go of what no longer serves.” Meaning – there is probably stuff that you’re carrying or trying to make work that you don’t need to be. Maybe feel around the pressure points until you find something that doesn’t need to be weighing heavy in your life. 

• What events are finished, or outside my control at this point?
• Name something or a few things I have been holding onto that I can let go of.
• What is something that I can say no to right now?
• What victories have I had recently? How can I celebrate?
• What are some things I am thankful for?

Last, what do you need to make room for?

When there is a lot going on, one of the first things to go is how I take care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. For some reason, I dive into all the things that will numb me and make me feel better in the moment, but don’t actually resolve anything.

Take this opportunity to asses what you really need right now – how to better take care of your body, mind, or spirit so that you can continue to make it through, and feel your best doing it.

Wondering what the Bible says about self care, or how to go about self care biblically? Check out this post.

Body

• • Eat a meal or snack
  • Take a shower or soothing bath (this soothing kit is perfect and is 10% off with discount code JENN10 )
  • Take a nap
  • Go to bed early
  • Go for a walk
  • Take an exercise class
  • Get a massage, facial, or manicure/pedicure 
  • Or DIY a facial at home with this mask/serum/roller trio (get 10% off with code JENN10 ) 
  • Drink some water
  • Do some stretches or yoga

Mind

• • Dig through a Bible study, passage or verse – here’s a study on how God is for us
  • Work on a hobby you enjoy
  • Take a walk
  • Go for a drive
  • Watch a show
  • Read a book
  • Play a game or do a puzzle
  • Bake or cook something new
  • Journal
  • Write a letter
  • Plan your next trip, or a dream trip
  • Write out some memory verses or inspiring quotes
  • Make a mood board or collage with magazine pictures, or even on Pinterest

Soul

• • Catch up with a friend
  • Meditate or pray
  • Visit a favorite place to go locally
  • Have a girl’s night
  • Go out on a date – with a partner or just by yourself
  • Make a list of things you’re grateful for
  • Treat yourself to something you enjoy
  • Watch your favorite movie
  • Have a mini-dance party
  • Take photos of pretty things around you (or a selfie, gorgeous!)

If you’re the paper and pen type, here’s a free self care assessment printable, so you can get it all down on one page! 

Download PDF Here

How about you?

What helps you in your self care assessment? What are some questions you ask when you need to self-assess? How do you go after self care?

Also, follow my Pinterest board “To Revive” for more ideas!

 

Photo Credit:

1 – my own

2 – Ana Tavares on Unsplash

3 – Cassidy Phillips on Unsplash

4 – Holger Link on Unsplash