Self Love Checklist: 3 Steps To Practicing Better Self-care

Create your Self Love Checklist (or print our free pdf!)

Create a simple checklist of acts of love that make you feel good. Writing down your goals for self care is shown to make you more likely to honor them and check them off your list.

Create your own template, or download our self-love checklist pdf to get you started. Created in collaboration with @acriativelife, these free self-love checklist templates make it easier and faster than ever to get organized, feel good, and create healthy, loving habits.

When it comes to tailoring your list to what you most need right now, it might not always be obvious as to what your body and soul are actually craving. Breaking down your self-care goals into four different categories and desired benefits might help you to better do this.

Educational  Self-Love

This might not have been the first thing you thought of when considering how to nurture your own wellbeing, but educational self-care is really just all about doing more of what you love. Whether it’s being active, learning about astrology, praciting arts and crafts or travelling, finding ways to deeper immerse yourself in whatever you’re interested in is a surefire path to a better headspace. Who wouldn’t want to lose themselves in something they love for a few hours? Remember that it’s okay to spend time on enriching your mind and making yourself feel good, and that time well spent leads to a life well lived.

Emotional/Spiritual Self-Love

Connecting with your own emotions and spending some time looking inward is what emotional self-care is all about. Sometimes it’s just a matter of asking yourself how you’re doing, checking in with yourself, and asking the question, “how am I doing, really?”

Maybe you’re feeling like a good cry. Letting it all out really takes on a new meaning when you consider that crying is one of the best and most self-soothing methods you can explore. No, don’t make that face, we mean it!  The goal here is to be gentle with your emotions and as accepting as possible of what you’re feeling. Perhaps you’ll take some time to work with your favorite crystals to balance out your emotions, or maybe you prefer to do some gentle exercise or meditate for a while. You’ll know what feels good for you and your emotions.

Physical Self-care

Tending to the needs of the physical body is equally as important as looking after your mind when practicing self care. Now, you don’t have to be a marathon runner or hit the gym six days a week to be practicing physical self care. This can range from taking a walk before sitting down at your desk for the day, or remembering to eat lunch during a chaotic day watching the kids. Simply take this self-care category into account when you’re feeling sluggish or physically down, and, most importantly, listen to what your body needs.

Social Self-care

You’re never alone. Social self-care is all about strengthening connections with the people who matter the most. Think about this dimension of self care when you’re feeling alone, need support, or when your work-life balance is feeling just a little skewed. Whether it’s scheduling time to spend with loved ones, or dedicating energy to addressing and understanding the emotional needs of others, social self care is super important. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert, extrovert or somewhere in between!

3 Self-love Techniques to Stay on Track

So you’ve made your list, and everything might be feeling a bit easier now you’ve got it all down on paper. But you may be wondering how on earth you can actually implement those practices into your daily life. Well, take note! Remember to keep these top three techniques for practicing self love in mind on the daily, to make sure that you are set up for a smooth self love journey, and that you keep holding yourself accountable for you!

Don’t pile on the pressure

Be realistic. There are only so many hours in a day, and you can’t always expect to cross everything off your to do list. Go easy on yourself, and do your best with what you have.

Take back your time

Having said that, scheduling time out of your day to do one thing for yourself can help bring a more organized approach to your self care practice. Adding it to the calendar may feel silly, but it’s a great way to commit to taking that time if you have it written down like a goal. Also, getting into a good routine is a great way to find balance and create better habits.

Back to basics

If you physically don’t have time for anything else (we feel you, we know how easily this can happen!) making sure you do the absolute minimum throughout your day is often the simplest way to love yourself. Ensure you eat at least one healthy meal, drink enough water and get the sleep your body is craving. Because sometimes, basics are just the best. 

Self Love Steps You Can Take Today

Let’s close up with some simple things you can do today (yes, right now, trust us) to kick start your self-care practice. Because yes, in a way, self care is a practice. It consists of forming loving habits that gradually become part of your day to day.

Here are some easy tips to check off your self-care list, for when you’re needing a place to start.

• De-screen for a bit. Put your phone down and ground yourself back to the moment. Going for a walk is a nice way to ensure that your phone won’t pop up and demand your attention for a few minutes.
• Take a long shower or bubble bath. Because honestly, you deserve some ‘you’ time.
• Eat some fruit or veggies. Your body will thank you for this one. 
• Reach out. Asking for help can be the bravest thing you ever do, and it’s also the first step. Online counselling platforms like BetterHelp make professional and affordable counseling available anytime, anywhere, through your computer, tablet or phone. Click here to discover more.
• Choose a favorite. This is a really comforting practice that can instantly lift your mood. Whether it’s eating your favorite comfort food or watching your favorite show, taking some time to indulge in your favorite things can do wonders.
• Make a plan. Plan to travel somewhere, hang out with friends, or even to buy a cup of your favorite coffee. The intention should be to give yourself something to look forward to, no matter how small.

In collaboration with @acriativelife

Maria Cristina Sgrò

Cristina is an interior and graphic designer and content creator. Drawing and illustrations are her passion, and she works as a freelance illustrator making logos and commissions.