Revisiting The Basics: Self-Care Checklist
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
Well, 2020 has been quite the year, or I guess I should say “is” since even now, we’re still going through it. Staying on top of schoolwork in a condensed semester would be a struggle regardless, but on top of our current climate, at least for me, “tough” doesn’t really cover it. Finding a balance between work and self-care is extremely difficult, but it’s also extremely important. Essential, really.
Which brings me to this post: a checklist and a list of resources. Listed below are reminders and tools to so you can take care of yourself and help you get through this crazy time. If you feel you haven’t been taking care of yourself as well as you should have, this is your sign to turn it all around.
So, to start with, what is self-care?
To mix Google’s definitions with my own: self-care is assessing how you feel physically and emotionally to then serve yourself better. It’s about maintaining a healthy relationship with your mind, body, and environment. Doing so allows us to enjoy and live life just a little bit better. It varies from person to person and even though this list may look like it, it is not one size fits all.
1. Taking Care Of Your Mind
Did you do something solely for your own enjoyment? Listen to a song you like. Watch an episode of your favorite show. Read a book. This could be anything — as long as it’s for you.
Did you spend time with people who care about you? Whether in-person or virtual, it’s important to receive and give affection in such an emotionally draining time; let people know you care about them and show that love in return
Did you take a second to reflect on your emotions, either through meditation or journaling? Take stock of yourself, your feelings, and how it’s affecting everything else around you. Slow down and help yourself relax.
Did you unplug for at least a bit? Log out of social media. Don’t check your email. Close your computer screen. You deserve a break.
2. Taking Care Of Your Body
Have you gotten enough sleep? Enough water? Enough food? We all know we need these things to function and still we neglect them constantly. Go to sleep, drink water, eat your food, and take care of yourself!
Have you gone outside and gotten a bit of Vitamin D? Have you made the effort to move? It’s harder than ever to get out and exercise, but if you’re safely able to do so in a backyard, balcony, or any other secluded area, I’d take advantage of it. Remind yourself of the world outside of a room.
Did you attend to personal hygiene? Yes, this is an extremely basic and elementary thing to ask about but hey, when things hit the fan the simplest things can go first.
Did you get dressed? You’re way more likely to get things done if you’re not in pajamas, just saying.
3. Taking Care Of Your Environment
Did you make your bed? Did you open your windows? Your blinds? Little things can make a big difference: letting in the light, waking up to a clean room — it all counts.
Any nagging household chores that need completing? Tidying isn’t always the most fun but it’ll only serve as a distraction if you don’t get it taken care of.
It’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay to forget. It doesn’t have to be perfect and it doesn’t have to be pretty. It’s not selfish and it’s not inherently expensive either.
It’s all about you and it’s all for you.
But even then, it’s still tough. USC knows that and tries their best to help in their own way. They’ve formulated a myriad of resources:
You don’t have to take all of this advice or any of it, but I do encourage you to at least try one: a checklist, resource, or anything else you feel you need. Take care of your work, but take care of yourself too.
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