Right now, self-care is more important than ever. In the midst of protests and pandemic, quarantines and election-year politics, we must focus some time and attention on taking care extending grace to ourselves. Self-care is the practice of taking care of our needs — for rest, for healthy food, for community.

Unfortunately, self-care is often confused with self-indulgence in the media. Splurging on pedicures and eating chocolate cake for dinner, however, is not self-care if you are trying to save up for a down payment on a house or trying to manage diabetes with diet and exercise. Usually, self-care is not glamorous, but the benefits that you receive from taking care of yourself are immense: reduced stress, increased energy, more patience, less physical illness. In times of stress, self-care is even more important.

When I worked with law students, I developed this checklist for students. When I began leading PEPS groups, I found that new parents appreciated the checklist as they sought to survive on little sleep with a newborn. Perhaps you will find it helpful now, in the midst of uncertainty.

Self-Care Checklist

When did you last eat? When did you last eat a vegetable or fruit? Eating a balanced meal can help reset your body and mood. Grab something green and enjoy the crunch!
When did you last drink a glass of water? Our bodies need water to function properly. Think about a how much a house plant perks up after being watered — your body is the same way!

Would a 20-minute nap help? Ideally, you are getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, with a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. If this isn’t happening for whatever reason, a short nap can boost your energy level. If you have time for a longer nap (90 minutes to 3 hours), you might even feel refreshed.
Do you need to move your body? Even a 5-minute dance party to your favorite song will release endorphins and boost your mood. The shortest path to happiness is through movement.
Have you been outside today? Fresh air is a wonderful mood-lifter. Take a walk, if you can, and get the endorphins from movement too.
When did you last shower? It sounds silly, but it’s easy to put off taking a shower, especially now that we aren’t seeing each other in person as often. Showers can be therapeutic.
When was the last time I talked to a friend? Nothing will boost your mood like talking to a friend.
Is there a project or chore that you are avoiding? If so, can you do it right now, or can you schedule time to do it? If you can’t, who can you ask for help with it? You might not be able to get everything done every day, but making progress where you have been procrastinating can give you a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to keep going.
When was the last time you did something fun or interesting for yourself? This could be as simple as doing a puzzle, gardening, reading a fun book, baking, or whatever makes you happy.

This too shall pass. But until it does, remember to include self-care in your daily activities.