Nov 94 min read

Day 9 - Self-Care Choose Your Own Adventure

Updated: Nov 22

How It Works

30-Day "Choose Your Own Adventure" Self-Care Challenge where each day you choose between nurturing your inner Gremlin (embracing chaos, fun, and breaking rules) and being your Higher Self (grounded, nurturing, and wise).

This balance will help you explore both sides of your self-care needs, from lighthearted fun to deeper reflection.

Day 9: Reflection Time

Gremlin Choice:

Journal, Gremlin Style Write the most sarcastic or rebellious journal entry you can imagine. Go off about something ridiculous, vent, or make up a wild story. Just let your brain have a free-for-all on paper.

Higher Self Choice:

Reflect with Gratitude Spend time journaling about what you’re thankful for today. Reflect on the moments of joy, growth, or connection you’ve experienced lately, and let yourself bask in that gratitude.

What did you decide today?

What exactly is true self-care

True self-care goes beyond surface-level activities and is more about consistently meeting your genuine needs, setting boundaries, and taking steps toward your well-being in a deep and meaningful way.

Recognizing and Honoring Your Limits

Knowing and respecting your physical, mental, and emotional limits. This means not pushing yourself to exhaustion and honoring when you need rest, support, or time alone.

Counteracting self-abandonment is about strengthening your connection to yourself and honoring your needs. Here are some strategies to help rebuild self-trust, reconnect with your inner voice, and practice self-acceptance and support:

Practice Daily Check-Ins

Set a Consistent Time: Designate a specific time each day—such as morning or evening—to reflect on your feelings and energy. Consistency helps make check-ins an automatic part of your routine.
Use a Check-In Journal: Dedicate a journal to your daily reflections. Each day, jot down your mood, thoughts, and any significant feelings or experiences. Writing helps clarify emotions and track patterns.
Start with Three Simple Questions: Ask yourself questions like, “How am I feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally?” “What do I need right now?” and “What am I grateful for?” Simple prompts make it easy to reflect.
Practice Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes to breathe deeply, allowing your body and mind to settle. This mindful pause creates space to observe how you feel without rushing.
Use a Mood Tracker: Track your mood each day using a mood-tracking app or color-coded chart. This visual record helps you see trends and identify what might influence your emotional well-being.
Incorporate Body Scans: Close your eyes and mentally scan each part of your body, noting any tension, discomfort, or relaxation. This practice helps connect with your physical state and identify areas needing attention.
Express Gratitude: As part of your check-in, list one or two things you’re grateful for each day. Cultivating gratitude boosts positivity and helps you appreciate small, meaningful moments.
Use Guided Journal Prompts: Follow prompts like, “What was the highlight of my day?” or “What challenged me today?” Prompts make check-ins easier, especially when you’re new to daily reflection.
Set Intentions for the Day: Each morning, think about how you want to approach the day and set a simple intention like “patience” or “focus.” Reflect on how well you honored your intention at the end of the day.
Tune into Your Energy Level: Rate your energy on a scale of 1-10 each day. Tracking energy helps you notice patterns and adjust your schedule to match your energy fluctuations.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge one thing you’re proud of or that went well, no matter how small. Celebrating wins fosters self-compassion and encourages you to recognize your progress.
Take a Walk in Silence: Go for a brief walk without distractions and tune in to how you’re feeling. Nature and movement offer a peaceful environment for checking in with yourself.
Use Self-Compassion Statements: Start your check-in by affirming phrases like, “I am doing my best” or “It’s okay to feel this way.” Self-compassion can ease self-judgment and help you embrace your emotions.
Visualize Your Feelings: Picture your emotions as colors or shapes. Visualization can help you process how you feel and offer insight into emotions that might be difficult to articulate.
Reflect on Achievements and Areas for Growth: Spend a moment reviewing something you accomplished and an area for improvement. This balanced reflection fosters both gratitude and awareness.
Tune into Your Environment: Notice how your surroundings impact your mood. Adjusting small details, like lighting or sounds, can help align your environment with your emotional needs.
Use “I Feel” Statements: Start each check-in by finishing the sentence “I feel…” Focusing on the present emotion helps you connect deeply with your current state.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause: Recognize when you’re rushing through your day and give yourself permission to take a break. These pauses are opportunities for mini check-ins.
Make it Part of Your Routine: Incorporate your check-in with daily rituals like morning coffee or brushing your teeth. Routine anchors help you make self-reflection a natural part of your day.
Reflect on What You Need Moving Forward: At the end of your check-in, consider what you need for the rest of the day. This focus helps you approach the day with intention and self-awareness.

Regular check-ins provide an opportunity to nurture self-awareness and respond to your needs with intention, supporting a grounded and balanced approach to each day.