How to Create a Self-Care Plan That Works for You

How do you create a self-care plan that truly supports you—not just one that looks good when you talk about it?

The truth is, self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks. It’s about paying attention to the parts of your life that are crying out for rest, love, or change, and responding to them with care.

Here’s how to build a self-care plan that’s aligned with your needs.

Step 1: Identify What Needs Care

Start by checking in with yourself by asking yourself some key questions. Ask:

• Where in my life do I feel most tired, resentful, overwhelmed, or numb?

• What part of my day consistently frustrates or drains me?

• Which areas of life feel chaotic or ignored?

• Where do I often say yes, when I really want to say no?

• If I had a free day, what would I crave doing?

• What would help me feel more balanced this week?

  
  

You don’t need all the answers right away—but noticing how you feel when you reflect on these questions is a great first step.

Step 2: Check in With the Core Areas of Your Life

On a scale of 1 to 10, rate these six areas of your life. Anything under a 6 might be an area to nurture:

• Physical 

• Emotional 

• Mental 

• Spiritual

• Social 

• Financial 

  
  

Keep an eye out for red flags:

• Feeling constantly tired, even after rest

• Losing motivation or inspiration

• No longer enjoying things you used to love

  
  

These are signs that your system is overloaded and in need of care.

Step 3: Explore What You Truly Need

Every need has a matching self-care approach. Try this quick guide:

• Need energy? Try an empowering self care task

• Need peace? Try a mindfulness self care task

• Need expression? Try a creative self care task

• Need anxiety relief? Try a restorative self care task

  
  

This isn’t about doing more, it is about doing what matters.

Step 4: Make a Curiosity List

Think of things you're drawn to—even if you’ve never tried them before. What lights you up just thinking about it?

• Taking a pottery class?

• Going on a solo hike?

• Starting a tiny herb garden?

  
  

This list becomes a resource for joy. Come back to it when you feel stuck.

Step 5: Create Your Self-Care Menu

Restorative 

• Take a warm bath with music and candles

• Lie on the floor with legs up the wall

• Use a weighted blanket for full rest

• Try Yoga Nidra or a guided sleep meditation

  
  

Mindfulness 

• 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise

• Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4)

• Eat one mindful, screen-free meal

• Gratitude journaling (list 3 specific things daily)

  
  

Creative 

• Make a vision board for your dream life

• Try “junk journaling” without rules or pressure

• Dance to a song that reflects your current mood

• Cook a meal based on your feelings, not a recipe

  
  

Empowering 

• Practice self-compassion when you fall short

• Celebrate every win, big or small

• Set boundaries and stick to them

• Revisit goals—not to pressure yourself, but to refocus with clarity

  
  

Your self-care plan doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Your body should be telling you: “You’re safe here. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to grow.”

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s vital. And you deserve a version that honors who you are—and who you're becoming.