Self-Care Self-Assessment: 15 Signs Your Body and Soul are Screaming for Self-Care
Answer these questions to help you determine if you need more Self-Care in your life.
1. Do you take time out to relax each day?
o Yes, I set aside time every day just for me.
o Sometimes; if my schedule isn’t too crazy.
o No, I find it really hard to relax when I’ve got so much to do.
2. Do you get enough sleep each night?
o Yes, I make sure I am well-rested each night.
o Sometimes; if I can get to bed early enough.
o No, I’m always exhausted.
3. Do you exercise on a regular basis?
o Yes, I have a normal exercise routine.
o Sometimes; when I get the urge to hit the gym.
o No, I’m too tired to workout.
4. Do you ever spend time alone?
o Yes, I make sure I have some alone time each day.
o Sometimes; if I can make it work out.
o No, I rarely ever have a moment alone.
5. Do you have healthy eating habits?
o Yes, I try to eat healthy as often as possible.
o Sometimes; when I think about it.
o No, who has the time or money to eat healthy?
6. Do you allow yourself to have fun?
o Yes, I spend a little time each day doing something I enjoy.
o Sometimes; if I have a few extra minutes.
o No, I can’t remember the last time I did anything fun.
7. Do you ever put yourself first?
o Yes, I have to take care of myself first before everyone else.
o Sometimes; if no one else needs me.
o No, I usually put everyone else’s needs in front of my own.
8. Do you ever unplug from technology?
o Yes, I step away from my phone for a little bit each day.
o Sometimes; when I take nap.
o No, never. What if someone needs me or I miss something?
9. Do you spend much time outdoors?
o Yes, every day. I try to get outside as often as possible.
o Sometimes, when I’m walking to my car.
o No, I spend most of my time indoors.
10. Do you feel like self-care is beneficial?
o Yes, 100%. Self-care is so important to my overall health and wellness.
o Maybe; for people that have time to do it.
o No, it takes too much time, effort and money.
11. Do you ever say no when someone asks you to do something?
o Yes, when I feel like it doesn’t serve me.
o Sometimes; when I have the courage.
o No, never. It’s hard for me to say no to anyone if they need my help.
12. Do you ever ask for help?
o Yes, anytime I feel overwhelmed.
o Sometimes; when it’s not too much of a burden to someone else.
o No, I can handle everything on my own.
13. Are you genuinely happy with life?
o Yes, I love my life and always find things to be grateful for.
o Sometimes; when things are going right.
o No, life is tough. I find it really hard to be confident and happy with who I am.
14. Are you physically pretty healthy?
o Yes, thankfully I hardly ever get sick.
o Sometimes; although I never feel like I’m operating at 100%.
o No, I’m always coming down with something.
15. Do you ever treat yourself with small gifts?
o Yes, I make an effort to treat myself in small ways all the time.
o No, I don’t really need or want anything.
o No, I can’t afford to treat myself to anything.
For all those questions to which you answered YES, keep doing what you’re doing in these areas to keep your self-care routine strong.
If you answered SOMETIMES or NO, it’s time to assess what changes you can make to start developing a self-care routine that works for you. Of course, if you’re happy with your life, no changes are necessary. But if you’d like to experiment and experience what some additional self-love can bring, focus on one of these questions and make some changes.
Changes don’t have to be life-altering; start small by adding one new habit a week. Schedule some alone time or take a 15-minute walk without your phone. Allow yourself the time and space to do something purely for the fun of it. Put yourself first once in a while and start taking the steps to prioritize self-care in your life.
There aren’t any point values involved in this assessment and no one will come back to check on whether you’ve made changes; but improving each of these answers toward the YES column will greatly help you develop a life-changing self-care routine
