• Posted Date: 18/03/2025

Self-care checklist for your mental health

Written By: Stuart HendyLinkedIn Icon Reviewed By:Emma Leadbetter

Last updated on: March 19, 2025


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Self-care checklist for your mental health

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Why you need a self-care checklist for mental health?

Your mind, just like your body, needs regular care. Neglecting your mental well-being can lead to stress, burnout and even physical health issues. A self-care routine checklist keeps you accountable, reminding you to check in with yourself regularly and prioritise your needs.

Benefits of a Self-Care Checklist:

  • Helps you stay aware of your needs
  • Prevents burnout by promoting rest
  • Shows what improves your well-being
  • Encourages taking care of your mental health early

How to understand what you need to add to your mental care routine?

Not all self-care routines look the same. What works for one person might not work for another. A self-health checklist should be personalised to fit your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Ask yourself: What activities recharge me? When do I feel the most stressed? What habits improve my mood? What areas of my life do I tend to neglect? Once you reflect on these questions, you can create a self-care checklist tailored to your well-being.

Difference between daily, weekly and monthly self-care checklists

Self-care isn’t just about one big spa day every now and then. To truly support your well-being, you need to include daily, weekly and monthly self-care habits.

Daily mental health checklist

  • Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated
  • Move your body, even if it’s just a short walk
  • Take time to relax and unwind
  • Connect with someone you care about

Weekly mental health checklist

  • Do something fun just for yourself
  • Spend time outdoors and reflect on your thoughts
  • Declutter your space and set small personal goals

Monthly mental health checklist

  • Review personal goals and celebrate achievements
  • Schedule any needed health checkups
  • Take a day off from screens and social media
Stuart Hendy

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Ideas for a self-care checklist for mental health

Building your basic self-care checklist can be fun! Here are some ideas to add to your personalized checklist self-care routine:

physical self care

Physical self-care

Stay hydrated, prioritize good sleep, and nourish your body with whole foods.

emotional self care

Emotional self-care

Journal your thoughts, practice gratitude, and surround yourself with supportive people.

social self care

Social self-care

Connect with loved ones, engage in meaningful conversations, and give back to your community.

mental self care

Mental self-care

Read books, challenge negative thoughts, and set personal growth goals.

15 Questions for self-care

A self-help checklist includes self-reflection. Ask yourself these questions to check in with your mental well-being:

  1. How am I feeling emotionally today?
  2. Did I get enough sleep last night?
  3. Am I eating nourishing foods?
  4. Have I moved my body today?
  5. Did I drink enough water?
  6. Have I taken time to relax and unwind?
  7. How am I managing my stress levels?
  8. Have I connected with a friend or loved one?
  9. Is there something I’m avoiding that needs attention?
  10. What’s one thing I can do to make tomorrow better?
  11. Do I need to ask for help with anything?
  12. Have I laughed or smiled today?
  13. Am I spending too much time on screens or social media?
  14. What am I grateful for right now?
  15. What can I do to improve my mental well-being?

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Mental health and private health insurance

Taking care of your mental health is important and sometimes professional support is needed. Many private health insurance plans cover mental health services, making it easier to access therapy, counselling and wellness programs.

How private health insurance can help:

  • Covers therapy and counselling sessions
  • Provides access to mental health specialists
  • Includes wellness programs and stress management
  • Helps cover costs for medications if needed

Check your policy to see what mental health services are available to you.

Make self-care a priority

Your mental well-being matters. A self-care routine checklist helps ensure that you are looking after yourself every day, week and month. Regularly checking in with yourself and prioritising self-care builds resilience and improves your overall quality of life.

Take time today to create your daily checklist of self-care and commit to small, meaningful actions that nurture your mind and body. After all, your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so treat it with the care it deserves!

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your insurance plan. Some cover mental health conditions you already have, while others may have waiting times or restrictions. Check with your insurer to see what is included.
Some health insurance plans include mental health care, but others might charge extra. If your plan doesn’t cover therapy or counseling, you may need to upgrade or add it separately.
Most private health insurance plans cover therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication. Some also include hospital stays or wellness programs. Check your policy to see what’s covered.
Yes! Many insurance companies offer online therapy. For example, The Exeter Health provides online counseling through its Healthwise app, which also covers pre-existing mental health conditions. Ask your insurer if they offer similar services.

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