Introduction
In the whirlwind of our daily lives, finding moments of self-care can be challenging. We can even think we don’t have the right to put time aside just for ourselves. Especially as women, we can get lost in caring for others—forgetting that we also need to be cared for. To help you do just that, I created several self care journal printables.
As a professional Life Coach, I know the importance of self care. Initially, I had to teach myself to give in to self-care, and now I can help other women do the same through my coaching practice.
This blog will look at the meaning of self-care and how many types of self care are there. The insightful perspectives will contribute to holistic well-being. Discover the 10 different types of self-care, and learn why each facet is essential for your overall health and resilience in the hustle of everyday life.
Now, the cherry on top—14 Free Self Care Printables (no strings attached, you don’t need to sign up for anything). From gratitude journals to daily routines and mood trackers, to self-care bullet and bucket lists, to habit trackers and affirmation journals, and finally from daily self care routines to self care activities.
So, if you’re ready to prioritize yourself and make self-care a seamless part of your routine, scroll down, click on the links to the self care worksheets, and embark on a journey to a healthier, more fulfilled you.
The downloadable PDFs will guide you on your self-care journey. Each printable is a digital companion, offering lifetime access to aid you in your pursuit of well-being.
What is the meaning of self-care?
Self-care, as defined by the self-care federation, is when individuals take care of their own health using available knowledge and information. It’s a process that gives individuals the power to efficiently and conveniently take care of their own health, with the help of healthcare professionals when necessary (a certified life coach, for example).
Now, in more informal terms, what does self-care really mean? It means spending some time on just yourself. Anything you do deliberately with your well-being in mind. It means taking care of your physical, nutritional, emotional, and spiritual needs and finding time to relax and have enough sleep daily. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually in your normal daily life!
And if you are a busy mom, try some relaxing gifts especially designed for moms like you.
There are different types of self-care. Let’s have a look at each of them.
What are the 10 types of self-care?
Self-care is all about doing things that help you feel better, both in your body and mind.
Self-care is a broad term. There are various types of self-care, and you may prioritize different aspects based on your needs and preferences. Many people state there are 8 types of self care. However, I believe there are actually 10 types of self-care.
Below you will first see the 8 usually mentioned types together with the two I added: recreational self-care and financial self-care. These 2 form an important part of our lives and should be part of our self-care routine.
In this part of the blog, we will further explore the kinds of self-nurturing to give you a thorough idea about what self-care is so that you can include as much as possible in your self-care journal. It will also give you new ideas about how to care for yourself and even pamper yourself!
Here are the 10 different types of self-care:
- Physical Self-Care:
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Adequate sleep and rest
- Nutritious eating habits
- Hydration and proper nutrition
2) Emotional Self-Care:
- Journaling and expressing emotions
- Seeking therapy or counseling
- Read a book about life-purpose for women
- Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation
3) Mental Self-Care:
- Continuous learning and personal development
- Setting and achieving goals
- Managing stress through relaxation technique
- Taking breaks and time off when needed
4) Social Self-Care:
- Nurturing positive relationships
- Spending time with loved ones
- Setting healthy boundaries in relationships
- Engaging in social activities and community involvement
5) Spiritual Self-Care:
- Practicing meditation or prayer
- Connecting with nature
- Engaging in spiritual or religious practices
- Reflecting on personal values and beliefs
6) Professional Self-Care:
- Setting work-life balance boundaries
- Seeking professional development opportunities
- Taking breaks during the workday
- Addressing workplace stressors and challenges
7) Environmental Self-Care:
- Creating a comfortable and organized living space
- Spending time in nature
- Reducing exposure to environmental stressors
- Being mindful of the impact of surroundings on well-being
8) Creative Self-Care:
- Engaging in artistic activities (coloring, drawing, painting, writing, etc.)
- Exploring creative hobbies and crafts
- Expressing oneself through music or dance
- Allowing time for imaginative and playful activities
9) Recreational Self-Care:
- Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities
- Reading, watching movies, or listening to music
- Participating in sports or other recreational activities
- Allowing time for play and enjoyment
10) Financial Self-Care:
- Budgeting and financial planning
- Saving for future goals
- Being mindful of spending habits
- Seeking financial advice when needed
This overview will inspire you to generate your own self care ideas.
Self-care is a personal and ongoing process. Finding a balance that works for you and using various types of self-care in your routine can contribute to your overall well-being and resilience. A great way of tracking your self-care, is by using self care journal prompts to write in a self-care journal.
We now know what self-care is, but what is a self care journal?
What is the purpose of a self-care journal?
A self-care journal will help you take better care of yourself by tracking your progress. It is your safe place to express your innermost emotions and desires. You can see it as a brain dump—freeing yourself up.
Ultimately, this will not only improve your physical health but definitely also your mental health. Journaling your self-care progress is a perfect way to help yourself become the best version of yourself.
A self care journal is a place to track your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around self-care. Whether it’s an app, a notebook, or just a piece of paper, the choice is yours. What matters most is that it offers you a chance to be sincere about your current state.
The purpose shows in the many benefits of journaling. Here are the 11 benefits of journaling:
- Tracking your progress. Journal regularly to track your self-care progress. This can help you stay motivated and on track.
- A space to vent. Self-care journals offer a safe outlet for negative emotions. This can prevent emotions from causing problems in other areas of your life.
- Tracking your triggers. A self-care journal can help identify triggers for unhealthy behaviors. Know your triggers and learn healthier coping strategies.
- Developing self-awareness. Journaling increases awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s a good thing to be more self-aware because it helps you understand why you do things.
- Finding solutions. Journaling about your self-care journey can help you think of new ways to take care of yourself. This can be super helpful when you’re feeling stuck or lost.
- Celebrating your successes. Make sure to celebrate your accomplishments, even the little ones. A self-care journal gives you a space to do this, keeping you motivated and encouraging you to keep up the good work. You can use inspirational self motivation quotes.
- Learning to love yourself. Writing in your self-care journal and honestly answering guided questions, are a great way to learn to love yourself and be confident. Consistently engage in the various forms of self-care journaling, and gradually your self love and self-esteem will grow.
- A sense of control. Journaling about your self-care journey gives you full control over what you write. It’s a confidence booster, especially if you feel you have no control over other things in your life.
- Creating a new routine. Jotting down your ideas about a better daily routine helps to create new routines.
- Challenge negative beliefs. Honestly writing down what is going on in yourself helps you first to identity your negative beliefs. Once you have identified them, you can challenge them and work on replacing them with positive beliefs about yourself.
- Prepare for difficult times. When you create self-care ideas and self-care practices during your journaling journey, it will set you up for success when life gets hard.
As you can see, the importance of self-care cannot be underestimated. Journaling is a powerful tool to help you take good care of yourself and create self-care plans.
You can journal on your own, or with the help of a life coach.
What is in a self-care journal?
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The question is now… what to write in a self care journal? Well, ultimately that’s up to you (LOL).
Here are some ideas for topics to write about in your self-care journal—if you are using a blank page or blank template.
Here are some self care journal ideas:
- Your day.
- Specific emotions.
- Negative thoughts.
- Things you are grateful for.
- Things you find a challenge.
- Your physical health and steps to improve.
- What you did well.
- What you can improve.
- Things you would wish you would do.
- Your vision for a relaxation day.
- Your emotional health.
- Unhealthy habits.
- Positive things in your life.
- Parts of your life.
- Your weekly goals.
- Etc.
Really, it is up to you. You are writing to and for yourself. So, write about what best fits you. Your self care journey is in your own hands.
However, if you simply don’t know where to start, you can use journaling prompts. Using prompts to write is a powerful way to start writing in your self-care journal. You can also use predefined self-care journaling templates.
The good news is that I created several of them, just for you! Those printable self care journal pages will guide you in what to write about. Use a pdf app to print them and write on the pages itself. Or use the self care journal prompts to write in your own journal.
Scroll down to the end of this blog, and you will find the digital product. Just click on the links and get your downloadable pdf pages.
How do I start journaling for self-care?
Well, that’s actually simple: just start!
For your journaling to be effective, do it on a regular basis, even if it is just a little bit of time each day. The best way is to set aside time for your journaling, thus putting your own needs first!
There are various ways to use a journal. You can use a plain notebook, a beautiful diary, or digital planners, just how you like it. You will get the best results when you do it regularly and honestly. Preferably write full sentences, but there is no wrong way to do it! It is your self-care journey.
To create a cozy ambiance in your home, play your favorite song, add some coloring pages, and tell a family member it is now your ‘me-time’. Make self-care journaling part of your daily to-do list to ensure you don’t just start, but also continue.
And don’t forget to use beautiful and colorful pens to make your journal a warm and welcoming place to be busy just with yourself.
But to help you and make things easier (after all, you are taking care of yourself—no stress!), I created several self-care journal printables. The good news is all digital journals are free and have an instant download.
So, scroll down and look for your favorite guided self care journal!
Downloadable free self-care journal printables (pdf pages)
Each printable self-care journal is a digital download, giving you lifetime access to the digital file (pdf files). The printable PDFs are for personal use.
Here are the download links to each free printable self care journal:
#2) Printable Gratitude Journal: Grab your Printable Gratitude Journal for a daily dose of good vibes! List things you’re thankful for, print it out, and make gratitude a habit. It’s your go-to for positive thinking!
#3) Daily Gratitude List: A simple yet powerful practice to cultivate a positive mindset and enhance your overall well-being. Use this printable to jot down the things you’re grateful for each day. Regularly reflecting on gratitude can shift your focus towards the positive aspects of your life. Another way is by using growth mindset printables.
#4) Self-Care Journal Prompts: Spice up your journaling with Self Care Journal Prompts Pdf! Use them with your own self care journal to explore various aspects of self-care. Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions to gain insight into what truly nourishes your mind and body.
#5) 118 Journal Prompts About Yourself: Explore your inner self with 118 thought-provoking self care journal prompts. Write on the printed free guided journal pdf. Get ready to dig deep and discover who you really are by using this self improvement journal pdf consistently.
#6) Self-Reflection Journal: Meet your Self-Reflection Journal, your personal space for deep thoughts and self care check in questions. Dump feelings, track progress, and ride the personal growth wave with this guided self care journal. It’s like your diary but with a splash of mindfulness.
#7) Affirmation Journal: Roll out your Affirmation Journal for daily positivity! Boost confidence with positive affirmations. It’s your secret weapon for turning self-doubt into “I got this” vibes. This journal includes various categories of journaling prompts and an extra blank page for your own categories of affirmations. Using morning affirmations to boost your confidence is a great way to start your day!
#8) Self-Care Checklist: Get your Self-Care Checklist and keep those self-love promises! Hydration, breaks, mindfulness—check them off. This journal workbook pdf is your cool tool for maintaining those sanity-saving habits.
#9) Daily Self-Care Routines: Dive into your Daily Self-Care Routines—morning stretches, afternoon chill breaks, and evening wind-down. The customizable vibes in this daily self care list will enable you to have a balanced and laid-back day.
#10) Self-Care Activities: Explore Self-Care Activities for mind and body. Choose what sparks joy—reading, a bath, or dancing in your PJs. It’s your guide to smiles and inner peace. Feel free to add your own activities. It is important to do what you love!
#11) Self-Care Bucket List: Craft your Self-Care Bucket List for a wild ride to happiness. Personal goals, adventures, and ticking off achievements. It’s your go-big-or-go-home roadmap to bliss. In this free printable you will find bucket list ideas, and a blank page to add your own choices.
#12) Self-Care Bullet List / Self Care Bullet Journal: Simplify your self-care routine with this handy bullet journal printable slash self care checklist pdf. Use this monthly self care checklist template for quick and actionable self-care ideas. From small daily indulgences to nurturing rituals, this list is your go-to guide for moments of intentional self-care amid a busy day.
#13) Habit Tracker: Grab your Habit Tracker—it’s like a game for forming good habits! Track water sips, workouts, and me-time goals. It’s your progress map for leveling up. Comes with a prefilled sheet, a sheet with habit ideas, and an open habits tracker sheet. Grab your printable self care tracker!
#14) Daily Mood Tracker: Meet your Mood Tracker—this self care tracker is the vibe detective for your feelings! Jot down emotions, spot patterns, and champion self-awareness. It’s your ally in the rollercoaster of moods.
Each of these self care worksheets are powerful tools to get you started and get you going on your self-nourishing journey. Journaling is one of the ways to build confidence as a woman.
So, grab your self care journal printable today and start journaling!
All the links in an easy overview (pick what the self care journal pdf you want to use):
- Types of self-care
- Printable Gratitude Journal
- Daily Gratitude List
- Self-Care Journal Prompts
- 118 Journal Prompts About Yourself
- Self-Reflection Journal
- Affirmation Journal
- Self-Care Checklist
- Daily Self-Care Routines
- Self-Care Activities
- Self-Care Bucket List
- Self-Care Bullet List / Self Care Bullet Journal
- Habit Tracker
- Daily Mood Tracker
And if you want all the free self care journal templates, just click on the following link, to get all the self care journal printables at once in a zip file.
Click here for your self care journal pdf free download (ALL printables in 1 simple click).
Take-Away self care journal printables
In the hustle and bustle of life, especially for women, prioritizing our own well-being can often be overlooked. However, armed with the insights shared in this blog and equipped with the 14 Free Self Care Journal Printables, you now possess the tools to turn self-care from an ideal into a daily practice.
From understanding the diverse dimensions of self-care to unraveling the benefits of journaling, you’ve gained insights into nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental health. The comprehensive list of 10 different types of self-care serves as a guide for your personal journey to your whole well-being.
So, as you commit to putting yourself first, remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Your self-care journal is more than a mere notebook; it’s a tool for progress tracking, venting emotions, and celebrating successes.
Grab your printables, start this life-changing journey, and let journaling be your daily self-love and self-improvement routine. Your well-being is a lifelong investment. And these free printable self care worksheets are here to accompany you toward a healthier, more fulfilled version of yourself.
Happy self-caring with these self care journal ideas!
If you want help to work on your self-care routine, reach out to me. I will gladly come alongside you on your self-care journey.
Christel Owoo is a professional Life Coach with ACC-credentials from ICF.
She is passionate about helping women gain confidence.
Do you want to gain confidence in life and live fully in your God-given potential?
