We’ve been through 11 months of extreme self-care together. But where do we go from here and how do we remember all that we’ve learned? In The Art of Extreme Self-Care, Cheryl Richardson’s final chapter focuses on how to make your own extreme self-care tool kit.
We’ve learned a lot in the past year, but during a crisis, it’s easy to forget what we’ve learned. In any given year there can be an accident, job loss, death or any other number of big or small events that push us to the limit.
It’s going to happen. We now have some tools to fall back onto when it does get tough. But the key is how are we going to remember those tools when that crisis comes? And it’s as simple as creating a spreadsheet or Extreme Self-Care answer key to use when you need it most.
I’ve attached a spreadsheet for you to use. In it, you’ll answer questions such as:
Who can I turn to for support when I’m afraid?
Who do I need to avoid?
How will I best express my feelings?
What can I do when I need to take a break?
The answers to these and other questions will allow you to have a fallback in time of a crisis. If someone falls ill in your family, pull out that card and look at it. You’ll know who to call that will support you, who to avoid because they cause more anxiety, and how to take care of your physical health so you can be there for others.
If you’re looking for additional ways to bring self-care into your life, Cheryl Richardson has an amazing deck of Self-Care Cards. There are 52 different cards to use in different ways. Use weekly or you can pull ones at random, whenever you need additional guidance for self-care.
To find the rest of the monthly self-care calendars, go to Extreme Self-Care. You can check out Cheryl Richardson to find other books by her. If you really want to do some pampering self-care throughout the year then you might find what you need here.
Hi Jennifer, I love the idea of a spreadsheet or other type of document to record what to do and who to contact (or not!) in the event of an extreme situation in our lives. I know from experience that we can lose the ability to think clearly for awhile, and any type of assistance is so helpful. Shared on SM #MLSTL
It is important to define who not to turn to because in a time of crisis we might mistake “help” as someone actually caring about our well-being when it’s actually about themselves and making themselves look good. Better to recognize that type of behavior before the crisis hits.
I hadn’t thought about being prepared in advance for an emotional upheaval/crisis Jennifer. This would have been really handy to have when I hit the wall earlier in the year. I’ll have to sit down and make a few notes when I get back from being on holiday so I’m prepared if I get hit with another one down the track.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Yes, Leanne, it’s good to plan it now while we’re not in crisis.
Hi Jennifer, Enjoyed reading this post and especially like the idea of having a written plan with fallback ideas to use in times of crisis. The 12 weel journal program I authored, “Colors of Joy: A Woman’s Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss,” includes this and many colorful exercises to help women thrive. Nice to meet up with you at #MLSTL and will reshare and pin this post.
Thanks for dropping in, Nancy. I’m glad you liked the post and agree that having a written plan to use in times of a crisis is very helpful.
Thanks for sharing the spreadsheet Jennifer. It’s good to think about these things before the crisis hits! I like the idea of the self-care cards too. I might have to check that out.
What a great idea to have a plan. TFS!
What great ideas! Always inspiring.
Thanks, Laurie.
Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your spreadsheet. It’s a helpful tool to prepare ourselves and to use in times of a crisis. I like that it covers not only who to turn to but also who to avoid. #MLSTL
Do very important to remember who to avoid. Toxic people often find our emergencies as a way to “get back into our life” and too late we realize they haven’t changed.
This is the first time I hve heard of extreme self care… sounds like something I need more of!
We all do!
I’m an avid Cheryl Richardson fan. Have you ever attended one of her fall retreats? It’s on my bucket list. The spreadsheet is a good idea for tough times.
I haven’t been to any of her retreats, but I’ll have to check them out.
I really like this idea of using the spreadsheet. Self care is so much more than bubble baths and face masks!
Yes, it is so much more than bubble baths and face masks (although those are pretty nice!) But the spreadsheet will help you keep on track, especially if you have some toxic people in your life or toxic habits. When a crisis comes along (and they always do,) the spreadsheet will remind you of what you need to do to protect and care for yourself.
This is the first year since I was 19 that I don’t have somebody I’m caring for. I’ve said goodbye to people who were toxic in my life and said goodbye to others way to soon, but today I’m starting to figure out what it really is that I want to do. Right now, it’s to go to Alaska. After that…who knows.
Sometimes we don’t even realize how toxic they are. Or we think we need their “support” while we’re going through difficult times like losing someone way too soon. But in the end, their “support” is just an illusion. I’m glad you’re focusing on you.
We’ve never needed self-care more than we do today.
That is so true.