Right now take 15-30 seconds and list out tasks that have been on the back burner for some time. Consider that appointment you have been meaning to do, or the donation items sitting in your trunk, or the light that’s on in your car…got a few? Cool! This post is for you.

We all have the best intentions when it comes to scheduling boring self care. You know, the “I’ll drop that off after school pick up” or “I’ll see if the doctor can meet on my day off” never happens because life does what life does and gets in the way! So how can you ensure that those pesky to do tasks get crossed off your list? Enter the Boring Self Care Day!

Boring Self Care comes from the concept that tasks like the doctor’s appointment, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, etc are part of the self care spectrum. It might not be the most “fun” but it does offer a boost to our mood along with easing everyday stressors. Boring Self Care is essential for enjoying Not Boring Self Care—why? Because you can enjoy your TV show or night out with friends knowing that you scheduled your taxes or bought the school supplies already.

Need a list of Boring Self Care Tasks? Get the guide in your inbox!

Here are elements to consider when planning your Boring Self Care Day:

Timing/Frequency:

Boring Self Care days can be monthly, quarterly, or even weekly! The idea is to have somewhat of a rhythm or consistency with them. It’s a good idea to consider “anchor” tasks that occur frequently and could be scheduled ahead of time (teeth cleanings, oil changes, bank holidays, annual check ups). The goal would be to schedule the anchor task, and then add on the other tasks with that specific day. As for amount of time, some people can’t pull off a full day off (ok I mean most but you know what I mean) so a half day can still be effective! You want to have several dedicated hours with the least amount of distractions happening.

Intentions & Expectations:

It can be easy to want to get it ALL done in one swoop. It is rare that everything on the list gets crossed off. Like any to do list, prioritizing and strategizing are key.

Use these questions to help set intentions for your Boring Self Care Day:

• What’s GLASS? (important, will have great impact if dropped)
• What’s PLASTIC? (important, lower impact if dropped)
• What can be THROWN AWAY? (preference but lower importance)
• What can be RECYCLED? (delegated, pushed back to later date)
  

Rewards & Inspo:

Getting these tasks done is no easy feat! Consider some “add ons” that would make the day go by better or inspire you to get it done. Inspirational self care like an audiobook, latte, playlist, a specific item you have been wanting, or a meal at your favorite place can be a motivator for getting the tasks done!

Body Doubling has been gaining popularity as an accountability measure. See if you can coordinate a boring self care day with a friend or peer! Maybe you can join them for an afternoon coffee once you get the things done!

The Nine to Kind Possibility Planner helps you conquer your to-do list with weekly prompts, seasonal inspiration lists, and worksheets to problem solve your most avoided tasks. Ready to get started? Order your possibility planner in the shop!