By Jennifer Benson
That’s a beautiful way to phrase it —like we each carry an invisible self-care battery that
needs to be recharged.
Sometimes it’s at full capacity: you feel grounded, energized, creative, and in flow. Other times
it’s running on low: you might notice irritability, fatigue, or that you’re giving more than you’re
receiving. Checking in with your “self-care battery” can be a powerful practice—asking yourself:
- High charge → You’re rested, nourished, connected, and aligned.
- Medium charge → You’re doing okay, but need small boosts like rest, nature, or
- mindful breathing.
- Low charge → You may be running on autopilot, neglecting your needs, and craving
- deep replenishment.
Self-care is how you plug yourself back in—whether through rituals, rest, nourishment, or joy.
Things that can drain your battery are the following:
- People Pleasing
- Relationship Conflict
- Work Stress
- Overcommiting
- Insomnia
- Eating Junk Food
- Physical Pain or Illness
- Financial Stress
- Comparing Yourself to Others
- Neglecting Your Needs
- Feeling Guilty
- Not taking downtime/breaks
- Lack of Creative outlet
Things that can recharge your battery:
- Setting Boundaries
- Asking for Help
- Time Alone
- Getting Creative
- Time with loved ones
- Mediation
- Read
- Journal
- Eat whole Foods
- Garden
- Excerise
- Out in Nature
- Laughter
- Listen to Music
- Hydration
- Donate clothes, remove anything you no longer use
I created a quick quiz for you to check in with yourself.
Self-Care Battery Check-In Quiz
Ask yourself the following questions and track your answers:
1. Energy
- A. I wake up feeling refreshed.
- B. I feel drained before the day is halfway through.
2. Emotions
- A. I feel calm, joyful, and centered.
- B. I feel anxious, irritable, or disconnected.
3. Body
- A. I’m moving, stretching, and listening to my body’s needs.
- B. I’m running on caffeine, sugar, or skipping meals.
4. Mind
- A. My thoughts feel clear and inspired.
- B. My mind is cluttered, foggy, or overstimulated.
5. Soul
- A. I’ve taken time for stillness, ritual, or something that nourishes me.
- B. I can’t remember the last time I did something just for me.
Results
Mostly A's → Your Self-Care Battery is 80–100% charged! Keep
shining and maintain your rituals.
A mix of both → Your Battery is around 40–70%. Time for gentle recharging with
small, daily practices.
Mostly B's → Your Battery is running low (0–30%). Pause, retreat,
and prioritize YOU before burnout sneaks in.
Pro tip: Treat your self-care like charging your phone—you wouldn’t wait until it’s at 1% to plug it in.
Just reminders for us all to check ourselves and see where we as individuals are in your own self care daily checklist.