Gamified selfcare?
Mar 17, 2026 10:01 am
Hi
I'm you're doing ok this week.
I've got a lot on, helping my 14yo with her first GCSE; it's Textiles and the exam is a 10 hour practical and it's in two weeks, and we're feeling the strain!
I'm also packing to move house in a few weeks, as well as my usual work so it's all go.
I spent a few minutes planning this morning, including reminding myself to have SELFCARE (yes, I wrote it in caps) as a priority in these busy weeks.
I recently gamified my selfcare.
I had struggled to do some of the things I know I need, like drinking enough water each day - I find when I do it's transformative, but I STILL struggle to do it.
I read somewhere that people like me can be a bit All Or Nothing, and so we can't do the thing Well (read perfectly), we don't do it at all. In fact, I don't attempt it!
What I need is a scaled Self Care To Do List for each day, one which acknowledges I have different capacities on different days. So now I have an easy, tricky and full selfcare score for each things I'd like to do.
For example, I want to get outside and walk for 10 minutes every day. I know it's good for me. It lowers my stress levels and helps me feel better straight away. Yet, sometimes I go for weeks without it (I'm looking at you, Rainy January/February!.
In my new rhythm, when I have low capacity, I might just open my window and sit by it. If I have more energy, I might pause for 10 seconds outside the house on my way in or out - often at night to look at the stars. If I'm doing well, I go for a 10 minute walk. This usually turns into 20 or 30, as I enjoy it once I get going.
I've gamified it by giving myself points: 1, 2 or 3 for each of my five selfcare activities. Each activity now has three levels I can work out, and my goal is to have a minimum level of selfcare every day, and an decent average over a week.
Last week, both scores dropped, so this week I'm going to focus more on making sure even on difficult days I look after myself.
Do you have a selfcare rhythm? What's in yours?
If you made one, what might you include?
I'd love to hear how you care for yourself in the business of life.
Victoria
PS It's Eid this Thursday/Friday - why not download this gorgeous EID bunting or get some Eid colouring cards for a Muslim friend?
PPS Easter week is coming up - you might like to get this Easter Story Treasure Hunt Pack for your family, or one you know - it includes 8 pictures cards to hide and find and an Easter Story book to glue them in and share the story together. It's simple, gorgeous and a meaningful way to explore the story.