Personalised Self-Care Plan for Stress Management

Recharging our social battery

Personalised Self-Care: How to Recharge When Life Feels Overwhelming

Life as a parent, caregiver, or busy professional can leave little time for yourself. Between work, family, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to put your own needs last. Yet, as the saying goes: “You cannot pour from an empty cup.”

Creating a personalised self-care plan is a simple but powerful way to recharge, feel more in control, and show up more fully for yourself and the people who depend on you.

Why a Self-Care Plan Matters

When we wait until we’re completely drained to take care of ourselves, energy and motivation are low and feelings of guilt or shame can make it even harder. A self-care plan helps you prioritise activities that restore your energy, manage stress, and maintain balance, even when life is busy.

By building in small, consistent self-care actions, you’re not only caring for yourself, you’re also better able to engage with your relationships, work, and commitments in a more present and grounded way.

How to Create Your Personalised Self-Care Plan

1. Take a piece of paper or open your notes app.

2. List what energises you. Start with three things in each category.

What energises me

1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________

3. ____________________________

Ideas to get started

• Cycling, walking, or other exercise

• Talking with friends or family

• Watching a favourite TV show or movie

• Listening to podcasts or music

• Reading a book, comic, or graphic novel

• Cooking a favourite meal

• Taking a short nap or rest

• Planning your next day with a simple to-do list

• Grounding and mindfulness techniques

• Journalling

• Playing with pets

• Taking photographs in nature

• Building Lego

Remember: There are no “shoulds.” Choose activities that feel right for you in the moment - or ones that may take effort now but leave you feeling better afterward.

Putting Your Plan Into Action

• Start small. Pick one or two activities each week.

• Be flexible. If something isn’t realistic this week, substitute a simpler option that still boosts your energy.

• Reflect and adjust. Notice what works, and revise your plan as you learn what truly restores you.

  
  

Over time, these small, consistent choices strengthen your resilience and help you cope with stress more effectively.

Taking the Next Step

Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. If you’d like support creating a plan that fits your life, I work with clients to design practical, personalised strategies for wellbeing. Together, we can explore what restores your energy and helps you feel more in control, even during the busiest times.

If you’re ready to take care of yourself without guilt, contact me to explore confidential therapy sessions online or in person.