Buzz
For the last few years, I’ve relied on a bullet journal to keep track of everything. From work tasks and meetings to my son’s soccer matches and karate sessions, my exercise routines, and even the meals I’ve prepared. (The meal log is especially useful when I feel stuck in a routine—spaghetti again?—as I can revisit past entries to rediscover forgotten recipes we once enjoyed.)
I understand bullet journaling isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (if you’re wondering, “bullet what?,” we’ve got a helpful guide here). Personally, I’ve always favored a paper planner over digital tools, and using colored pens for different categories—orange for fitness, brown for meals, blue for work tasks—has become A Small Joy I Cherish. By the week’s end, I have a vibrant snapshot of how I’ve spent my time, which often reveals interesting patterns.
Recently, I realized that most of what I log in my journal are obligations—calls to make, bills to pay, places to be. This year, I’ve set a goal to focus more on activities I want to do. Things that bring me peace and energy. Simple, affordable pleasures. Take more baths. Savor more tea. Dive into more books. Meditate regularly. These are the little joys I adore, which often get overlooked because they aren’t scheduled or checked off a list.
I made the decision to log my self-care activities alongside my work meetings and meal schedules. For me, self-care is now highlighted in vibrant pink. By the end of each week, my goal is to see plenty of pink notes standing out on the page. Even if it’s just a small entry like “went to bed early,” I aim for at least one pink note daily. The act of wanting to jot down something in pink encourages me to reflect on whether I’ve taken time to consider my well-being or recharge.
You don’t need to be a highly organized, color-coding bullet journal enthusiast to keep track of your self-care. You can note it in your everyday planner, scribble it on that free calendar from your child’s school, or set a recurring “self-care” reminder on your digital calendar. If you thrive on to-do lists, simply add it there. Whatever method you use to manage tasks can also help you stay committed to prioritizing your own well-being.
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