Why Monthly Self-Care Matters More Than Ever
You’ve spent years taking care of others. Now, it’s time to put yourself on the calendar—not just for annual appointments, but for regular, restorative care.
After 40, your needs shift. Hormones fluctuate, energy levels vary, and emotional clarity deepens. Monthly self-care gives you a rhythm to check in, release, and realign.
🩺 As a family nurse practitioner and woman in midlife, I believe self-care shouldn’t be another task—it should feel like a gift. Something that honors your body, your mood, your growth.
Creating a Theme for Each Month
Instead of cramming in daily tasks, anchor your month with an intention. This keeps things focused and gentle.
Examples of monthly themes:
- January: Clarity + Planning
- February: Heart + Connection
- March: Rebirth + Energy
- April: Detox + Simplify
- May: Joy + Creativity
- June: Boundaries + Balance
- July: Play + Presence
- August: Nourishment + Rest
- September: Structure + Focus
- October: Letting Go + Grounding
- November: Gratitude + Reflection
- December: Restoration + Peace
Let your theme guide your rituals, journal prompts, and choices.
Building a Simple Ritual Around Your Cycle or Moon Phase
Even if you’re no longer menstruating, your body still thrives with cyclical care. You can align with the moon’s phases or simply check in monthly.
Each phase represents a different energy:
- New Moon / Menstrual Phase: Rest + Reflect
- Waxing Moon / Follicular Phase: Plan + Energize
- Full Moon / Ovulation Phase: Connect + Celebrate
- Waning Moon / Luteal Phase: Declutter + Ground
Try this monthly ritual:
- Choose a quiet day at the start of the month
- Light a candle or make tea
- Journal:
- What am I releasing?
- What do I want to call in this month?
- What does my body/mind/soul need?
- Set 1–2 self-care intentions for the month
Tools to Track, Reflect, and Grow
You don’t need fancy apps—just a few tools to help you stay present.
1. Self-Care Journal or Printable
Track:
- Mood
- Energy
- Menstrual cycle or moon phases
- Gratitude
- Boundaries honored
2. Monthly Check-In Prompts
- What am I proud of?
- What drained me?
- What do I need more/less of next month?
3. Mini Vision Boards or Affirmation Cards
Pin a visual or quote for your monthly intention on your mirror, fridge, or phone lock screen.
A Sample Monthly Self-Care Menu to Start With
Choose one from each category to support body, mind, and soul:
Body:
- Massage or bath with Epsom salt
- Early bedtime 3x this week
- Nourishing meal prep for the week ahead
Mind:
- Read one new book or podcast
- Declutter a space (closet, inbox, purse)
- Digital detox day
Soul:
- Meditate 5–10 minutes
- Attend a women’s circle or solo nature walk
- Create something (paint, garden, dance)
You don’t need to do it all—just enough to remind yourself: I matter.
Final Thoughts from Me to You
You’ve poured into others for years. Now it’s your time to refill.
Monthly self-care is not indulgent. It’s intelligent. It keeps you grounded, focused, and energized for the life you’re creating.
You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to choose yourself—over and over again.
Here’s to a new kind of rhythm: One that honors your seasons, your softness, and your strength.