Make Healthy Meal Prep Part of Your Self-Care Routine

Turn meal prep into a self-care ritual. 

When we think of self-care, we often conjure up images of massages, facials, pedicures, or expensive spa days. But in reality, self-care can be anything that replenishes your stores of mental, physical and emotional energy. Maybe that’s a 15-minute afternoon walk before getting back to work, or saying “no” to a dinner invite to stay in and watch a good movie instead. For me, meal prep is an essential part of self-care. 

Meal prep as self-care? Hear me out! I know that when I leave meal planning and prep to the last minute, it makes me feel more — not less — stressed during the entire week. But when I allow myself plenty of time (Sunday evenings are best) and some background entertainment (a good podcast), cooking becomes something of a meditation.  

Reframing my routine and reimagining what self-care looks like has allowed me to discover a way to make my daily life a little less hectic. And when we carve out these moments for the things that recharge us and bring us joy, we’re able to live more fulfilling, less stressful lives. 

So let’s keep it simple: what are your go-to self-care practices? And what’s missing from your routine?

I start my self-care practice by asking myself these questions:

• What is one small step I can take today to feel my best? Is it a walk outside? A mid-day meditation? A family dinner? A check-in with a friend?

• What is working in my life right now — and what isn't? 

• What is missing from my daily routine?

Self-care is about taking an honest look at what you need to show up as your best self. Try asking yourself these questions at the start of your week. You might be surprised — as I often am — by how much of a difference it can make.

 Microstep: Set aside five minutes to reflect. 

Every Monday morning before starting your work, set aside 5 minutes to reflect on what you want your week to look and feel like.