Self care - what is the minimum?

[Greendress123]

I'm trying to make myself a list to plod through during bad periods - I'm good with the kids but absolute shite at looking after myself.

So, what is the absolute minimum of self care? It has the be the bare bones so it is doable even when I can barely function.

Up to now I have new underwear every day and teeth brushed twice a day. Three meals a day. Shower every three days?

[Greendress123]

I'm having a fairly good period atm, this is a future planning thing.

[dangermouseisace]

I think once daily wash of important bits (underarms and er 'bits') in addition to the showering every 3 days. It only takes as long as it takes to fill a sink plus 30 seconds.

Remember to brush hair. Having a tin of dry shampoo (like batiste) is a godsend. Even if I have a shower/bath I can forget to wash my hair, especially when unwell.
Deodorant
Take medication at the same times each day.

[JenLindleyShitMom]

Shower daily. I know that is a contentious issue here on MN regarding whether it is necessary but I think when it's relevant to MH recovery then it actually does matter that it happens daily. I am speaking from personal experience. Not having a shower has a noticeable impact on my general state of mind on a day to day basis. I can tell very easily when I'm slipping backwards if I find myself resisting the shower (I find reasons that justify my resistance but really they are excuses).
So for me it's daily shower using shower gel, moisturise face, deodorant, brush teeth, clean clothes (they all have to be clean for me or I don't feel good), 3 meals and getting outside or at the very least opening the windows so the fresh air comes through.

[erinaceus]

I tend to say, eat something, sleep sometimes and go outside sometimes. I think that the going outside is important, even if all you do is sit outside the front door.

Beyond that, I agree, shower every day, or at least, aim for that. Clean teeth twice a day. Change clothes once a day, even if what you do is go from one set of pajamas to the next set of pajamas.

It's funny how one person's basic level of self care can differ from another's. There are times when eating two times a day is good enough for me. Maybe those are the times I am not taking care of myself.

Put the bin out? That always feels important to me, somehow.