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Positively_Lisa

The Joy List: Because self-care isn't an indulgence

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Reader

We hear about self-care all the time… but usually in the form of spa days, bubble baths, or vacations you have to “earn.” And while those are lovely, they’re not the kind of self-care that keeps you grounded and supported in everyday life.

Here’s the truth I wish more people understood and believed: Self-care isn’t indulgence. It’s maintenance for your mind, body, and energy.

One of the simplest ways to practice restorative self-care is by creating something I call a Joy List, a personalized list of things that genuinely nourish you, calm your nervous system, and replenish (or boost) your energy.

The Joy List is one of the workbooks in the Positively Productive Toolkit. If you haven't downloaded it yet, click HERE. If you have, this is your encouragement to review it.​
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To create your Joy List, here are a few reflective questions to explore:

✨ What lights you up?
✨ What relaxes you?
✨ What do you lose track of time doing?
✨ What makes you smile or laugh?

NOTE: As you answer, be honest. Your answers don’t have to make sense to anyone else. What matters is that it brings you back to yourself.

Once you have your list, I encourage you to think of incorporating it in different ways so self-care always feels accessible. Some days you'll take a few minutes for micro-joy moments (like a stretch or a sip of something cozy) and others you may have more time so it can feel immersive (like full rest days, or trips).

In this week’s episode of the Positively Living® Podcast, I walk you through how to create your own Joy List and offer examples and ideas for what can be on the list as well as how to apply them through micro and immersive moments.

>> Listen to the podcast here​
>> Read the blog post here​

Wishing you more joy, for your heart and for your productivity,

​
♥

Lisa

P.S. Curious about some of my Joy List items? They include:

• iced coffee in silence (maybe with a book)
• twinkle lights year-round
• comfort-show rewatches
• creative cooking (but not meal-prepping)
• cats curled up in your lap
• music, music, and more music (always)

What's New at Positively Productive Systems

I had the honor of recording a panel podcast recently with an incredible group of women. Our topic was a follow up to a recording we did in October 2025 on Sustainable Self-care. How fitting for what we're chatting about today, right? Click below to watch and listen on YouTube.

video preview​

County Route 10, Bath, NY 14810
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Positively_Lisa

Productivity Coach + Podcast Host | Shame-free, Sustainable Solutions

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