I Optimized My Self-Care Routine Using AI. It Had Some Interesting Ideas
The term "self-care" may be one of the most overused buzz hyphenates on the internet. All sorts of activities can fall into the category of "self-care," casting a net wide enough to encompass everything from washing your face to finding ways to relax.
Ironically, falling behind in your self-care activities can serve as a source of anxiety for the already stressed population, of which so many of us are well-worn card-carrying members, trying to quiet the riot inside our heads.
Bubble bathing, face masking and attending trendy exercise classes in the pursuit of a better quality of life are common solutions, but keeping up with them is a whole separate battle.
Here's how you can use AI to create a flexible, realistic self-care plan and keep yourself on track when you'd rather soothe via doom scrolling or consumption of substances that are not prepared, or conceived, with care in mind.
Invest in feeling awesome
Since the realm of self-care is so broad, using an AI tool to discover stuff that might enhance your calm with the push of a button can keep you focused.
I used Gemini's Deep Research tool to give me a comprehensive list of products that claim to have self-care benefits instead of wading through wave after wave of targeted junk, or wondering which massager won't fly out of your hands when slicked up with calming essential oils.
Deep Research was good for this one because I got a preview of the parameters under which the tool would create its findings, perfect when you need to be specific about exclusions like simple face wash.
Deep Research allows for revisions on search parameters, no matter how creepy, before you start the results gathering process.
Google Gemini / Screenshot by CNET
This is not the primary use case of Deep Research, but when you're dealing with slippery essential oils, you can never have too much insight.
Google Gemini / Screenshot by CNET
Take a little look-see inside yourself
Humans are notoriously lousy at unpracticed, unfocused introspection, but the cold, calculating zeroes and ones of an AI tool like ChatGPT can offer you an outside perspective on what you're capable of doing with any regularity in the self-care department.
Provide an honest overview of your lifestyle, including any work, school or life commitments (like my hypothetical clown school in the example below), to give the tool the best possible chance at recommending strategies for self-care that keep you invested.
ChatGPT / Screenshot by CNET
Google Gemini / Screenshot by CNET
When you can't keep an appointment to save your under-cared life
A little self-care every once in a while is great, even if it's just sporadic, but what you really want for maximum relaxation impact is a ritual or at least a menu of activities designed to peak your well-being.
ChatGPT gave me a breakdown of all the things I can do on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis to take my self-care game to the next level over a gradual period of time, giving me seasonal self-care events to look forward to.
The Winter schedule would be particularly useful if you're trying to make some positive changes for the new year.
ChatGPT / Screenshot by CNET
Self-care activities are best when they not only nourish your body and mind but also set your soul on fire. Give AI tools a chance to help you discover what gets you going, or if you're already aware, resist the urge to lie or be shy.
BONUS: Anonymity and the ability to cast shame aside is one of the best things about using AI tools for private matters you might need to consult a human about, like a wellness coach or personal trainer.
Letting your freak flag fly in the pursuit of happiness is a lot easier when you're unburdening yourself to a machine. You may have been holding back on starting a solid self-care routine activity you're embarrassed about because of what those other pesky humans might think. Screw 'em! The robot listens and doesn't judge.
ChatGPT was more than up for the task. It also remembers whatever info you've fed into it already, so it matched up my clown schooling with some clown-themed activities:
ChatGPT / Screenshot by CNET
ChatGPT / Screenshot by CNET
It must stay private.
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