Self-care that is practical
The Minimum Viable Day
On a very low-capacity day, success may be safety, medication, water, food, one essential message and nothing more.
General health and practical information, not medical care. If you are worried about symptoms, recovery or a baby’s health, contact a qualified health professional. In the US, call 911 for an emergency and call/text 988 for suicide or mental-health crisis support. How we handle health-sensitive guidance.
Short answer
On a very low-capacity day, success may be safety, medication, water, food, one essential message and nothing more.
Choose the floor
Ask: what genuinely has to happen for people to be safe and cared for today? Everything above that is optional until capacity returns.
Three categories
- Must: safety, essential medication, dependent care, urgent deadlines.
- Helpful: simple food, water, shower, ten minutes outside, one practical call.
- Can wait: decorative decisions, non-urgent messages, perfect wording, tidying for visitors.
Borrow capacity
If somebody asks how to help, give them a task that removes work completely: “Please bring dinner at 6 and leave it at the door,” or “Please call the venue and ask these three questions.”
Last reviewed: September 15, 2026 · Research & safety standards