Self Care Isn’t Selfish

Why Making Time for Yourself Matters

Our culture has become one that demands us to be constantly on the go, juggling responsibilities between our family, friends, our careers, and our normal household tasks. We wear our busy-ness like a badge of honor, always pushing ourselves to be more productive. Between caring for family members, maintaining friendships, managing household tasks, and meeting career demands, it’s easy to put our own needs on the back burner. On top of all of this, making time for yourself can feel like just an extra task that you need to do, or it can even feel like you are being selfish by using up your time and energy on yourself instead of everything else. This, as it turns out, is a lie. Self care is not only not selfish – it is essential.

You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup

We’ve all heard this saying, but how many of us actually take it to heart? Think about it—when your phone battery gets low, you charge it without a second thought. Yet somehow, when our own energy is low, we try to push through, often feeling guilty at the mere thought of taking a moment to catch your breath.

The truth is, when we’re running on empty, everything suffers. Our patience wears thin. Our productivity declines. Our relationships strain. The quality of care work we do diminishes. By neglecting our own needs, we ultimately become less effective at meeting the needs of those who depend on us.

You may even be the type that will always compare yourself to others and think “If they can keep going, I should be able to as well”, I will let you in on a little secret – even the biggest superhuman you know has their limits. 

Reframing Self-Care: Necessity, Not Luxury

You may think that by self-care we are talking about expensive spa days or elaborate vacations (though those can be nice!). However, maybe it is time to reframe what self care truly is. At its core, what we are encouraging is maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental well-being so you can show up as your best self in all areas of life.

Think of self-care as regular maintenance rather than emergency repair. If your car is running low on gas, would you drive it until it was completely gone and you were broken down by the side of the road? Or would you take an extra 10 minutes out of your day and fill up? Just like you wouldn’t wait for your car to break down completely before refueling, you shouldn’t wait until you’re at your breaking point to address your own needs.

7 Simple Self-Care Practices That Won’t Affect Your Busy Life

You don’t need a lot of time or money to practice meaningful self-care. Here are seven accessible ways that you can start incorporating at any time.

1. Hydrate Purposefully

Transform the simple act of drinking water into a moment of self-care by using a special cup you love or infusing your water with fruits or herbs. Set reminders if needed, your goal is to aim for eight glasses throughout the day, but if you only get to a couple that is okay too!. Hydration affects everything from your energy levels to your skin.

2. Breathe like a Navy Seal

There is a pretty simple breathing technique that Navy Seals use called “Box Breathing”. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts, exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts, hold your breath again for 4 counts, and repeat (you guessed it) 4 times. This has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration, and calm your nervous system by promoting relaxation.

3. Indulge in a Skin Care Ritual

While you are doing the dishes, putting away laundry, or making dinner, why not do some skin care at the same time? Keep a special face wash, moisturizer, or mask in your bathroom. While you are getting around at night or doing the chore you hate the most, enjoy the nourishing feeling of your skin rehydrating and be mindful of how it affects your mood! 

4. Move Your Body Joyfully

I saw a video post the other day that said “A shimmy a day keeps the sad away!”. While the guy dancing with everything he could muster was honestly hysterical, there was truth behind it. Exercise doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. Dance to your favorite song while cooking dinner, ask Alexa to play your favorite playlist and move however your body allows you to. 

5. Connect With Something Bigger

Whether through prayer, meditation, journaling, or simply watching the sunset, take time to connect with something larger than your daily concerns. This perspective shift can relieve the pressure of feeling responsible for everything.

6. Put your phone in time-out

Designate certain times or spaces as phone-free. Maybe it’s the dinner table, the bedroom after 9 PM, or the first 30 minutes after you wake up. These boundaries help quiet the constant noise of notifications and allow your mind genuine rest.

7. Speak kindly to yourself

Would you talk to a friend the way you sometimes talk to yourself? We don’t have to be our own worst critics. Practice swapping self-criticism with encouragement. Every day, look in the mirror and say one nice and positive thing about yourself. Give yourself a smile and say, “you got this!” You’re doing better than you think.

Making It Happen

The biggest obstacle to self-care often isn’t time or money—it’s permission. Give yourself explicit permission to prioritize your wellbeing. 

Your needs matter. Your health matters. YOU matter! Take time to honor yourself – it’s necessary.

What small act of self-care will you commit to this week? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!