Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being enables you to show up fully in all areas of life. In a culture of constant busyness, self-care requires intentional prioritization.
Understanding Self-Care
Self-care encompasses practices that maintain and improve your overall well-being:
- Physical health
- Mental and emotional health
- Social connections
- Spiritual or existential needs
- Professional satisfaction
According to the World Health Organization, self-care is "the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider."
Physical Self-Care
Sleep
Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep. See our guide on natural sleep remedies for tips.
Nutrition
Fuel your body with nourishing foods as discussed in our nutrition guide.
Movement
Regular exercise supports physical and mental health.
Medical Care
Keep up with preventive care, screenings, and addressing health concerns.
Mental and Emotional Self-Care
Stress Management
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Time in nature
- Hobbies and creative outlets
Emotional Processing
- Journaling
- Talking with trusted friends
- Therapy when needed
- Allowing yourself to feel emotions
Mental Health
- Setting boundaries
- Limiting news and social media consumption
- Seeking help for anxiety or depression
- Practicing self-compassion
Social Self-Care
- Nurturing meaningful relationships
- Setting boundaries with draining relationships
- Making time for friends and family
- Joining communities aligned with interests
- Asking for help when needed
Professional Self-Care
- Setting work boundaries
- Taking breaks during the workday
- Using vacation time
- Continuing professional development
- Addressing sources of work stress
Building Self-Care into Life
Schedule It
Put self-care activities on your calendar like any other important appointment.
Start Small
Adding too much at once leads to abandonment. Begin with one or two practices.
Know Your Signals
Learn to recognize when you're depleted and need self-care intervention.
Let Go of Guilt
Self-care enables you to be better for others. It's not selfish—it's necessary.
When Self-Care Isn't Enough
Self-care is maintenance, not treatment for serious conditions. Seek professional help for:
- Persistent depression or anxiety
- Trauma symptoms
- Addiction issues
- Relationship crises
- Physical health concerns
Self-care supports burnout prevention and overall life satisfaction. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
