Self-Care 101: What it is and why now is the time to start.

You know you need it, but you continue to neglect it. Or maybe you are really into it and do it all the time!

What is "it"? Your self-care.

Before I dive deeper into why self-care is essential, I'd like to define self-care. Just to make sure we are all on the same page.

What is Self-Care?

Self-Care is any activity that improves your health or gives you pleasure, relaxes you, refuels your energy, or "fills your cup".

For example:

• A regular skincare routine
• Planning and cooking healthy foods
• Exercise
• Meditation
• Taking a break
• Stretching
• Taking a walk
• Petting a kitten
• Reading a book for fun
• Listening to music
• Dancing
• Calling a friend

You get the idea.

Holistic self-care encompasses a wide range of types of activities for your body, mind, and spirit. Getting plenty of sunlight, healthful eating, spending time with others, self-reflection, journaling, exercise, caring for your home, and skincare may all be part of your healthy self-care routine.

Is Self-Care Difficult For You?

Why is it that so many of us neglect our own self-care? We care for everyone around us, why is it so hard to take the time for ourselves?

If you find you are not practicing regular self-care, what is stopping you? Time? Stress? Finances? Or maybe its just getting started.

For many of us, just adding and starting ANY new routine to an already overflowing life is more than we can bear to even think about.

Or perhaps it's something deeper - does the idea of taking time for yourself leave you feeling guilty?

One reason may be your life is SO BUSY. There are a million things vying for your attention!

Or perhaps, deep down, you feel guilty taking time for you. If this sounds like you, don't worry - you are not alone. Many of us face that feeling.

Consistent self-care is the essential key to maintaining vibrant and luminous energy yet so many of us push our self-care to the back burner.

Here is a list of reasons why self-care is essential (just in case you need a little justification to get started with a regular self-care routine).

The Benefits of Consistent Self-Care:

1. Self-care makes you feel more energetic and mentally present.

2. Self-care can help build your self-esteem

3. Self-care does not mean you are choosing between yourself and others, it does not make you selfish - in fact it is the opposite - self-care restores your energy so you can give more to others.

4. Self-care is important to being able to maintain healthy relationships with yourself and others.

5. Self-care is essential to your physical health and wellbeing

6. Self=care can naturally boost your mood and increase self-confidence.

The key to success with self-care (and in fact any good habit) is consistency. Find activities you enjoy and partake regularly. Set a reminder on your phone, add them to your daily calendar, find an accountability pal - just get started and keep going!

Self-care is a much needed outlet to help your mind rest and your body maintain resiliency in a stressful world.

With regular practice, you will soon see the rewards and positive impact self-care can have on your physical and mental health, as well as on your relationships.

Action Plan: Go refill that cup! Carve a little time into your daily calendar each day for dedicated self-care. Make a list of self-care activities you'd like to try and add a few to your weekly calendar. 

Christine Untiedt, 7 Day Glow CEO

Updated 1/22/25

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Notice: These statements and blog content have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in our articles are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice. The content of these blogs and associated products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using products or following blog advice.