The Power of Self-Care: Beyond the Buzzword
In recent years, self-care has become more widely talked about – which in many ways is a great thing. More people talking about well-being? Yes, please!
As self-care becomes more popular, its true meaning and power can get a little lost. Without clarity, we may overlook the gift it offers: supporting our well-being and strengthening our connections with others.
There are many different categories of self-care such as: physical, emotional, financial, social, professional and even environmental self-care. While all of these areas matter, I focus on self-care through the lens of emotional and mental well-being in my coaching practice because it lays the foundation for how we show up in every other area of our lives.
To truly understand what self-care is (and isn’t), let’s gently unpack a few common myths, define it, then take a closer look at how self-care can support our well-being and our relationships.
Myth: Self-care is selfish
Truth: Nope, not even a little bit! In fact, it’s the exact opposite. When we set aside intentional time for ourselves, it actually allows us to show up with more compassion, empathy, patience and joy!
Myth: Self-care means investing in a weekend retreat or doing something extravagant
Truth: True self-care often runs deeper than we’re led to believe. It’s less about a moment of escape and more about the small, consistent practices that support your well-being from the inside out (especially by helping to regulate your nervous system). And, it doesn’t have to cost a dime!
Myth: Self-care is optional
Truth: In our fast paced, hyper-connected world, our brains are under constant stress. Without a self-care practice, our emotional regulation is impacted which affects how we show up in every aspect of our lives: at home, at work, even at the grocery store! Self-care is essential for our emotional and relational health.
So how does self-care help?
Let’s start with a definition. I see it as the intentional – ideally daily – practice of taking actions that improve, sustain, and preserve our emotional and mental well-being.
After more than 13 years of learning, practicing, and (yes, I admit it) sometimes skipping self-care, one thing is clear: I’m a better wife, mom, daughter, friend, sister, driver, customer – all around human – when I prioritize my well-being.
Why? Because when I don’t prioritize it, everything feels harder, and I start to spiral - straight into survival mode. And in survival mode? Ohh boy…
My patience goes out the window
I struggle to stay present and end up on a mental hamster wheel chasing what-ifs and should haves.
I snap at my husband because he didn’t tell me what time we were supposed to leave (spoiler alert: he actually did tell me, I just didn’t process it because I was on the aforementioned hamster wheel).
Self-care is about front-loading our brains with what it needs before we encounter stress, chaos, or conflict.
When we intentionally care for ourselves – whether through movement, journaling, mindfulness, or simply taking a few moments to breathe – we strengthen our nervous system. This helps keep our brains regulated, especially the areas responsible for patience, empathy, and problem-solving.
So when life throws the inevitable curveball (because it always does), we’re not operating on fumes feeling overwhelmed and reactive.
Instead, we:
can navigate last-minute changes by responding with a little more compassion (and possibly a laugh).
are able to navigate the fact that we’re stuck in traffic with a little more calm.
notice and gently guide ourselves off the hamster, staying grounded instead of spiraling.
In short, self-care helps us respond from presence instead of reacting from survival. And that’s the incredible power of self-care.
If you’re ready to begin or deepen your self-care practice, start with one small, intentional action today: journal for five minutes, disconnect from screens for a bit, take a mindful walk, or simply pause to breathe deeply.
Notice how it feels, and give yourself permission to keep nurturing your well-being, one step at a time – because you matter.
