Okay, let’s get real for a second. 👀 How many of you have ever canceled a yoga class because you were “too busy” with work? Or skipped a meal because you were “too stressed” to cook? Guilty as charged. 🙋‍♀️ I used to wear my busyness like a badge of honor, thinking that hustling 24/7 was the key to success. Spoiler alert: it’s not. In fact, it’s the fast track to burnout, anxiety, and a whole lot of unhappiness.
Let me take you back to my “aha” moment. It was 2 AM, and I was sitting at my desk, staring at a screen, my third cup of coffee cold beside me. I had been working for 14 hours straight, and my body was screaming at me to stop. My neck was stiff, my eyes were blurry, and my brain felt like mush. But I kept pushing because, you know, “grind don’t stop.” 🙃
Then it hit me: what’s the point of all this hustle if I’m too exhausted to enjoy the life I’m building? That’s when I realized I needed to reprioritize. Not just my schedule, but my entire mindset. I needed to start treating myself with the same care and respect I gave to my work. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
Here’s the thing: self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks (though those are great too). It’s about making intentional choices that prioritize your well-being. For me, that meant setting boundaries. I started saying “no” to things that drained me and “yes” to things that fueled me. I blocked off time in my calendar for things like workouts, meal prep, and even just lounging on the couch with a good book. And guess what? The world didn’t end. In fact, I became more productive because I was no longer running on empty.
One of the biggest shifts for me was redefining what success looks like. I used to think success meant working harder than everyone else. Now, I think success means living a life that feels good—inside and out. That means getting enough sleep, eating nourishing food, and taking time to connect with the people I love. It’s not always easy, especially in a culture that glorifies overworking, but it’s so worth it.
Another key part of my self-care journey has been learning to listen to my body. For years, I ignored the signals it was sending me—the headaches, the fatigue, the constant tension in my shoulders. I told myself I was just “tired” and kept going. But now, I’ve learned to tune in. When my body says it’s tired, I rest. When it says it’s hungry, I eat. And when it says it’s stressed, I take a break. It sounds simple, but it’s made a huge difference in how I feel every day.
Of course, self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. The important thing is to find what makes you feel good and do more of that. Maybe it’s journaling, maybe it’s dancing around your living room, or maybe it’s just sitting in silence for 10 minutes. Whatever it is, make time for it.
One thing I’ve learned is that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. You’re more patient, more present, and more resilient. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want?
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, I encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself: what do I need right now? And then give yourself permission to do that. Whether it’s a nap, a walk, or just a moment to breathe, it’s okay to put yourself first.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So fill yours up—with love, with joy, and with whatever makes you feel alive. Because at the end of the day, your health and happiness are worth it. 💖