Self-Care for Busy Women: It’s More Than Just Bubble Baths and Wine Nights

So, self-care. You’ve probably seen it plastered all over Instagram and on your therapist’s brochure. “Take care of yourself! Practice self-care!” You nod your head, affirming that yes, you definitely need to take some time for yourself. But when it comes down to it, what does self-care actually look like? Spoiler alert: it’s not just bubble baths and journaling (though I love those). Let’s dive into the real nitty-gritty of what self-care is and what it definitely is not.

Self-Care for Busy Women: It’s More Than Just Bubble Baths and Wine Nights

Self-Care Is More Than What You See On Instagram!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen so many Instagram posts that tell me that self-care is all about bubble baths and face masks. While those things can be a part of it, self-care is so much more than that. Self-care is about taking care of yourself in all areas of your life – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Physical self-care means taking care of your body. It means eating nutritious food, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and moving your body in a way that feels good. So, no, you don’t have to go to a yoga class if that’s not your thing, but find something that works for you – whether that’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or dancing around your living room.

Mental self-care means taking care of your mind. It means prioritizing your mental health by doing things like journaling, meditating, and seeking professional help if you need it. It means setting boundaries and saying no to things that don’t serve you. It means taking breaks from social media and the news when you need to.

Emotional self-care means taking care of your feelings. It means acknowledging and processing your emotions in a healthy way. It means spending time with people who lift you up and support you. It means practicing self-compassion and self-love.

Spiritual self-care means taking care of your soul. It means connecting with something bigger than yourself – whether that’s through religion, nature, or something else entirely. It means finding purpose and meaning in your life.

So, while bubble baths and face masks can be a part of self-care, they’re not the whole picture. Self-care is about taking care of yourself in all areas of your life. It’s about prioritizing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. And, most importantly, it’s about recognizing that you are worthy of taking care of yourself.

Self-Care Isn’t Just About Bubble Baths

Sure, taking a relaxing bubble bath can be a great way to unwind after a long day. But self-care is so much more than just pampering yourself with luxurious treats. Self-care is about taking care of your mind, body, and soul in a holistic way.

This means that self-care can take many different forms. It might mean taking a break from work to go for a walk in nature, practicing meditation or yoga, getting enough sleep, or eating healthy, nourishing foods. It could also mean setting boundaries and saying no to things that drain your energy or cause unnecessary stress.

Self-care isn’t just about the things you do for yourself, either. It’s also about the way you talk to yourself and treat yourself. Self-care means being kind and compassionate to yourself, and recognizing that you are worthy of love and respect.

So, if you’re struggling to find time for self-care, or if you think it’s just about bubble baths and face masks, think again. Self-care is about making choices that support your overall well-being, and that includes taking care of your mind, body, and soul in a way that feels nourishing and fulfilling.”

What Self-Care Is: Making Time for Yourself

We’ve established what self-care isn’t, so let’s talk about what it actually is. Self-care is making time for yourself. It’s carving out a little slice of your day, week, or even month to do something that brings you joy, relaxation, or rejuvenation. This could mean taking a relaxing bath, going for a hike, reading a book, or simply sitting in silence with a cup of tea.

Self-care is also about setting boundaries and saying no to things that don’t serve you. It’s prioritizing your own needs and recognizing that you are just as important as anyone else. It’s about giving yourself permission to rest and recharge, even if that means saying no to a social event or a work opportunity.

Self-care is not selfish. It’s not indulgent. It’s not a luxury reserved for the wealthy or the privileged. It’s a necessity for all of us, especially for busy high-achieving women and female entrepreneurs who are juggling multiple responsibilities and wearing many hats.

So, if you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted, it’s time to prioritize self-care. Make a list of things that bring you joy and relaxation, and schedule them into your calendar like you would any other appointment. Remember, self-care isn’t a one-time event – it’s an ongoing practice that requires commitment and consistency. But the benefits are worth it: more energy, better mental health, and a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in your life.

What Self-Care Isn’t: The Truth About the Instagram Trend

Let’s face it, social media has given us a very skewed perception of what self-care actually looks like. It’s all about bubble baths, face masks, and sipping on herbal tea while reading a book, right? Wrong.

Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself with luxurious treats. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a spa day or a fancy dinner every once in a while. But self-care goes deeper than that.

Self-care isn’t just an Instagram trend, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about taking responsibility for your own well-being and making choices that support your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to, and prioritizing your needs.

Self-care isn’t always easy, and it’s not always pretty. It’s not just about doing things that feel good in the moment, it’s about making choices that serve you in the long run. Sometimes self-care means having difficult conversations, making tough decisions, and doing things that are uncomfortable.

Self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach either. What works for one person may not work for another. Self-care is about finding what works for you and your unique needs. It’s about experimenting, trying new things, and being open to change.

So, let’s stop buying into the Instagram trend of what self-care is supposed to look like. Let’s start taking responsibility for our own well-being and making choices that support our physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s redefine self-care as a lifestyle, not just a trend.

So, there you have it, ladies. Self-care is not just about luxurious bubble baths and face masks. It’s about taking the time to listen to your body, mind, and soul and giving them what they need to function at their best. It’s about being patient with yourself, accepting your imperfections, and asking for help when you need it. Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a personalized practice that requires self-awareness and experimentation. So, next time someone tells you to “just practice self-care,” you’ll know exactly what that means (and what it doesn’t). Cheers to taking care of ourselves, in all the ways we need.