Self-Care, More than Candles & Bubble Baths
Self-care is often sold as soft, pretty, and easy. A candle. A bath. A quiet night in. That is part of it, for sure, but it’s not the full picture.
Real self-care is also about making decisions that support your long-term wellbeing. It’s choosing growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s taking responsibility for your life in practical, sometimes inconvenient ways.
Here’s a clear, no-fluff guide to what self-care actually looks like.
1. Decide to Change (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)
Self-care starts with a decision: I want better for myself.
That might mean:
Ending habits that drain you
Setting boundaries with people
Taking actions that you’ve been avoiding
Growth is often uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It usually means it’s working.
2. Take Care of Your Financial Health
Money stress can affect everything. Your sleep, relationships, and mental clarity.
Practical self-care includes:
Knowing your numbers (income, expenses, debt)
Creating a simple, realistic budget
Paying bills on time
Building even a small emergency buffer
Financial self-care is about creating stability and choice.
3. Stay on Top of Health Checks
Avoiding appointments doesn’t reduce stress.
Book and attend:
GP check-ups
Screenings (breast, cervical, etc.)
Dental and eye appointments
Self-care is prevention, not just reaction.
4. Support Your Mental Wellbeing Daily
Mental health needs consistent care, not just crisis management.
Simple practices include:
Journaling to clear your thoughts
Limiting negative inputs (news, social media)
Talking things through with someone you trust
Seeking professional support when needed
You don’t have to carry everything alone.
5. Prioritise Sleep Like It Matters (Because It Does)
Sleep is foundational. Without it, everything else becomes harder.
Focus on:
A consistent bedtime
Reducing screen time before bed
A calm evening routine
Limiting caffeine later in the day
This is one of the most effective forms of self-care available.
6. Do Good for Others
Helping others isn’t a distraction from self-care. It’s part of it.
It can look like:
Checking in on a friend
Volunteering
Small acts of kindness
Giving creates connection, purpose, and a genuine lift in how you feel.
7. Choose Healthy Relationships
The people around you affect your stress levels, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
Healthy relationship self-care may include:
Spending more time with supportive people
Speaking up about what you need
Setting boundaries with draining behaviour
Letting go of relationships that consistently hurt you
Not every relationship is meant to stay the same forever. Protecting your peace is self-care too.
8. Create a Healthier Relationship With Work
Work should support your life, not consume it.
Practical work self-care can include:
Taking proper lunch breaks
Logging off at a reasonable time
Using your leave instead of saving it forever
Recognising when stress is becoming unsustainable
Considering whether your workplace aligns with your values
Being constantly exhausted is not a badge of honour.
9. Build Small, Consistent Habits
Self-care isn’t one big action. It’s what you do regularly.
Think:
Moving your body most days
Eating in a way that supports your energy
Keeping your space reasonably calm and functional
Following through on commitments to yourself
10. Embrace the Flow
Self-care is also about switching off. Doing something you enjoy in the moment, so that you forget about everything else!
Think:
Dancing - try a new style
Reading a great story
Learning something new - an instrument, a new craft
Drawing, painting, collage, writing
Playing a board or sports game with someone else
Final thought
Candles, baths, and massages are lovely and rejuvenating and should totally be included in a ritual to create a calmer lifestyle.
In addition, real self-care also includes:
Taking responsibility
Making better choices
Doing the hard things that future-you will thank you for
It's not always comfortable, but it is powerful. And it changes your life!
To start you on your journey, I invite you to download the free Real Self-Care Checklist below and watch this space for the Redesign Your Life bundle coming soon!
Inge x
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