Self-Care Is Not a Trend. It’s How Your Body Heals.
Self-care is often talked about like something extra—something you do when you have time or feel motivated. But real self-care is not about feeling inspired. It’s about taking care of your body even when it’s uncomfortable at first.
I think of self-care as basic care. Like brushing your teeth or charging your phone. It’s what keeps things working.
What My Self-Care Looks Like in Real Life
My routine is not perfect, and it’s not fancy. It’s built to lower stress and help my body stay regulated.
Here’s what I do regularly:
I work out 3–4 days a week
I walk outside every day for at least 20 minutes, usually in the sun
I limit sugar, even though it’s hard sometimes
I use a food delivery service so dinner doesn’t feel overwhelming
I see my own therapist every other week
I get a massage once a month
I take at least one full week off every three months to reset
I use the Brick device to limit screen time
I use the Calm app for music and meditation
I fall asleep listening to audiobooks, which helps my body relax
None of these things work because I’m “disciplined.”
They work because they support my nervous system.
The Truth About Sugar (That People Don’t Like)
One of the hardest changes for most people is cutting back on sugar.
Here’s why:
Sugar affects mood, energy, sleep, and anxiety
Sugar increases inflammation in the body
Sugar can make pain, fatigue, and brain fog worse
When people lower sugar, they often feel worse before they feel better.
This can look like:
Headaches
Irritability
Fatigue
Cravings
Feeling emotional or foggy
This is not failure.
This is withdrawal.
Many people stop right here and assume sugar “isn’t the problem,” when in reality the body is adjusting. The benefits often take days or weeks, not hours. This is one reason people underestimate how much sugar affects their health.
Why Self-Care Needs to Be Measured
Recently, a friend texted me about many health problems she was having—while still eating a lot of sugar and not moving her body at all.
This isn’t about judging anyone. It’s about noticing patterns.
Self-care only works if you slow down enough to ask:
Does this help my body or stress it more?
Do I feel different after a few days or weeks?
Some changes help right away, like a walk or calming music.
Other changes, like lowering sugar or improving sleep, take time.
Both still count.
Immediate Relief Is Quieter Than We Expect
We’re used to quick rewards from things like sugar, screens, and distraction. Real regulation feels different.
It might sound like:
“I feel a little calmer.”
“My body doesn’t feel as tight.”
“I recovered faster than usual.”
That still matters.
Self-care is not about doing everything.
It’s about noticing what actually helps your body heal.
A Simple Self-Care Self-Check
(No fixing. Just noticing.)
After trying one supportive habit (like walking, moving your body, lowering sugar, resting, or listening to calming music), ask yourself:
Body: Do I feel even a little less tense or more steady?
Mind: Are my thoughts a bit quieter?
Mood: Did my emotions feel less intense?
Time: Did this help right away, later today, or after a few days?
Recovery: Did I bounce back from stress faster than usual?
Check one:
☐ No change
☐ Small improvement
☐ Clear improvement
☐ I feel noticeably better
Then ask:
Is this something my body seems to respond to over time?
If yes, keep it.
If not, adjust and try something else.
Self-care is not about being perfect.
It’s about listening to your body long enough to learn what it needs.