When you hear “self-care”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps a vision of a candle-lit bath with soothing music and a glass of wine. While that’s certainly one form of self-care, it’s far from the whole picture. The idea that self-care is just about indulgent “me-time” has gained popularity, but in reality, it’s much more than that. In fact, self-care is often about making tough, responsible decisions that may not feel as glamorous as a pampering session but are just as essential for your well-being.
Self-care, at its core, is about looking after yourself in all aspects of life: mentally, physically, emotionally, and yes, even practically. Sure, a relaxing bath or indulging in a fun activity (LEGO and puzzles are a popular choice!) can do wonders for your mental health after a stressful week, but equally important are the less-talked-about areas of self-care—like taking time to manage your finances, plan your week, or even handle those boring life admin tasks.
One key thing to remember is that self-care isn’t always comfortable or easy. It’s not just the warm, fuzzy moments but also the tasks that might not seem so relaxing but are crucial for our health and happiness. For example, prioritising sleep is one of the most fundamental forms of self-care. Consistently getting a good night’s sleep supports everything from mental clarity to physical health, yet many of us overlook it in favour of late-night scrolling or endless Netflix binges.
An example that people often don’t think about is managing their financial well-being as a form of self-care. The truth is, financial stress can have a huge impact on your overall well-being, so setting aside time each week or month to check your budget, review expenses, or even just open those bank statements you’ve been avoiding is one of the most effective forms of self-care. It may not be fun, but it’s a prime example of an act that can give you peace of mind, reduce anxiety, and give you a greater sense of security. That’s something no face mask can do.
Another form of self-care that often goes unnoticed is setting boundaries. This could be saying no to social plans when you’re feeling overwhelmed or taking time to protect your mental space at work. Being able to recognise when you need time to yourself and when to step back from obligations or social events is essential. It can be challenging, but ultimately, it allows you to be more present and productive when you’re not feeling stretched too thin.
Self-care also includes small, everyday tasks that might feel mundane but have a big impact. Things like meal prepping for the week, scheduling time to squeeze in some exercise, or even decluttering your home can all contribute to a sense of well-being. These aren’t always the fun or Instagram-worthy moments, but they’re crucial for reducing stress and fostering a sense of control over your life. If you’re short of inspiration, take a look at some of our community’s favourite ways to look after their mental health.
Lastly, don’t forget about social self-care. Spending time with loved ones, making time for a meaningful conversation, or just connecting with friends over a cup of coffee are all ways of nurturing your emotional health. After all, self-care isn’t about isolation—it’s about ensuring you’re in the best position to live a balanced, healthy life.
For children of narcissistic parents, we recognise just how difficult it can be to figure out the things that make you feel good, including self-care. One of the first steps is to recognise the things you value, want and need. Don’t worry if this sounds intimidating, our intensive Identity Building course can support you to figure it out!
Ultimately, self-care is about doing what you need to do to support your health and well-being—whether it’s a bubble bath or finally tackling that pile of laundry.
