Self-Care Isn’t Just Bubble Baths (Though Those Are Nice Too)
We hear “self-care” everywhere these days. It’s on coffee mugs, Instagram posts, and pretty much every mental health tip list out there. But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t about being perfect, or having an elaborate skincare routine, or spending a ton of money on fancy candles (but those Bath & Body Works 3-wick candles ARE pretty great.)
Self-care is about noticing when you’re running on empty — and actually doing something about it.
What self-care really means
Sometimes self-care looks like saying no to plans because you need rest. Other times, it’s dragging yourself out for a walk when you’d rather stay under the covers, because you know you’ll feel better afterward. It might be meal prepping, journaling, going to therapy, or yeah — taking that bubble bath if that’s what soothes you.
It’s not always glamorous, and it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all. Self-care is whatever helps you feel a little more human, a little more grounded, and a little more like you.
Why it’s hard
Here’s the thing — when life is stressful, self-care is usually the first thing to go. You’re tired, busy, and it can start to feel like one more thing on your to-do list. But think about it this way: if you’re running on fumes, everything feels heavier. Taking care of yourself gives you more energy, patience, and space to handle the hard stuff.
Simple ways to start
Check in with yourself. Ask, “What do I actually need right now?”
Keep it small. Five minutes of deep breathing or stretching counts.
Make it regular. Little habits completed consistently add up more than one big “self-care day.”
Drop the guilt. Resting isn’t lazy — it’s necessary.
Final thoughts
Self-care doesn’t mean life gets magically easy. But it does mean you’re showing up for yourself in a world that asks a lot from you. And you deserve that.
💡 At Morrow Therapeutics, I help individuals redefine self-care in ways that go beyond surface-level fixes. Together, we can build sustainable practices that support your mental health, resilience, and overall well-being.