What Self-Care Really Means (Hint: It’s Not Just Bubble Baths)
Feb 05, 2025
“How many of you think self-care is a luxury?” I asked the room full of professionals during a corporate workshop. A few hands shot up, and the rest of the room shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. “Okay, let me ask another question. How many of you feel like you don’t have the time for self-care?” This time, almost every hand went up.
This wasn’t the first time I’d encountered these responses. As a psychologist and corporate speaker, I’ve met countless professionals who associate self-care with indulgence—think expensive spa days or hours soaking in bubble baths. For many, it’s seen as an activity reserved for a rare day off or a luxury vacation. But here’s the truth: Self-care is neither a luxury nor an indulgence. It’s a necessity, especially for those navigating high-pressure environments.
This misconception is what I aim to debunk in my workshops. Self-care isn’t about escaping your life; it’s about creating sustainable practices that allow you to thrive within it.
The Misunderstanding of Self-Care
The cultural portrayal of self-care often reduces it to pampering—bubble baths, candles, massages. While these can be wonderful, they represent only a tiny sliver of what self-care truly encompasses. More importantly, they often fail to address the root causes of stress and burnout.
True self-care is proactive, not reactive. It involves setting boundaries, maintaining physical health, fostering emotional resilience, and nurturing connections. These intentional acts support well-being every day, not just when nearing burnout.
The Science of Self-Care
Research underscores the importance of self-care in maintaining both mental and physical health. For example, practicing mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and improve focus (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Regular physical activity boosts mood and energy levels by increasing endorphin production (Ratey, 2008). And quality sleep, often undervalued, is crucial for cognitive function and emotional regulation (Walker, 2017).
Self-care also profoundly impacts workplace performance. Employees who prioritize their well-being tend to have better problem-solving skills, higher productivity, and reduced absenteeism (APA, 2020). Despite these benefits, many professionals resist self-care because they perceive it as time-consuming or incompatible with their demanding schedules.
Three Foundational Self-Care Practices for Busy Professionals
Here’s the good news: Self-care doesn’t require hours of your day. It’s about small, consistent actions that fit seamlessly into your routine. Below are three foundational strategies tailored for busy professionals:
- Mindful Breathing Take one minute during your workday to practice mindful breathing. Close your eyes, take slow, deep breaths, and focus on the sensation of air entering and leaving your lungs. This simple practice can reduce stress and help you reset.
- Set Clear Boundaries Around Work Establish a firm start and end time for your workday. Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues and stick to them. Resisting the urge to check emails late at night can create space for rest and recovery.
- Prioritize Restorative Sleep Quality sleep is essential for cognitive and emotional health. To create a sleep-friendly environment, reduce screen time an hour before bed, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and establish a consistent bedtime routine.
A Personal Reflection
During the height of the pandemic, I found myself nearing burnout. As a therapist, mother, and corporate speaker, I was juggling too many responsibilities. It was only when I started practicing what I preach—adjusting my schedule, delegating tasks, and prioritizing rest—that I began to recover.
One practice that proved transformative for me was simplifying my approach to self-care. Instead of trying to overhaul my entire routine, I focused on a few impactful actions: setting boundaries, practicing mindful breathing, and prioritizing sleep. These small shifts made a significant difference in my overall well-being.
Moving Beyond the Bubble Bath
Self-care is about more than temporary relief; it’s about creating a life that sustains you. When we shift our mindset from viewing self-care as a luxury to recognizing it as a necessity, we empower ourselves to live more balanced and fulfilling lives.
So, the next time someone suggests self-care, think beyond the bubble bath. Instead, consider the small, intentional actions you can take every day to support your well-being. Your future self will thank you.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). The impact of stress on employees. Retrieved from [APA Website]
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Delta.
Ratey, J. J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Little, Brown and Company.
Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner.
