Self-Care: It’s Not All Bubble Baths and Bank Statements

11/25/20243 min read

Self-Care Isn’t Just Sheet Masks and Shopping Sprees

Let’s face it: the self-care hashtag is having a moment. You’ve seen it all over Instagram—candles flickering seductively, bath bombs doing their fizzy thing, and a caption that screams, “Treat yo’ self!” But if you think self-care begins and ends with a Sephora haul and a latte, I’m here to burst that bubble. Real self-care isn’t always glamorous. In fact, sometimes it’s downright boring—and that’s okay.

The Psychology of Self-Care

Let’s get nerdy for a minute. Did you know that self-care is deeply tied to your mental health? According to psychology, self-care activities are anything that help reduce stress, improve your mood, and recharge your energy. But here’s the kicker: not all stress relief feels fun. Sometimes, it feels like adulting in disguise.

The brain thrives on predictability and balance. A study from the APA (American Psychological Association) found that consistent self-care practices, like maintaining a routine or eating a balanced diet, can significantly improve overall well-being. But hey, meal-prepping veggies doesn’t exactly scream “spa day,” does it?

Engaging in self-care can mean doing things like setting boundaries (gasp!), saying no to things that drain your energy (double gasp!), and—brace yourself—doing the boring stuff like meal prepping and folding your laundry so you’re not spiraling later in the week. In short, self-care is about playing the long game, not just treating symptoms of burnout with a quick fix.

Clearing Your Mind When Stress Hits

When you’re stressed, your brain feels like a browser with 57 tabs open, and none of them are playing the music you’re trying to mute. Here’s how to hit that mental refresh button:

  1. Brain Dump: Grab a pen and spill every thought out onto paper. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling—just let it flow. It’s like decluttering your brain’s junk drawer. Plus, it’s cheaper than therapy (though therapy is excellent and highly recommended).

  2. Box Breathing: This simple technique is military-tested and therapist-approved. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and hold for four seconds. Repeat until you’re less of a frazzled mess. It’s like hitting Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your anxiety.

  3. Move Your Body: No, you don’t have to do a hardcore CrossFit workout. Just take a walk, stretch, or dance like nobody’s watching (because they aren’t… probably). Exercise releases endorphins, which are basically your brain’s natural stress-fighting ninjas. Think of it as your own superhero squad in yoga pants.

  4. Digital Detox: Let’s be real, doomscrolling is not doing you any favors. Put your phone on airplane mode and spend some time in the analog world. Bonus points if you read a book or take a nap. Social media will still be there when you return, and it’ll still be messy.

  5. Practice Gratitude: Cheesy? Yes. Effective? Also yes. Studies show that writing down three things you’re grateful for can help rewire your brain to focus on the positive. And no, you can’t list coffee three times (though it’s tempting).

Self-Care Activities That Don’t Require a Credit Card

Not everything that nourishes your soul comes with a price tag. Here are a few low-cost (or free!) ways to take care of yourself:

  • Say No: This one’s free, but it’s also the hardest. Protect your peace by declining that thing you really don’t want to do. It’s the ultimate power move.

  • Declutter: A messy space can equal a messy mind. Spend 10 minutes tidying up and watch how much lighter you feel. Marie Kondo it or just shove it all in a drawer—we won’t judge.

  • Sleep: Revolutionary, I know. But prioritizing a good night’s sleep can work wonders for your mood and stress levels. Sleep is self-care’s underrated MVP.

  • Journal: Write about what’s on your mind, what you’re grateful for, or just jot down random thoughts. It’s like therapy, but cheaper. Bonus points for adding doodles—therapy meets art class.

  • Laugh: Watch your favorite comedy, scroll through memes, or call that one friend who always cracks you up. Laughter really is the best medicine, and it’s 100% organic.

Why Self-Care Isn’t Always Cute

Here’s the truth bomb: self-care isn’t always cute or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes it’s messy, unglamorous, and a little uncomfortable. It’s about doing what you need to do to take care of yourself, not just what feels good in the moment.

You know what else counts as self-care? Going to therapy, taking your meds, and having hard conversations. It’s not always about candles and face masks—sometimes, it’s about doing the hard, unsexy stuff that helps you grow.

So the next time you’re tempted to slap on a sheet mask and call it a day, ask yourself: What do I really need right now? The answer might surprise you—and it probably doesn’t involve a shopping spree.

Because let’s be honest: retail therapy is great… until the credit card bill shows up.