The Truth About Self-Care, Beyond Bubble Baths & Candles

The Truth About Self-Care,  Beyond Bubble Baths & Candles

I know I usually talk a lot about hustling and pursuing our goals, but as much as we push forward, we also need to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves.

I used to think self-care meant bubble baths, fancy candles, and green smoothies. I thought if I just stacked enough spa days and yoga classes into my week, I’d be floating on a cloud of zen. But here’s the real tea: I ended up more stressed trying to “do self-care right” than I was before I even started.

The Myth of Aesthetic Self-Care

Thanks to social media, self-care has evolved into a perfectly curated aesthetic, cozy blankets, latte art, face masks, and sunset yoga on the beach. And don’t get me wrong, I love all of that. But let’s be honest: real self-care is so much messier than a highlight reel.

If I had a dollar for every time I fell asleep during a meditation or gave up on a workout halfway through to watch Netflix, I’d probably be on a permanent vacation by now. Real self-care is not always Instagram-worthy. Sometimes it looks like letting the laundry pile up for a few days because you needed to rest your mind and body. And that’s okay.

The Real Forms of Self-Care

Self-care isn’t just about pampering. It’s about preservation. It’s about saying no when your plate is already full. It’s about leaving that toxic group chat or unfollowing accounts that drain your energy. It’s about forgiving yourself for not always being “productive.”

Real self-care is:

• Setting boundaries without feeling guilty.

• Taking naps when you’re tired instead of pushing through.

• Saying no to plans that don’t serve you.

• Asking for help when you need it.

• Doing nothing at all and being okay with it.

  
  

Why It’s Hard, But So Worth It

The most challenging aspect of self-care is that it requires us to be honest with ourselves. It means facing the uncomfortable truth that we can’t pour from an empty cup. It means choosing ourselves even when it feels selfish,  because it’s not. Taking care of yourself isn’t an indulgence; it’s an essential act of self-respect.

How to Start Practicing Real Self-Care Today

Ready to start? Here are a few small ways you can begin today:

• Make a “non-negotiable” list for the week, small things you’ll do just for you, no matter what.

• Set a social media boundary,  maybe it’s no phone after 8 PM or no scrolling in bed.

• Check in with your body each morning: What do you need today? More rest, movement, or quiet time?

• Remind yourself daily that rest is just as productive as work.

  
  

Closing Thoughts

Self-care is not a trend. It’s not just something you schedule on Sundays or snap a photo of to prove you did it. It’s a lifelong promise to show up for yourself, even on the messy days, the unglamorous days, and the “I can’t even” days.

Take care of yourself, whatever that looks like for you. You deserve it.

What does real self-care look like for you?