For a long time, I thought self-care meant spa days, elaborate routines, or hours spent alone with a book. The truth is that self-care is not a luxury; it is essential for survival. It does not have to look glamorous or take hours. Sometimes it is just a few minutes of quiet, a laugh with a friend, or a moment to reconnect with yourself in the middle of the chaos.
Life does not slow down for anyone.
Between training runs, everyone’s schedules, work, and errands, it is easy to feel like you are running on empty. I have been there. Late nights after soccer games, grocery runs, and the endless back-and-forth of daily life can leave you drained. I ignored my own needs for a long time, thinking there was no time for me. What I learned is that when I neglect myself, everything suffers. My energy, focus, relationships, and patience all take a hit.
Self-care is deeply personal. For me, it can be laughing until my cheeks hurt with friends I have known forever. It can be a solo weekend getaway with no plan other than to do nothing. Or stepping into a red light therapy session after a long week of running and feeling my body reset. It can be a massage that untangles more than just knots in my muscles. And sometimes it is ten minutes sitting in the car in silence before the next chaos starts. That is self-care, preservation and fuel.
I have also found that self-care can be practical and joyful. Thrifting trips, for example, are more than shopping. They are an adventure, a way to find treasure while giving something new a second life. They give me calm, creativity, and accomplishment that no chaotic to-do list can match. Even small wins, like meal prepping a smoothie or a healthy snack, count.
The key is intention. Self-care does not have to be long or complicated. It just has to exist. Showing up for yourself allows you to show up for others with more presence, energy, and patience. I do not wait for the perfect moment. I take what I can: five minutes of stretching, a quiet coffee, a mindful shower, or a long walk with my dog.
Prioritizing self-care is not selfish; it is necessary. When life feels heavy, these small, intentional acts anchor us, nourish us, and remind us that we matter. Creating a life that is sustainable, joyful, and balanced is possible when you give yourself the care you deserve.
Take the First Step
Today, pick one small act of self-care. Call a friend, book that massage, sit in silence, or take your shoes off and stretch your feet after a long day. Even ten minutes matters. You will find that when you give to yourself first, everything else flows more smoothly.
For more tips on managing life without losing yourself, check out my blog on Finding Balance as a Runner Mom.
