The Truth About What Self-Care Really Means You Need to Know
We throw the term self-care around a lot these days. It’s become trendy—pasted on face masks, wine glasses, and spa day captions. But let’s get real for a second…
Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
And too often, it’s misunderstood.
True self-care doesn’t always look like lavender baths and candles. Sometimes, it looks like setting a boundary that makes people uncomfortable. Sometimes, it’s turning off your phone, skipping the social invite, or drinking water when you’d rather pour a second coffee.
If you’ve ever found yourself rolling your eyes at the idea of self-care—or if you’ve tried and failed to feel “better” after doing all the things you were told to—this article is for you.
Let’s explore the truth about what self-care really means.
1. Self-Care Is Not Always Comfortable
You know what’s not cute but very necessary self-care?
- Saying no when you’ve always said yes.
- Going to bed instead of staying up to doom scroll.
- Unfollowing accounts that make you feel like you’re falling behind in life.
- Having a tough conversation instead of bottling things up.
We often associate self-care with comfort, but ironically, it sometimes requires discomfort. It’s about doing the hard things that nurture your future self.
Real self-care means parenting yourself like someone you truly love. And that means doing what’s good for you, not just what feels good in the moment.
2. Self-Care Is About Boundaries, Not Just Breaks
Breaks are important. Rest is essential. But if the people, environments, and habits draining you remain unchanged, then no amount of “me time” can refill your cup.
Boundaries are the invisible fences that protect your time, energy, and peace.
Ask yourself:
- Who or what consistently drains me?
- What do I allow that doesn’t align with my values or energy?
- Where do I say yes out of guilt or obligation?
Self-care is the act of choosing yourself. Not selfishly, but sustainably. Because when you’re well, you show up better for everyone else.
3. Self-Care Is Individual, Not Instagrammable
There is no one-size-fits-all version of self-care.
For some, it’s journaling. For others, it’s lifting weights or finally booking that therapy session. For many, it’s turning off the noise and doing absolutely nothing.
What recharges you might not look like anyone else’s ritual. That’s okay.
Your self-care should meet you where you are.
So instead of asking, “What should I be doing for self-care?” try asking:
“What do I need right now?”
Not what you think you should need. Not what someone on the internet told you to do. But what your body, mind, and soul are quietly asking for.
4. Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Cost a Thing
In a world that’s commercialized self-care into a billion-dollar industry, it’s easy to forget this:
Self-care can be free.
- A walk in nature.
- A deep breath before answering a difficult email.
- Cleaning one corner of your room to feel a bit more in control.
- Saying “I’ll get back to you” instead of answering right away.
Of course, investing in yourself can be powerful—coaching, therapy, retreats—but never underestimate the small, free shifts that restore your peace.
Sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is slow down.
5. Self-Care Is About Wholeness, Not Perfection
You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You’re not too sensitive.
You’re just tired. Overstimulated. Burnt out from being strong for too long.
Self-care isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about honoring yourself.
The truth is: taking care of yourself is an act of rebellion in a world that profits off your burnout. So rebel with rest. With boundaries. With moments of stillness and softness.
You don’t need to earn your right to pause. You don’t have to hit rock bottom before you say, “I matter.”
6. Self-Care Is the Foundation of Everything Else
Want to write that book? Launch that project? Show up fully for your family?
It all starts with self-care.
Clarity, confidence, creativity—they don’t thrive in chronic stress.
That’s why everything I teach, share, and create at Nirvana on Earth begins with this foundation: helping you reclaim your peace, your energy, and your sense of self.
Your well-being is not optional. It’s the groundwork for your purpose.
Ready to Redefine Self-Care?
If this resonated with you, I invite you to take the 60-second Clarity Compass™ Quiz and get your free Clarity Toolkit. Head over to the Nirvana on Earth homepage to take the quiz now.
You’ll get:
- Your personalized Clarity Compass™ result
- A calming playlist
- The stress reduction method that changed my life
✨ It only takes a minute—and it just might change everything.
✨ Take the Quiz and Get the Toolkit
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s strategic.
And the more you lean into it, the more life opens up.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links.’ This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products and services I personally use.
