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Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Reframing Your Mindset About Taking Time for You
Welcome to the very first episode of the Vibrant, Balanced Living Podcast! I’m Heather, your host and creator of this space dedicated to helping women reclaim their health, energy, and confidence. If you’re watching on YouTube, you might notice my little boy, Coal, making a cameo. So if you hear some playful noises in the background, that’s him!
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: why self-care isn’t selfish. As busy women, it’s all too easy to feel guilty about carving out time for ourselves, especially when so many people depend on us—our kids, partners, colleagues, or friends. But here’s the truth: prioritizing self-care is essential if you want to show up fully in all areas of your life.
Why Self-Care Matters
Picture this: You’re juggling professional responsibilities, personal obligations, and countless other tasks. Your plate is overflowing, yet you still want to be there for everyone else. It’s admirable, but without taking care of yourself first, you’ll eventually run on empty. Think of it like the age-old analogy of putting your oxygen mask on first during a flight—you can’t help others effectively if you’re not taking care of yourself.
Taking care of yourself isn’t about indulgence; it’s about replenishing your energy, reducing stress, and gaining the mental clarity needed to stay focused and calm under pressure. This is what leads to true productivity and a balanced life.
The BALANCE Method: Building a Foundation for Self-Care
I developed what I call the BALANCE Method, which consists of seven pillars designed to help you get back to the basics of healthy living. The idea isn’t to get bogged down in the minutiae or split hairs over every little detail (unless you’re a professional athlete or managing a specific health condition). Instead, it’s about making simple, sustainable changes that lead to an exponential effect on your overall well-being.
Here’s the reality: small, consistent actions compound over time. When you start making these little changes, you might wake up one day and think, “Wow, I feel really good!” And that’s exactly where you want to be. I’ve spent the last 30 years in the world of health and fitness, but it wasn’t until I started truly taking it seriously about 17 years ago that I understood the power of these basics. For instance, I used to hit the gym and follow it up with a cigarette in the parking lot—definitely not the healthiest approach!
But I learned, I grew, and I started incorporating changes that laid a strong foundation for a balanced, vibrant life.
Reframing Self-Care: It’s Essential, Not Selfish
So, let’s talk about reframing your mindset around self-care. As busy women, we often feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. That guilt is normal, but it’s misplaced. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It helps you manage stress better, stay calm in chaotic situations, make better decisions, and manage your time more effectively.
Think about it: something as simple as ensuring you drink enough water, get a good night’s sleep, or move your body for 30 minutes each day can have a ripple effect across every area of your life. You’ll start feeling more productive, stronger, healthier, and happier. And sure, not every day will be perfect, but overall, these habits will set you up for success.
Practical Tips to Start Your Self-Care Journey
Here’s the kicker: when you’re thinking about incorporating self-care into your life, don’t try to boil the ocean. Start small. Choose one manageable thing you can do today. Maybe it’s setting your timer for five minutes and sitting in silence, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. Even five minutes can make a difference.
Other practical ways to prioritize yourself might include setting boundaries with your work hours or rediscovering a hobby that brings you joy. I always recommend having three hobbies: one that keeps you fit, one that sparks creativity, and one that brings in a little extra cash.
Seasonal Self-Care Resets: Fall Into Your Best Routine
We’re just past Labor Day—a perfect time to think about a self-care reset. There are natural points in the year when we feel motivated to make positive changes: New Year’s resolutions, springtime refreshes, and, of course, the back-to-school energy in the fall. Now is the perfect moment to reflect and reset.
With just four months left in the year, think about what you can accomplish. What’s one small thing you can start today? Can you drink a bit more water, or get to bed half an hour earlier? These small acts of self-care can inspire a shift in your mindset, helping you reset your priorities and show up fully for those who need you.
Final Thoughts
Remember, taking care of yourself is not a selfish act. It’s the foundation that allows you to be your best self for others. By nurturing your health, energy, and confidence, you’re setting yourself up for success in all areas of life—whether that’s pursuing a career goal, a personal milestone, or simply feeling great every day.
Thank you for joining me on this first episode of the Vibrant, Balanced Living Podcast. I’m excited about this new journey, and I hope you find these topics helpful. We’ll dive deeper into health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, mindset, and productivity in future episodes. I hope you’ll continue to join me.
Feel free to join our community on Facebook and check out some free resources I’ve created for you at HeatherMonthie.com/free. Let’s make self-care a priority together!
Until next time, take care and be kind to yourself.
