Episode 27: Self-care is not a luxury, it's a necessity!

Deliberate Aging

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving deep into something we all talk about—but don’t always practice: self-care. Since it's Mental Health Awareness Month, there’s no better time to reflect on why taking care of ourselves is not selfish, but essential.

Now, let’s be real. When you hear "self-care," what comes to mind? Maybe it’s treating yourself to a fancy latte, spending the weekend at a spa, or binging an entire season of your favorite show in one sitting. And sure, those things can be self-care, but that’s just scratching the surface.

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and scented candles (though, hey, if those work for you, go for it!). It’s about the way we nurture our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s about setting boundaries, resting when needed, fueling our bodies with good food, and—this one’s hard—giving ourselves permission to pause without guilt.

Yet, here’s the kicker: we do feel guilty. Especially women. Society has conditioned us to prioritize others—to be caretakers, nurturers, problem-solvers. And somewhere along the way, we started believing that taking care of ourselves was indulgent, not necessary. But let’s flip the script. If we’re running on empty, how can we possibly show up for the people who depend on us?

That classic airline rule—"put on your own oxygen mask first"—applies to life, not just flights. If we’re depleted, exhausted, and burned out, we’re no good to anyone. So today, we’re breaking down the science behind self-care, tackling the guilt, and—most importantly—giving you real strategies to prioritize yourself without apology.

I want you to walk away from this episode feeling empowered. I want you to recognize that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

Science proves that when you prioritize self-care, you’re actively improving your brain function, emotional stability, and even longevity.

So the next time you feel guilty for taking time for yourself, remind yourself: this isn’t indulgence—it’s fundamental to your well-being.

Personally, I try my best to be mindful and incorporate self-care when needed. For example, if I am having a tough day at work, I will try to find a few minutes to get up from my desk, stretch my legs and look out a window. I often get tension headaches from staring at my laptop for extended periods of time so I find that looking out the window help my eyes to relax, actually it helps my whole body relax.

And I do feel better when I eat healthy meals, sleep well and move my body daily with some exercise. Do I make this happen every day, nope, but I do my best and that’s all that matters.

What Is Self-Care and Why is It Important?

The Connection Between Self-Care and Mental Health | Psychology Today

Why is Self-Care Important? | SNHU

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