WHY SELF-CARE MATTERS
- Alex Waller
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
What is self-care and why does it matter? Self-care is more than a catch phrase – although it seems like you hear it everywhere - there isn’t any real context to it. “Buy this product – you deserve it – self-care is essential.” We also talk about self-care being healthcare, often - BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN??
Self-care is really just about taking care of yourself—body, mind, and spirit. It’s not just about fancy spa days or buying stuff you don’t need. It’s more about the everyday choices that help you feel good and keep you going, whether that's saying no to something so you don’t get overwhelmed, getting enough sleep, eating foods that make you feel your best, moving your body in ways you like, or reaching out for help when you need it.
Self-care matters because it helps refill your tank so you can handle life and be there for others. When you skip out on self-care, stress piles up and you end up feeling drained. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s how you stay strong, keep moving forward, and deal with whatever comes your way.
Self-care can be so simple. It doesn’t have to be expensive or even require you to spend any money at all. Sitting on your porch and enjoying the breeze, or even better yet – sitting in your car for a few minutes before going inside, are great examples. The thing is, even though these are simple and easy ways of practicing self-care, we often find ourselves thinking about how we are wasting time and how those few minutes could be used being “productive”.
Think of self-care as tending to a garden: regular attention keeps it flourishing, while neglect invites weeds and wilt. The real beauty of self-care is that it’s uniquely yours. Maybe it’s a quiet moment with a book, a brisk walk in the park, or simply sitting still and breathing deeply for five minutes. These small acts, chosen intentionally, help build resilience and provide comfort on difficult days.
And it’s not just about what you do alone—connecting with others can be self-care too. Sharing a laugh, expressing gratitude, or having a genuine conversation can lift your spirits and strengthen your sense of belonging. Whatever form it takes, self-care is an ongoing commitment to your own well-being, fueled by compassion, curiosity, and respect for yourself. By making space for what nourishes you, you become better equipped to face life’s challenges and savor its joys.
Supporting Statistics for Self-Care
Evidence for the Importance of Self-Care
· According to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke are preventable with healthy self-care choices such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management.
·The American Psychological Association reports that nearly 75% of adults experience moderate to high levels of stress, and regular self-care practices—like mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and social connection—can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
·A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that employees who engage in self-care activities report 33% lower absenteeism and 21% higher productivity.
·The National Institutes of Health notes that people who prioritize self-care, such as getting adequate sleep and physical activity, have a 50% lower risk of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension.
Conclusion
These statistics show that self-care matters for health, stress reduction, productivity, and preventing chronic disease. Regular self-care supports lasting well-being and resilience. Now that you know what self-care is, how easy it is to inject it into your life – how little time it takes – find your thing and prioritize it as a daily habit. You deserve to have your moment – whether it is getting your nails done, setting aside 30 minutes for your hobby or saying “yes” to that friend thing – you are worth the time. When all else fails – if life is just too busy, set an alarm on your phone – take 60 secs to breathe and re-align your priorities. And remember, self-care IS healthcare.
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