Redefining Self-Care: A Real-World Series for Real-Life Humans
When you hear the words self-care, what comes to mind?
A bubble bath? A fancy smoothie? Maybe some overpriced candles?
Here’s the truth: self-care isn’t about luxury—it’s about survival.
It’s not something you earn. It’s not selfish. And it doesn’t have to cost a dime.
At The Headway Project, we believe real self-care is about meeting your basic needs with compassion, not perfection. So this week, we’re breaking it down in a way that makes it actually doable.
On Monday we talked about how self care is more than just bubble baths and spa days. Yes, bubble baths are great. But so is brushing your teeth. Or saying “no.” Or resting without guilt.
Self-care is anything that helps you restore, not escape.
✨ Real self-care is:
Setting boundaries
Going to therapy
Getting enough sleep
Noticing your needs—without judgment
🗣 Ask yourself: “What do I need today, and how can I meet that need with kindness?”
Day 2 of our series covered Physical Self Care and tending to our body’s basic needs. You don’t have to turn into a gym rat to care for your body. Here are five facts highlighting the positive impact of our physical health on our mental well-being.
5 Simple Truths About Physical Health & Mental Health:
Sleep deprivation can mimic anxiety and depression
Dehydration affects focus, mood, and energy
Moving your body releases feel-good chemicals (even if it's a 5-minute stretch)
Hunger and blood sugar crashes affect emotional regulation
Small wins (like flossing or standing up to stretch) = confidence + stability
🎯 Start simple: Drink a full glass of water. Take a few deep breaths. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.
Download our FREE “26 Simple Things to Boost Physical Health” Checklist NOW!
Day 3 of our series will cover Emotional Self Care and making space for our emotions, not ignoring them or trying to “fix” them.
Suppressing your feelings doesn’t make them disappear—it just buries them deeper.
Try this instead:
Naming what you’re feeling
Writing it out
Crying (yes, it's self-care)
Talking to someone who listens without trying to fix it
💭 You’re not “too much.” You’re human.
Day 4 of our Self Care series discusses Mental Self Care and clearing space to think, rest, and refocus.
Your brain has tabs open, notifications pinging, and a never-ending to-do list. Here are some ways to help clear your brain of that clutter:
Journaling
Doing a brain dump
Taking a screen break
Unfollowing that account that makes you feel bad
Reading something just for fun
📦 Clear the clutter so you can hear yourself think.
Day 5 of our series looks at Social Self Care and surrounding yourself with people who respect your boundaries, affirm your worth, and support your growth.
We’re wired for connection so making and keeping healthy connections is essential to our mental health.
Some ways to care for our social health are:
Saying no to draining relationships
Asking for help
Making time for laughter, not just logistics
Sending a friend a funny meme as a check-in
🌱 You’re allowed to be independent and need community.
Finally, Day 6 of our series will discuss Self Care as a Lifestyle, not an easy fix.
Self-care isn’t something you pull out when you're on the verge of burnout.
It’s a daily practice—woven into your habits, your choices, and your self-talk.
Start small. Be consistent. And most of all, be compassionate.
💡 Self-care isn’t about becoming a different person.
It’s about returning to yourself.
Final Thoughts
If no one’s told you today:
You deserve to rest. You’re allowed to take up space.
Your needs are not a burden.
🧡 This series was created to remind you of that—one small habit at a time.
Want to Go Deeper?
Check out our printable self-care checklists, mental health tools, and guided journals at TheHeadwayProject.com
And don’t forget to follow along on social media for more daily encouragement.