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You've heard this so many times, but it's always true: self-care is important. It's not something that should be done once a week or when you're feeling particularly low. Self-care doesn't have to be something that costs money or requires a lot of time either. If anything, you should try to make it as easy as possible on yourself because making time for yourself is important and you don’t want self-care to feel like one more thing on your to-do list!

Self-care is an ongoing process that requires consistent practice to be effective. Think of self-care as the foundation of your wellness routine—one that should be built up over time so that it becomes the solid base from which all other aspects of your life are built.

Self-care doesn't have to be something that costs money or requires a lot of time.

Self-care isn't just a catchphrase or trendy phrase. It's a way of life that can be as simple as taking a walk and listening to music while you do it. Self-care doesn't have to be expensive, nor does it require a lot of time.

Self-care can come in many forms, but what matters most is your willingness to make self-care an integral part of your routine. You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. If you are constantly giving and giving and giving, with no attention to your own needs, burnout is inevitable. 

Take time to reflect on what makes you happy and fulfilled in life (it might just be spending time with your dog). What are your hobbies? How do they make you feel? Do they remind you of something positive from the past or help bring out skills or talents that make them enjoyable? If they do, consider how these activities could be incorporated into your life so that they become part of your rhythm again.

Self-care doesn't mean neglecting your responsibilities and obligations as a parent, student, employee, or friend. Self-care isn't selfish. It's about making sure that we are able to carry out our responsibilities at our highest ability possible! 

In reality, self-care is about gaining an understanding of yourself and your needs. It's not just about being kind to yourself, but also about taking care of yourself — your physical health in addition to your mental health. The two go hand-in-hand; you can't neglect one without affecting the other.

Here is one way you can practice true self-care:

• Practice good sleep hygiene by carving out time for relaxation before bed each night and keeping electronics out of the bedroom (or at least keep them at arm's length). Try reading a book instead — chances are it'll be more relaxing than scrolling through Instagram!

Self-care is not a one-time thing. It's not a luxury, and it's certainly not selfish. Sometimes all it takes is reminding yourself that you're important too!