What comes to mind when you think of “self-care”? Does the concept come across as self-indulgent or selfish? Maybe your mind instantly turns to expensive beauty treatments, high-end vacations or extravagant shopping trips. Or maybe you think that self-care is reserved for people who have time and money to spare.

If that’s the case, it’s time to rebrand what this term really means, especially to women.

“We often see the message of self-care in advertising directed at women, but it’s generally as a sales pitch for something we don’t need,” explains wellness and preventive medicine physician Sandra Darling, DO, MPH.

“We’re told, ‘You deserve it,’ so it makes sense that many people associate the practice of self-care with pampering themselves and spending money.”

But self-care is so much more (and so much less expensive) than spa trips and vacation days — and it’s actually a critical element of your physical and mental health. Dr. Darling breaks down what self-care actually means and why it’s so crucial that you make time for it.

How do women view self-care? 

“Self-care is just another name for taking care of yourself, which is vital for your health and well-being,” Dr. Darling says. “More specifically, self-care means identifying and meeting your needs, which is something that most women struggle with.”

In our society, women often feel obligated to be caretakers, which can lead you to put everyone else’s needs — those of your children, spouse, parents, friends and even pets — before your own.

So, it may feel awkward and even selfish to suddenly shift the balance from caring for everyone else to caring for yourself. But Dr. Darling says it’s time to start viewing self-care differently and enter into this uncharted territory, despite the initial discomfort it can bring.

“Self-care simply means you’re taking time to care for yourself,” she says, “and if you don’t properly care for yourself, your body will let you know in negative ways.”

Why self-care is so important 

Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your health. It weakens your immune system, inflames your body and makes you more susceptible to health issues like:

• Colds.
• Depression.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Metabolic syndrome.
• Sleep issues.
• Stomach pain.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Weight gain.

“These physiological changes are compounded by the poor choices that can sometimes come with feeling like you’re at the end of your rope,” Dr. Darling notes. Reacting to stress with numbing activities — like zoning out in front of the TV or bingeing on junk food and alcohol — also contribute to stress-related health issues.

But stress-relieving activities quiet your mind and lower cortisol, known as the stress hormone. Relaxation practices may help lower your blood pressure, improve your brain health and help you feel happier and more relaxed, overall — all good things.

“I advocate for self-care to prevent my patients from getting to this point,” Dr. Darling says. “Rather than succumbing to the ‘rosé all day’ approach to managing life’s stressors, treat yourself with love, respect and kindness — but also discipline.”

How to prioritize your health 

Self-care means taking care of yourself, which includes making time for ongoing habits like keeping up with your doctor’s appointments, moving your body and eating foods that will keep you nourished and thriving.

But it’s also important to engage in practices and activities that help you center yourself. Dr. Darling recommends starting your self-care routine by simply taking some time each day to pause. One study found that even just 15 minutes of alone time can help lower stress, so go solo in ways that will help you unwind.

“Find an activity that promotes inner peace and calm,” Dr. Darling says. “This will allow you to unwind from stress and get in touch with your needs.”

You may already know what type of self-care works best for you. Maybe it’s going for a run, playing with your pet or cooking up a delicious dinner. But if you’re not yet sure, or if your idea of relaxation involves bingeing an entire TV series in one sitting, it’s important to experiment with different self-care practices and see what feels best.

Here are a few simple self-care ideas for beginners or for anyone who wants to try something new:

1. If you’re tired, make an effort to go to bed early.
2. Spend time in nature, like gardening or walking barefoot in the grass or sand, a practice known as grounding.
3. Spend 10 to 15 minutes doing a few simple yoga poses or stretches.
4. Try an Epsom salt bath.
5. Use a guided meditation app.
6. Practice some positive affirmations.
7. Read a book in your favorite chair and enjoy a cup of herbal tea.
8. Cook or bake a delicious and healthy recipe.
9. Take a social media break.
10. Indulge in a little (keyword: a little!) bit of goblin mode.
11. Take a walk around your neighborhood, noticing the sights and sounds and stopping to smell the flowers.
12. Do something creative, like woodworking, jewelry-making or pottery.
13. Color in an adult coloring book while listening to relaxing music or nature sounds.
14. Keep a gratitude journal.
15. Take a nap.
16. Give yourself a face massage.
17. Sit on your front porch or deck in peace and quiet. Leave your phone inside!

Don’t see your favorite relaxation practice listed here? Self-care is different for everyone, so if it helps you relax, makes you happy and doesn’t harm your health, it can fall into the category of self-care.

So, let the “me time” commence! Your body and mind will thank you.