Why Self Care Isn't Just For January

Why self care isn’t just for January?

Self care is often misunderstood as indulgent, but it is an essential practice for maintaining physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. My clients have mixed feelings when it comes to receiving treatments. Many of them do have the view that taking an hour away from everyday life is essential for their mental health but the majority still look at receiving a treatment as an absolute treat. There are many reasons to prioritise self care all year round, not just in January.

Why self care is not indulgent.

Foundation for wellbeing:
Self care involves addressing basic needs such as sleep, nutrition, exercise and mental health.

Prevention of burnout:
Ignoring self care can lead to exhaustion, stress, and long term health issues. Regular self care practices serve as preventative measures, helping individuals maintain their energy and resilience.

Supports productivity:
When people take care of themselves, they are better equipped to manage responsibilities, make sound decisions and stay focused. Self care enhances overall productivity rather than detracting from it.

Encourages healthy boundaries:
Self care can include saying “no” to overcommitment or creating space for rest and relaxation. These practices are not selfish, they protect one’s ability to support others and fulfil obligations without depletion.

Validating personal worth:
Investing time in self care sends the message to others that your well being is important to you. It reinforces the belief that taking care of yourself is as important as any other responsibility.

So, why should self care be an all year round practice?

Wellness isn’t seasonal. Health and wellbeing require consistent attention, like maintaining your car or home. Sporadic care, such as focusing on self care in January alone, isn’t enough to sustain overall health throughout the year.

Life throws its challenges at us. Stress, changes, and demands occur all year long. Continuous self care ensures that you are prepared to handle life’s ups and downs effectively.

Treating self care as a January trend can lead to neglect during the rest of the year. A year round commitment fosters lasting habits that contribute to sustained wellbeing.

The ‘New Year New You’ mindset can create unrealistic expectations and pressure. Year round self care normalises the practice, removing the stigma of starting and stopping based on external factors.

Different times of the year bring varying challenges and needs. Summer may call for sun protection and extra hydration whilst winter may need focus on combating seasonal depression. Addressing these needs consistently ensures balance.

Looking after yourself isn’t just about taking the time to have a treatment of course. There are so many dimensions of self care.

Physical: Support the health of your body by taking regular exercise, adequate sleep, hydration, balanced nutrition and ensuring that you get regular medical check ups.

Mental: Engage in learning or taking on a new hobby. Practice mindfulness and take breaks from work or screen time.

Emotional: Chatting to a trusted friend, journaling, seeking therapy if you feel that you need support, engaging in activities that bring joy.

Social: Spending quality time with loved ones, setting boundaries in toxic relationships, staying connected with friends.

Spiritual: Meditate, spend time in nature, volunteer for a charity.

Professional: Taking regular breaks, setting work boundaries, delegating tasks, and pursuing your own personal growth.

Self care is about recognising one’s value and taking steps to protect and nurture it in all aspects of life.

By understanding self care as a vital ongoing practice rather than a fleeting luxury, you can cultivate a healthier, more sustainable approach to wellbeing.

Start your wellbeing journey now. A positive start to 2025.