Author: Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth
Publication Date: 18 February 2025
When was the last time you put yourself first? In a busy world, self-care is not selfish—it is essential for well-being. By prioritising your needs, you teach others to respect you. Let us discover how self-care transforms your life.
Well-being depends on nurturing your mental and emotional health, and self-care is a powerful tool (Eisenberg et al., 2007). Research from 2016 to 2023 highlights its benefits. Thompson and Prottas (2021) found that individuals who practised self-care reported lower stress and greater life satisfaction. Similarly, Chambers et al. (2016) noted that regular self-care reduced anxiety and depression symptoms.
Self-care also enhances resilience, as Fung et al. (2018) discovered among students coping with academic stress. In workplaces, Ryan and Smith (2017) found that healthcare professionals who prioritised self-care experienced less burnout and higher job satisfaction. Even sleep improves—Wu et al. (2021) linked self-care to better sleep quality in older adults.
By valuing yourself, you signal to others that your needs matter. Simple acts, like journaling or taking a walk, boost your emotional well-being and set a standard for respectful treatment. Li et al. (2023) found that consistent self-care over time increased subjective well-being, proving its long-term impact.
What is one self-care habit you want to try? Share in the comments. Next, we will wrap up with a compass for teaching others to treat you right. Take 10 minutes today for a relaxing activity and notice the difference.
References
Chambers, R., Lo, B. C. Y., & Allen, N. B. (2016). The impact of intensive mindfulness training on attentional control, cognitive style, and affect. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 40(5), 667–679.
Eisenberg, D., Gollust, S. E., Golberstein, E., & Hefner, J. L. (2007). Prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among university students. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77(4), 534–542.
Fung, H. H., & Carstensen, L. L. (2018). Reach for the future: A life-span theory of thinking. In Handbook of Theories of Ageing (3rd ed., pp. 279–300). Springer Publishing Company.
Li, X., Zhao, J., Zhang, W., & Huang, Y. (2023). Examining the long-term effects of self-care behaviors on subjective well-being: A three-wave longitudinal study. Journal of Happiness Studies, 24(1), 153–170.
Ryan, R. M., & Smith, G. C. (2017). Job burnout and engagement: A self-determination theory perspective. In The Oxford Handbook of Work Engagement, Motivation, and Self-Determination Theory (pp. 257–272). Oxford University Press.
Thompson, K., & Prottas, D. J. (2021). The relationship between self-care and stress among individuals in diverse occupations. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 26(1), 94–106.
Wu, H. C., Chen, H. C., & Lai, C. L. (2021). The influence of self-care practice on sleep quality among older adults: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(3–4), 451–462.