The term “self-care” is often used to describe little things you can do for yourself, like taking a warm bubble bath, reading a book, or journaling. Can these small pleasures actually improve your life?

Many studies show a link between stress and wellbeing. Prolonged exposure to stress can negatively impact brain functions, immune systems, and the cardiovascular system. If we don’t take care of both our bodies and minds, there can be negative repercussions that will affect our overall health in the long run. Practicing self-care can help to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and decrease anger and frustration. Clinical studies have shown that the right kind of self-care may even help lower the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. It can also help develop ways of coping with the various stressors you face in your everyday life.

In truth, self-care involves more than taking a bubble bath or reading a book. Although such small activities can be helpful, their positive effects are temporary. Self-care involves your physical health, mental health, relationships, and spirituality. Some ways to take care of yourself include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, fostering relationships, eating properly, exercising, and good hygiene. These actions can help you reduce stress levels, manage chronic conditions, prevent disease, improve your mood, and increase your self-esteem, both in the short and long term.

You want to take care of yourself not only for your own good, but also because you are likely to be able to better handle your responsibilities, like caregiving, without compromising your own health. In fact, we should view self-care not just as a right, but as an obligation; for yourself, and indirectly for your loved ones.

Not sure how to start? Picking up a new, healthy habit can be difficult, so start small and slowly work your way up, like taking a short walk outside or doing a quick meditation once a day. When you incorporate small habits into your routine, it becomes easier to add a bit more. Small steps are the best way to integrate a new healthy habit, and it will be worth it in the long run.

–Gabrielle Lesage
From Share&Care Spring 2025

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