April 5th is dedicated as National Self-Care Day in the United States. The interest in and practice of self-care has exploded – just do a Google search with the term self-care activities and in the blink of an eye, you have access to 3,110,000 sites and suggestions. So, do you really need another post about self-care?

Yes! You never know when something you read serves as the spark to get something started or the fuel to keep it going. And as with all things in life, take what you need from this post and leave the rest behind.

Self-care is often portrayed as a luxury, something to be savored in moments of respite. If you don’t have a practice of self-care and I asked, “How come?” it’s likely that you will tell me that you don’t have enough time or that taking time for yourself is selfish. But in reality, it’s a necessity — not an indulgence. It’s the act of nurturing and protecting your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, and it’s an essential practice for leading a balanced, healthy life.

In a world that often tells us to push harder, work longer, and sacrifice more, self-care is a radical act of self-love. It’s a choice to value yourself enough to take the time to recharge. By giving yourself the care you deserve, you enable yourself to show up as the best version of yourself, not just for others, but for your own health and happiness as well.

Imagine this: you’re driving a car across a long, winding road. The journey is beautiful, but the car needs fuel, oil changes, and regular maintenance to keep moving forward. Without care, it would break down. The same principle applies to you. In our fast-paced world, where the demands of work, family, and social obligations seem endless, it’s easy to forget that you, too, need to recharge and tend to your personal well-being.

Self-care is the foundation upon which we build our ability to care for others. When we are well, we are better equipped to support our loved ones, contribute to our communities, and face life’s challenges with resilience. Prioritizing self-care doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world, but rather recognizing that taking time for yourself is a crucial part of staying grounded and balanced.

The importance of self-care isn’t just about physical health, although that’s undeniably important. It’s about cultivating a healthy mind and spirit. When we invest in practices that bring us joy — whether that’s reading a book, spending time in nature, meditating, or simply enjoying a warm cup of tea — we nurture our mental health. Taking care of ourselves emotionally is just as essential as caring for our bodies. It means setting boundaries, learning to say no when we need to, and not overburdening ourselves with unrealistic expectations.

For many, the need for self-care has become especially clear in recent years, as the challenges of global events and personal struggles have made life feel more overwhelming. In these moments, self-care provides an anchor, a reminder that our well-being matters. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you offer to others.

Self-care strategies are not a one-size-fits-all. To be effective for you the routines you establish should be suited to you. That’s where the 3,110,000 Google hits might be helpful – take time to examine the wisdom contained in those post, try out as many suggestions as possible to find those that are suited for you and nurture your self-compassion to accept that these may change over time.

Folks often scoff when I respond that ironing is my go-to self-care act. As a military brat traveling around the globe, I discovered that ironing crisp seams in my dad’s uniforms was much more than a mundane chore. The heat of the steam, the smell of the starch, and the repetitive motion of the iron was the balm to my angst about having to start all over again at the next military base. As an adult, ironing remains my go-to. Whether it’s a pair of pants or a pile of table linens, I walk away with a sense of calm, my mind feels clearer, and I feel happier about taking a few minutes to engage in something that is suited for me.

So while National Self-Care Day on April 5th raises our awareness about the importance of self-care, schedule some time every day to take care of yourself.