Guys, let’s be real for a second. How many times have you been told to “just take some time for yourself,” only to stare at your mile-long to-do list and laugh hysterically? Self-care sounds great in theory, but when life feels like a constant game of dodgeball—and you’re the target—it can feel impossible. Work, family, friends, laundry that seems to multiply like rabbits… It’s easy to push your own needs to the bottom of the list (if they make the list at all).

Here’s the truth: You deserve self-care. Not just the spa-day-once-a-year kind, but the daily, little-sips-of-sanity kind. Because self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a survival mode antidote. Let me walk you through 10 reasons why self-care isn’t just something you should do—it’s something you need to do. And yes, I promise to keep this warm and funny (just like your favorite cup of tea or that one friend who always “gets it”).

1. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

Have you ever tried to pour wine from an empty bottle? (Tragic, I know.) The same logic applies to you. You can’t keep giving to your kids, partner, coworkers, or the random neighbor who always needs a ride to Target if you’re running low on energy. Taking care of yourself—whether that’s a 20-minute nap or finally saying no to PTA bake sales to impress other moms in competition for the “perfect mom” award—gives you the energy to be the amazing woman everyone already knows you are. 

So when next you feel the urge to belly-up say yes, try having your default setting be- Let me think about it and get back to you. Then think about whether this “thing” is an energy drainer or energy giver and choose wisely 🙂

2. Your Well-Being Impacts Every Aspect of Life

When you’re overtired, overstressed, and over it, it shows. You snap at your best friend for asking about your weekend plans. You cry over burnt toast. You forget why you walked into a room (okay, that one might just be me). Neglecting self-care turns even the best of us into hot messes, including the most organized ones. But when you invest in your well-being—even in small ways—it’s like hitting the refresh button on your whole life. Suddenly, you’re handling work emails like a boss, laughing at your kids’ (not so funny but said with love) jokes, and, dare I say, enjoying your own company. You are pleasant, you are fun to be around and you even remember to listen to just listen. 

3. Self-Care Helps You Recognize Your Worth

Ladies, let me remind you of something: You’re a queen. Yes, you, sitting there in yesterday’s leggings, scrolling through this article while eating cold pizza (no judgment—we’ve all been there). When you make time for self-care, you’re sending a powerful message to yourself: I matter. That’s a big deal! Whether it’s taking yourself out for coffee or splurging on a skincare product that makes you feel like a goddess, self-care is a love letter to yourself. Sign it, seal it, and deliver it, honey. Treat yourself like you know your worth- splurge a little when you win and have the financial means to be generous with yourself. Stop waiting for others to treat you better than you treat yourself.

4. Life’s Demands Won’t Stop—But You Can Pause

Breaking news: The world won’t crumble if you take 10 minutes to sit in your car and blast Lizzo after a long day. Sure, your inbox will still be full, and the dishes might still be there when you get back inside. But guess what? That’s okay. You will get it done when you can – you always do anyway. 

Self-care gives you permission to hit pause, even when life feels like it’s moving at 1,000 mph. Take a breather. Watch an episode of your favorite trashy reality show. The chaos will still be there, but you’ll be better equipped to handle it.

5. You Deserve the Same Care You Give to Others

Think about how much energy you spend taking care of everyone else. You make your partner’s doctor’s appointments, remember your best friend’s birthday, and pack your kids’ lunches like you’re auditioning for MasterChef. Now imagine giving just a fraction of that care to yourself. Revolutionary, right? 

Whether it’s scheduling your own health checkup or treating yourself to that overpriced chai latte, you deserve to be on the receiving end of your love and attention. It feels good and you only get the one life so who or what are you waiting for. 

6. Self-Care Isn’t Just Bubble Baths and Spa Days

Let’s clear something up: Self-care doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board. Sure, bubble baths and spa days are fabulous, but self-care can also mean throwing on your comfiest pajamas at 6 p.m., ordering healthy takeout, and ignoring your email (responsibly). It’s about finding what fills your cup, whether that’s journaling, blasting 90s boy bands, or binge-watching a true-crime docuseries or simply dancing. Spoiler alert: There’s no wrong way to do it. The only right way to do it is that you feel good at the end of the day.

7. Your Future Self Will Thank You

Picture this: It’s a year from now, and you’re glowing. You’re not stressed about little things, your skin is clear, and you’re living your best life. How did you get there? By starting small today. Future You will high-five Present You for drinking more water, saying no to toxic people, and finally prioritizing that thing you’ve been putting off (hello, yoga class). 

Self-care is an investment in the woman you’re becoming. Never apologize for that!

8. Self-Care Boosts Confidence

Remember that feeling you get when you wear a killer outfit or nail your eyeliner on the first try? It’s the moment you glance in the mirror and think, Who is this fabulous person staring back at me? That’s exactly what self-care does for your soul. It’s a quiet, empowering reminder that you’re worth the effort. Prioritizing yourself—whether it’s by taking a dance class, treating yourself to a new haircut, or just getting a glorious eight hours of sleep—creates a ripple effect.

Confidence, my friend, is contagious. When you feel like a queen, you start showing up like one. You walk into rooms with your head held high, laugh a little louder, and start realizing you deserve every bit of joy life has to offer. And trust me, that energy? It’s magnetic. Don’t be surprised when people start asking, “What’s your secret?”

9. It’s Okay to Prioritize Yourself—Even When It Feels Impossible

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt guilty for putting yourself first. (I’m raising both hands.) Society loves to tell women that we should always be selfless, but that’s nonsense. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Start small: Spend five minutes meditating, or tell your family you need an uninterrupted hour to read your book. You’re not neglecting anyone by caring for yourself; you’re setting an example of what healthy boundaries look like.

10. You Deserve Joy—No Matter What

Here’s the bottom line: You deserve joy. We all do. Joy is not only for a select few. Being joyful is a birthright. Not when you’ve checked off everything on your to-do list, not when you’ve hit some arbitrary goal, but right now. Joy doesn’t have to be big or flashy. It can be dancing in your kitchen to your favorite song, taking a long walk, or saying yes to dessert. Self-care is about giving yourself permission to embrace those little moments of happiness, because you are absolutely, 100%, no-doubt-about-it worthy of them.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 10 reasons why you deserve self-care, even when it feels impossible. Life is messy, unpredictable, and often overwhelming, but taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how prioritizing self-care transforms not just your days but your entire mindset.

Now, go do one thing for yourself today, whether that’s a solo dance party, a guilt-free nap, or saying no to something that drains you. You’ve got this, beautiful. As the wise RuPaul says, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” Amen to that.