The Truth About Self-Care:

It’s Daily Rituals — Not a Pedicure Every Month

Let’s set the record straight. Self-care isn’t what most people say it is.
It’s not a monthly massage. It’s not a cucumber eye mask. And it’s definitely not a pedicure you squeeze in every few weeks while answering work emails.

That’s maintenance. That’s aesthetics. That’s fine — but it’s not self-care. Self-care is what you do for yourself when no one’s clapping.
It’s the daily rituals that remind you:
I matter. I’m listening. I choose me.

Real Self-Care Looks Like This:
    •    Waking up 15 minutes early — not to be productive, but to breathe, stretch, or sit in silence before the world starts making demands.
    •    Drinking water first — before coffee, before chaos, before your body has to beg for basic care.
    •    Taking your meds without shame, because stability is a form of self-respect.
    •    Making yourself a real breakfast, even if it’s just eggs and toast, because you’re not meant to survive off scraps.
    •    Saying no without apologizing — because your bandwidth isn’t infinite, and peace is priority.
    •    Not answering that text right away because you don’t owe anyone immediate access to your energy.
    •    Putting your phone down and picking up your journal instead, because you need to hear your voice again.
    •    Moving your body, not for weight loss, not for praise — but because it reconnects you to yourself.
    •    Resting without guilt, even when the laundry’s not done and the inbox is full.
    •    Letting yourself cry, scream, rage, feel — and not labeling it as weakness.


Self-care is not a reward. It’s not a luxury. It’s not something you “earn” after taking care of everyone else. It’s the foundation. It’s the fuel.
It’s the invisible work that allows you to keep showing up — without losing yourself in the process.


So Let’s Redefine It:

Self-care is a ritual, not a rescue mission. It’s daily, not delayed.
It’s quiet, unseen, and sometimes uncomfortable — but it’s always worth it. And most of all? It’s yours. No one gets to define what it should look like but you.

So whether it’s silence, movement, boundaries, breath, breakfast, sleep, or solitude — if it fills your cup and brings you home to yourself…
it counts.

Now go do one thing today that reminds you:
You’re not an afterthought. You’re the priority.


❤️ Jamie

Truth-teller. Firestarter. Someone who fiercely believes in your healing.

STG Wellness was founded by Jamie Codispoti, LCSW. We create bold,

guided journals that help women reflect, reconnect, and reclaim their

power — without apology.

→ Visit: www.sloanetherapygroup.com

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