It’s the beginning of a new year.  Loads of people are setting resolutions and goals for things they’d like to accomplish or change this year. I’m even running a workshop today on a special approach to goal-setting that makes your plans more likely to stick.

But there’s a special type of activity that doesn’t always get considered when people try to set goals for themselves. They spend too much time thinking up lists of things they should be doing.

So what is it that gets left out?

Self-care. 

Especially for women.

Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. But it’s often the first thing to fall off the to-do list, especially when you're juggling work, family, and the invisible pressures of "having it all together."

But the counterintuitive truth is that self-care is actually the thing that keeps you grounded, resilient, and capable of navigating the chaos life throws your way. 

So it’s exactly when you think you can’t afford the time to take care of yourself that you most need to do it.

But it isn’t going to happen if you don’t have a plan for what you’ll do and when. Or at least a menu of options to choose from.

So, what do you do to take care of yourself? 

And I don’t just mean the occasional bubble bath or binge-watching your favorite show (though those are great and definitely should be on your list of things to do). 

I’m talking about the deeper stuff—the kind of self-care that feels like an investment in your future self. The kind that might be a little uncomfortable at first but pays off in spades.

Let me ask you this: when was the last time you set a boundary and stuck to it? 

When did you last say, “No, I can’t take on that extra task” or “Yes, I do need help”? 

If you’re shaking your head or wincing at the thought, you’re not alone. For so many of us, taking care of ourselves feels selfish or indulgent. 

But the truth is, neglecting your needs doesn’t just hurt you—it ripples out into everything and everyone you care about. If your stress and physical health take you down, your whole family goes down with you.

Self-care can look like leaving work on time, even when your inbox isn’t empty. 

It’s taking that walk even when the couch is calling your name. 

It's taking the time to exercise (even if only for a little bit), or eat a real meal rather than fast food.

It’s making the therapy appointment, saying no to the toxic friendship, or finally admitting you need to delegate some of your responsibilities. 

Or even investing some time and money in coaching.

It’s recognizing that your worth isn’t tied to how much you achieve, but how authentically you show up for your life, and how you love and are loved.

And if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, start small. Drink water. Sleep an extra 30 minutes. Write down one thing you’re grateful for. These tiny acts of care compound into something transformative. 

Because when you take care of yourself, you’re not just surviving—you’re reclaiming the energy and joy that make life worth living.

So, I’ll ask you again: What do you do to take care of yourself? 

And what’s one thing you can do today to show yourself the love and respect you deserve?

P.S. If it’s hard for you to think of at least 5-10 things you could do for self-care, or if you can think of some but you can’t imagine taking the time to do them, you owe it to yourself to book a call and talk about how to change that.

To receive the blog and content like this right to your inbox, click here:

Write to me at [email protected] to let me know what you'd like help with, or book a call:

Stress/overwhelm/work-life/relationship issues: endselfsabotagenow.com

Stress-Free Professionals and Entrepreneurs Facebook Group: