#41: The 5 Pillars of Self Care
The 5 Pillars of Self Care: An Invitation to Explore What Nurtures You
Hello and welcome! I’m so excited to dive into today’s topic, the 5 pillars of self care. Please know the goal here isn’t to add any shame, pressure, or guilt to your plate; instead, it’s an open invitation to get curious about different aspects of your life that might need some extra love and attention.
Before I jump into each pillar, I want to remind you: self care is personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. The 5 pillars of self care aren’t a checklist to make you feel less than; they’re gentle gateways to rediscovering how you can better support yourself. We all have unique bodies, histories, and needs. So as you read, I encourage you to get curious and pick just one pillar to start with. You definitely don’t have to tackle all five at once.
1. Sleep: Are You Getting Enough Rest?
The first pillar of self care is sleep. Yes, I know you know sleep is important, but it’s incredible how often this piece gets overlooked! Are you getting enough sleep? Not the number your favorite influencer claims works for them, but what you actually need? For most adults, that means seven to nine hours. If you’re waking up tired, dragging yourself through the day, or relying on caffeine just to feel functional, it might be time to get curious about your sleep routines. I’m a big fan of winding down with a physical book or gentle music—quiet, tech-free moments make a difference for me. What would feel supportive for you?
2. Hydration: Are You Drinking Enough Water?
The second pillar of self care—hydration—might sound basic, but so many of us don’t drink enough water. Our bodies are 50 to 70% water! Hydration supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and helps us feel more energized. With all the tempting teas, coffees, and sodas out there, I always remind myself to pair every cup of tea with a glass of water. Sometimes, I even find that what I think is hunger is actually thirst. If you’re unsure whether you’re drinking enough, grab a bigger glass (I had to do this moving to Europe because the cups are so tiny!) and keep tabs for a few days. Sometimes the smallest shifts around hydration bring the biggest results.
3. Nourishment: Are You Choosing Foods that Feel Good to You?
Pillar three is nourishment through food—not a discussion of what’s “right” or “wrong,” but a check-in: how do the foods you eat make you feel? I love a good cookie and won’t restrict myself, but I try to notice when I’m eating for comfort versus genuine joy or hunger. Especially during tough transitions (like moving to a new country), I noticed my dessert intake creeping up. That’s okay! There’s a time and place for everything. My focus is on tuning in to what feels nourishing for my body in the moment. No shame, no guilt, just awareness and kindness for myself.
4. Movement: Are You Moving Your Body Regularly?
The fourth pillar of self care is movement—but not in a one-size-fits-all, “hit the gym every day” way. Movement might mean a walk, yoga, some light stretching, or strength training (which I do believe is important for women as we age, by the way). I work from home, so I always look for ways to get outside or onto my mat and just stretch out. Sometimes all my body needs is a long, gentle stretch—I can literally feel what parts are tired and need a little extra care. Again, your movement doesn’t need to match anyone else’s; listen to your body and honor what feels good to you.
5. Letting Go of Unhealthy Habits
The fifth pillar of self care is an invitation to look at any unhealthy habits you might want to release or reduce. Screen time is a big one for me. Sometimes I’m great about it, sometimes not so much—it goes in waves. Maybe for you, it’s checking your phone first thing in the morning or doomscrolling at night. Again, I’m not here to preach; this is about noticing what habits don’t actually serve you anymore and exploring gentle ways to shift or let them go.
Putting It All Together: How Will You Care For Yourself?
Let’s recap the 5 pillars of self care:
Are you giving yourself enough sleep and rest?
Are you keeping your body hydrated?
Are you eating foods that nourish you?
Are you honoring your body with movement?
Are there unhealthy habits you’re ready to let go of?
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life at once—just pick one pillar, get curious, and find what supports you right now. Small changes add up, often in unexpected ways. And remember, you get to decide what self care looks like for you. When you’re nourished, rested, and centered, you show up better for yourself, your family, your work, and your purpose.
Thank you for being here with me and for being on this journey of self rediscovery. I’d love to hear how the 5 pillars of self care resonate for you, or if there’s one in particular you want to dive deeper into. You can always reach out on Instagram, LinkedIn, or through my website.
Until next time—stay gentle, stay curious, and take time for you. You’re worth it!
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Thank you so much for being here, for listening, and for taking these steps on your own journey. Until next week!
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Human Design Explained: Understanding Your Unique Energy Blueprint
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Behind the Scenes of Mind Body Connection Unlocked Plus a Reflection Activity
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Why Letting Go Is Hard and How to Make It Easier
Egypt and Overcoming My Fear of Heights: A Journey in Personal Transformation
