How often does it make sense to live in survival mode? You get up, you get things done, you take care of things, you solve problems… and at the end of the day, you barely have any energy left for yourself. In that rhythm, self-care seems like an unattainable luxury, a whim for those who “have time” or those who “have money.”  But what if I told you it's just the opposite? That self-care is the key to transforming that exhausting routine into a life you truly enjoy.

The problem is not a lack of time, but the story we tell ourselves: "Others first, then me."

And that history has taught us to survive, but not to live. We have learned to measure our worth by what we give, not by how we feel.

Self-care isn't a spa break between obligations. It's an act of recognition. It's looking in the mirror and deciding that you are important too.

Every small act of self-care, resting without guilt, eating well, saying no when necessary, is a way of rewriting your personal story.

Because every time you choose yourself, your mind registers a new message: “I deserve.” And that message transforms. It gives you permission to let go of guilt, to set boundaries, to regain energy. Little by little, you stop being the woman who settles for merely surviving and become the woman who leads her own life.

I learned it after a pandemic and two children, at a point of depression, when anxiety was eating me up inside. I understood that self-care wasn't about always having my nails done, it was about taking a calm bath. I understood that it wasn't about going on every shopping trip on Fridays, but about drinking my hot coffee. I prioritized fulfilling my own needs and not those of others, and that lowered my anxiety and the doubt of whether I was enough.

Transformation doesn't come with big external changes, but with small daily acts of self-love.

The day you decide to take care of yourself with the same dedication with which you take care of others, you begin to live from a different place: one where you also matter.

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's the most powerful strategy for living life to the fullest. Because when you acknowledge your needs, when you give yourself the space to nurture them, everything else flows from a different energy. It's no longer about reaching the end of the day exhausted, but about building a life where you, too, feel at peace.

Self-care isn't a luxury. It's the transformation your life needs. And it starts today, with the decision to choose yourself.

 

I want to leave you with the first 6 actions  what to use in my self-care

Ask yourself one question each day: What do I need today?

Before attending to others, ask yourself what you need. Perhaps it's rest, movement, a hug, or the ability to say "no." This question trains you to listen to yourself.

 Schedule your self-care as a non-negotiable appointment

Block out time for yourself in your schedule with the same seriousness you would schedule a meeting. If you don't, there will always be something more "urgent."

Learn to say “no” without justifying yourself

Every time you say "no" to what drains you, you say "yes" to your well-being. You don't need to justify your decision to protect your energy.

Surround yourself with people who contribute to your well-being

Self-care also means taking a look at your social circles. Choose to be with people who inspire you, support you, and respect your space.

Transform guilt into gratitude

Whenever you feel guilty about taking care of yourself, replace it with gratitude: "Thank you for giving me this moment, I deserve it."

Take conscious breathing breaks throughout the day.

Every hour, take a minute to breathe deeply. This small habit helps you return to the present and release accumulated tension.

Put it into practice and make this more visible, share it because there are still many women like you and me who need to know how to take care of themselves.

 

By Maylín Barrera

@mamaquebrota