Why Self-Care Should Be a Priority When You’re Feeling Stressed

Stress. We all feel it. Deadlines pile up, emails never stop, and somehow, you’re supposed to squeeze in a workout, eat something green, and get eight hours of sleep? It’s no wonder self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. But here’s the thing—ignoring stress doesn’t make it disappear. It just builds up until your body forces you to pay attention.

Maybe you’ve noticed it: the tension headaches, the dodgy digestion, the waking up at 3 AM with your mind racing. That’s your body waving a giant red flag. Stress isn’t just mental—it affects everything, from your gut health to your immune system to your ability to function like a decent human being.

And yet, self-care is often dismissed as indulgent. A bubble bath? Who has time? Meditation? Sounds nice, but your to-do list says otherwise. But self-care isn’t about spa days and scented candles (though, if that’s your thing, go for it). It’s about giving your body and mind what they actually need to function properly.

I was out for a walk recently when a friend said, “It’s great that you have time to do that.” My take? I make time. Because I know it benefits me in the long run. I focus better, I feel mentally stronger, and I know that even 10 minutes outside is worth it. Self-care is at the top of my priority list—not a luxury, but a necessity.

That could mean setting boundaries with work, eating nourishing food instead of whatever’s quickest, or simply getting outside for a walk. Small shifts can have a huge impact. Because here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup, and burnout won’t earn you a medal.

So, what’s one thing you can do today to take care of yourself? Start small, but start. Your body—and your sanity—will thank you for it.

Need help managing stress through nutrition and lifestyle? Let’s chat.