Self-care isn’t selfish: how to care for yourself during difficult times

In a world where emotional exhaustion feels almost normal, many of us are expected to handle everything — work, family, studies, social pressures — and still keep going with a smile. In this context, the idea of self-care can feel like a luxury… or even a selfish act.

But is it really?

Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean turning your back on others — it means showing up more fully for life. It’s about recognizing your own needs and limits and choosing to meet them with kindness. That’s not selfishness — that’s emotional responsibility.

So, what is self-care?

Self-care is much more than a warm bath or a walk in the park (though those can help too). It’s a conscious, ongoing practice of tending to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It means checking in with yourself, listening to what your body and emotions are telling you, and responding with care rather than judgment.

Examples of emotional self-care include:

• Saying no without guilt when something doesn't feel right.

• Seeking support, including therapy, when things feel heavy.

• Setting healthy boundaries in your relationships.

• Taking time to rest, even when the world tells you to keep moving.

• Being kind to yourself, especially in moments of struggle or failure.

When life gets hard, care becomes essential

Crisis moments — whether personal or collective — leave us more fragile. And it’s precisely in those times that we need self-care the most. But often, we do the opposite: we disconnect, go into survival mode, push ourselves harder.

The truth is, no one can sustain that pace for long.

Self-care during difficult times may look like slowing down, asking for help, creating moments of stillness, or simply giving yourself permission to feel. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present with yourself.

A gentle invitation

If you're moving through a tough time, maybe now is the moment to ask: What do I need today?Sometimes the answer is simple — a deep breath, a quiet moment, a comforting chat. Other times, it’s something deeper — like a safe space to process what you're going through, such as therapy.

Whatever it is, may you remember:Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s the beginning of everything else.

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