Why is self-care important? Looking beyond the buzzword

September is Self-care Awareness month. But what does that mean and why is it important? Were you even aware that you need “self-care” or have you become deaf to this very popular buzzword? Let’s break it down…

Self-care is very easy to look away from as it keeps us from having to look at ourselves. The health & wellness industry does its job well by constantly being face forward, shoving regimes, supplements, services, etc. at us all to keep us searching for the fountain of youth.

But, good health does require some introspection. It’s not just the annual visit to the PC but it requires something more from us. We are forced to ask: What do I need in this moment, and why should I take time to make it a priority?

---

Beyond the Buzzword

The truth is, self-care is not always glamorous. It’s not always a spa day, a yoga class, or the latest superfood smoothie (though those can certainly be lovely). Sometimes it looks like taking a nap, saying no when you want to say yes, or allowing yourself a quiet walk without your phone in hand.

Self-care is about tending to the real needs of the body, mind, and spirit—not just following someone else’s prescription of what “healthy” looks like.

---

Listening Inward

For me, self-care often starts with one simple practice: blocking out the noise. When I strip away the marketing, the quick fixes, and the endless “shoulds,” I’m left with a quieter question: What do I need, right now, to feel taken care of?

Sometimes the answer is as small as drinking a glass of water or stepping outside for fresh air. Other times, it’s allowing myself space to grieve, rest, or reconnect with joy.

Self-care asks us to pause and to listen inward, even when the world is rushing around us.

---

Bringing Self-Care Into Work

One place we rarely talk about self-care is at work. Yet, how often do we ignore our needs while pushing through deadlines, meetings, and responsibilities?

Self-care in the workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve written more about how to bring small moments of balance into your day in this recent Groundwork blog. It can be as simple as:

• Taking a real lunch break instead of eating at your desk
• Pausing for a few minutes of mindful breathing before a meeting
• Creating boundaries around when you answer emails or take calls
• Checking in with coworkers—not just about tasks, but about how they’re doing

When we treat self-care as a collective value, not just a personal practice, our workplaces become more human and sustainable.

---

What Does Self-Care Mean to You?

Self-care is deeply personal. What nourishes me may not nourish you, and what you need today may be different tomorrow. That’s the beauty of it—it’s always evolving, always asking us to pay attention.

So, I invite you to reflect this month:

• What does self-care really mean to you?
• Where in your life do you need to give yourself permission to pause, to say no, or to restore?
• How can you bring small acts of care into your daily rhythm, at home and at work?

---

A Gentle Reminder

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When we tend to ourselves, we show up with more presence, energy, and love for others. This September, let’s not just nod at the idea of “self-care.” Let’s actually practice it—one honest, intentional choice at a time.

---