How I Fell in Love with Taking Care of Myself—And How You Can Too
For so long, I treated self-care like a chore—something I had to do rather than something I wanted to do.
But over time, I realized that the better I take care of myself, the better I can show up for others. And now? I truly love taking care of myself. I only have one life. One body. I want to do my best while I have it!
At first, my small steps felt insignificant, but I started seeing the benefits of my daily habits adding up.
These simple, intentional acts—getting quality sleep, eating breakfast, drinking more water, and working out—have transformed my energy, mood, and overall well-being. And the best part? I actually enjoy it now. Here’s how I fell in love with the process of taking care of myself and how you can too.
1. Prioritizing Quality Sleep
Sleep used to be something I sacrificed for productivity, but I’ve come to realize that sleep is productive. When I consistently get quality rest, my mood improves, my workouts feel stronger, and I make better food choices. I wake up feeling refreshed, rather than groggy and sluggish. Instead of seeing sleep as an afterthought, I now will protect it like any other essential part of my wellness routine.
2. Making Breakfast a Non-Negotiable
For years, I skipped breakfast thinking I didn’t need it, called myself "intermittent fasting"—or I’d grab something quick and unsatisfying. Now, I take the time to nourish my body first thing in the morning. A balanced breakfast fuels my day, helps me focus, and prevents mid-morning crashes. Knowing that I’m giving my body the energy it needs makes me feel good about my choices and sets the tone for the rest of my meals.
3. Drinking More Water = Feeling Better Instantly
Drinking enough water is a game changer. When I’m hydrated, my energy levels are higher, my skin glows, and my body functions at its best. It’s such a simple act, yet so powerful. Keeping a water bottle with me at all times makes it easier, and the more I do it, the more I crave it. Hydration is self-care, and I love how it makes me feel.
4. Finding Joy in Working Out
Exercise used to feel like punishment—something I had to do to “burn calories” or “earn” food. But once I shifted my mindset, everything changed. Now, I see workouts as a way to celebrate what my body can do. One thing that has made this even more enjoyable is using a workout log. Seeing the check marks add up gives me immediate gratification. It’s fun, motivating, and proof of my consistency. Every workout is a reminder that I am strong, committed, and taking care of myself. Here are positive affirmations to change your mindset about workouts.
Loving the Process, Loving Myself
The more I take care of myself, the more I appreciate my body and all it does for me. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent and recognizing that these small acts of self-care compound into something incredible over time.
I used to view self-care as a task, but now I see it as a privilege. I love taking care of myself because I deserve to feel good, to be strong, and to thrive. And so do you.
Falling in love with taking care of yourself isn’t about overhauling your life overnight—it’s about finding joy in the little things and embracing the process.
Start small. Celebrate the wins. Watch how your body and mind transform. You only have one life, one body—so why not take care of it the best you can?
What about you?
What’s one small step you can take today to prioritize your well-being? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear how you're showing up for yourself! Let’s encourage each other on this journey to better health and happiness.
