Self-care isn’t selfish: Daily habits to support mental wellness
When you hear the phrase “self-care,” what comes to mind? A bubble bath? A weekend getaway? Maybe even something really luxurious that feels a bit … selfish?
Let’s go ahead and challenge that idea.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.
At NAMI Colorado Springs, we meet many people who feel burnt out, stretched thin or struggling in survival mode. In some of our support groups, we see people who’ve spent so long taking care of kids, parents or partners that they’ve forgotten how to take care of themselves. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Mental health needs daily, proactive attention … and you can engage in simple ways. Here are some ideas you can use daily to support long-term mental well-being.
Start small, start early
Before the demands of the day begin, try to give yourself some intentional time — even five minutes. This could be a moment of stillness, a short meditation, or just taking some deep breaths at the edge of your bed.
Research has shown that your morning mindset can shape your mood for the rest of the day. By starting the day with calm intention rather than the bustle of the day, you give your nervous system a fighting chance to stay regulated, even when life gets messy.
Turn common care into self-care
There are lots of things you do every day without thinking: brushing your teeth, making coffee, commuting to work. What if you approached some of those with more mindfulness?
Turn your coffee-making into a grounding ritual. Notice the warmth of the mug, the scent of the beans, the first sip. Make brushing your teeth a time to say something kind to yourself in the mirror. Let washing your hands be a chance to breathe deep.
Name your needs
How often do you pause and ask yourself: What do I need right now? We’re conditioned to ignore our needs — especially emotional ones. But tuning in doesn’t make you needy. It makes you self-aware. Try setting a daily check-in: once in the morning, and once before bed, pause to ask how you’re feeling and what might help.
Do you need connection? Solitude? A glass of water? A five-minute walk? A boundary? Get in the habit of asking. And then, take the next step of responding to those needs.
Get moving
Movement can be a celebration of what your body can do, and a powerful way to shift your mental state. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment. A 10-minute walk around the block, dancing in your kitchen, or stretching before bed can all work. Movement releases endorphins, reduces anxiety and reconnects you to the present moment.
Connect
Social connection is vital. Especially during periods of depression or stress, even one meaningful moment of connection can make a difference. Send a text to someone you love. Say hello to your neighbor. Small moments can interrupt isolation and remind you that you belong.
For those supporting a loved one with a mental health condition, peer support groups like those offered by NAMI are powerful spaces to feel seen and understood.
Limit doomscrolling
With news, social media, emails, and ads swirling around us, one of the kindest things you can do for your mental health is to set boundaries around what you consume. Try limiting screen time in the morning and evening. Curate your feeds to follow accounts that inspire or uplift. Take a tech break one day a week to unplug completely. It’s not about ignoring the world — it’s about protecting your peace.
Make sleep sacred
Sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a foundation for wellness. But for many of us, it’s the first thing we sacrifice when we’re busy or stressed. Creating a healthy sleep routine doesn’t have to be complicated. If you can, try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day. Reduce screens an hour before sleep. Dim the lights. Drink something warm. Listen to calming music or an audiobook. Simple steps like those can help you get the rest you really need.
You're not alone.
Here at NAMI Colorado Springs, we do a lot of work together on the big challenges we face with mental health conditions — our own or that of our loved ones. It’s important to remember that our mental health needs constant attention outside those big moments, too. Every act of self-care is vital. So the next time you hear that inner critic whisper, “You don’t have time for this,” or “You don’t deserve it,” respond to yourself with kindness: “Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s how I stay whole.”
And you do deserve it. Every day.