Why Self-Care Still Matters: My Ongoing Journey
I originally wrote this blog back in 2023, during National Self-Care Week. And here we are now in September 2025—Self-Care September—and the truth is, self-care is still a challenge for me.
I wanted to revisit and share it again because, if you’re anything like me, you might also find that looking after yourself doesn’t always come easily. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword it’s an ongoing practice. And sometimes, we need gentle reminders (and a few honest confessions) to bring it back into focus.
What Does Self-Care Really Mean?
When you search online for “self-care,” you’ll find plenty of definitions, most of them quite clinical. But the reality is that self-care looks different for everyone.
For me, it’s about both my inner world and outer world. It’s the conscious choices I make to act in my best interests, even when I don’t feel like it. It’s about nourishing myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
And when I do, I’m not the only one who benefits — everyone around me does too.
Why Daily Self-Care Can Feel So Hard
You’ve probably heard the phrase: “self-care isn’t selfish.” Yet many of us don’t prioritise it, myself included.
We’re often conditioned to put others’ needs first, especially us women. That makes self-care feel like an optional extra rather than a daily necessity. And let’s be honest, it takes effort and if you feel depleted it feels better in the moment to take the easier option. It’s always easier to scroll than to journal, or stay in than to go for a walk. Even when we know those choices would leave us feeling better.
Sound familiar?
Worthiness, Conditioning & Old Stories
Part of the struggle comes down to mindset. Sometimes I catch myself wondering if I secretly value others more than myself. Growing up, I was praised for caring for others, not for listening to my own needs. That conditioning runs deep.
But the truth is, we are worthy of care. Our well-being matters. And making time for ourselves isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.
Rediscovering My Self-Care Toolkit
Not long ago, I rediscovered two lists I’d written for myself when I was struggling to define my own self-care practices. They’d been tucked away and forgotten, but finding them again felt like a sign.
So this September, I’m recommitting to self-care by choosing one thing from each list every day—and I’ll be sharing my progress over on Instagram @danaredmoon.
My Self-Care Toolkit
List 1 – The grounding practices (things I resist but benefit from):
- Do the thing I’ve been putting off - For me right now it's my Ironing
- Take a walk - Get out in Nature
- Do some exercise - Reframe this to move my body
- Journal - Or write a letter to myself
- Meditate or practice mindfulness
- Declutter and clean my space
- Cook a nutritious meal
- Eat breakfast
- Drink more water - and less coffee
- Avoid the social media rabbit hole
List 2 – The nourishing practices (things that bring joy and comfort):
- Have a long bath
- Paint my nails
- Dress up and put on makeup
- Watch a feel-good film or TV show
- Go to bed early with a book
- Play music loud and dance
- Light candles and fairy lights for a cosy vibe
- Burn incense or scented candles to shift the mood
- Spend time at my altar connecting inwardly
- Practice with my Tarot cards
- Enjoy a distraction-free chat with my husband
A Gentle Reminder for Self-Care September
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an act of empowerment. When we take care of ourselves, we create the energy and resilience to show up better for the people and the world around us.
So this month, I’m making a promise to myself—to keep self-care simple, daily, and non-negotiable. Maybe this is the reminder you needed, too.