This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on April 27, 2026.

You’ve probably heard the term “self-care” thrown around once or twice. What does it mean, anyway? An elaborate skincare routine? A hot bath after a long day? A Saturday night spent gorging on pizza and a tub of ice cream?

Simply put, self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own health, wellbeing and happiness.

Self-care, in theory, sounds like a pretty great thing. Who wouldn’t want to take care of their health and happiness regularly?

But what happens when this little thing called life gets in the way of necessary “you-time?" Self-care doesn’t always come in the form of state-of-the-art spas and long weekend retreats. Instead, we like to think there’s another way to get your fix on a limited timeframe.

That’s why we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to easily incorporate self-care into your routine without sacrificing all the other priorities on your to-do list (because you have a life to live).

1. Skip the Gym

Don’t think that you have to spend a full 30 minutes in the gym to get in a good workout.  Exercise is not only a must for your physical wellbeing, but it also releases endorphins that help maintain your mental health and reduce stress.

Here are a few examples to increase your physical activity without actually hitting the gym (they’ll only take a few minutes!):

• Walk whenever possible. Going out for the night? Skip the Uber ride and walk instead. Walk your kids to school, walk to the library, walk to the store and take the stairs whenever possible. It really does add up.
• Play like a kid. Run around at the park, play tag, chase your kids, laugh, have a dance party, go on a hike, ride your bike. Exercise does not have to be monotonous—it should be spontaneous and fun!
• Sprint. Try switching up the long-distance running game and try sprinting, instead. Sprinting once a week is not only great for your cardiovascular health, but it’s been know to build endurance and strength and accelerate fat loss. Plus, it saves time.

2. Spend Time with Loved Ones

The value of healthy relationships is one of the best forms of self-care. Make the effort to connect. Our daily interactions with those we care about can be the most therapeutic parts of our day, and they should be more than just a simple “like” on social media. Go out of your way to help out friends, give compliments, have joyful conversations, give hand-written birthday cards and notes and give small, meaningful gifts. Remember the importance of quality over quantity. You don’t have to have tons of friendships. Just a few are enough and well worth the effort.

3. Get Outside

Daily exposure to the outdoors has been shown to reverse mental fatigue. Involve your kids, too! When the weather permits, have your kids go outside and play after school for at least a half hour or more. Not only does it help wash away the stress of the day, it also improves their moods, boosts creativity and encourages physical activity. We guarantee spending some time outside will give you more patience, calmness and focus.

4. Make Time Doing Things You Enjoy

With long lists of to-dos, piles of laundry and never-ending deadlines, it’s no wonder we don’t have enough time to do the things we really want to do. But this is the difference between living life and simply existing. Carving out the time to spend on things you are truly passionate about can make you feel more fulfilled. So whatever it takes to find the time—whether letting the laundry go unfolded, getting take-out or simply saying no to obligations that are unnecessary—find the time to do things that interest you and are completely enjoyable. Make this a priority and don’t feel guilty, it will make you a better spouse, friend, parent and an all-around happier you. Shifting your focus and priorities can be done on limited time if you eliminate the things that don’t matter.

5. Go to Bed 30 Minutes Earlier

It may not sound like a lot, but having a consistent bedtime and giving yourself a few extra minutes can really make a big difference. Feeling rested the next day can lead to more energy, intellectual function, alertness and an improved mood. Making sleep a priority and even trying to sneak in a bit more is always a good idea.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

Automate healthy eating as much as possible, but certainly don’t feel like you have to have an elaborate meal plan every week with exciting new options. It’s okay to rotate the same types of meals and only change things up a few times a month. Sure, maybe it sounds boring at first, but if you know you are going to feed your family chicken on Mondays, fish on Wednesdays and pasta on Fridays, it’s easy to plan and shop. To switch things up, vary your fruit and veggie options based on what’s in season and try to eat local dairy and grass-fed whenever possible. You can also try out a new dish a few times a month on a less stressful day like Sunday, when there’s more time to prepare it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is self-care, and why does it matter?

Self-care is the practice of actively protecting your own health, wellbeing, and happiness. It matters because neglecting yourself over time can lead to burnout, stress, and declining mental and physical health—making it harder to show up for the people and responsibilities you care about.

Do I need a lot of time or money to practice self-care?

Not at all. Self-care doesn't have to mean spa days or weekend retreats. Small, consistent habits like going to bed 30 minutes earlier, taking a walk, or having a meaningful conversation with a friend can make a big difference without costing much time or money.

How do I fit self-care into an already packed schedule?

The key is integrating it into what you're already doing. Walk instead of driving short distances, get outside with your kids after school, or swap one unnecessary obligation for something you genuinely enjoy. Self-care works best when it's woven into your routine, not added on top of it.

Is exercise really a form of self-care?

Absolutely. Physical activity releases endorphins that support mental health and reduce stress, so movement is just as much about your mind as your body. And it doesn't have to mean the gym; sprinting, biking, dancing, or chasing your kids around the park all count.

How does sleep factor into self-care?

Sleep is foundational. Even going to bed just 30 minutes earlier can improve your energy, mood, focus, and cognitive function the next day. Prioritizing consistent, quality rest is one of the highest-return self-care habits you can build.

Can spending time with friends and family really be considered self-care?

Yes, healthy relationships are one of the most powerful forms of self-care. Meaningful connection is therapeutic, and investing in a few close relationships (rather than spreading yourself thin across many) pays dividends for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

I feel guilty taking time for myself. Is that normal?

Very normal, but worth working through. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It actually makes you a better partner, parent, and friend. When you're rested, fulfilled, and healthy, you have far more to give to the people around you.