Why Is Self-Care Important?

An early alarm, a flood of emails, and slow traffic that tests your patience…These are all sources of stress we power through daily, which can have physical implications over time, including chronic pain, respiratory discomfort, and even reduced immune function1. Chronic stress can be a long-term drain, making your thoughts seem foggy and small tasks overwhelming.

Whether it's stamped on scented candles or hash tagged on social media, the term "self-care" gets tossed around so often that it can feel performative. But underneath the buzzword is a real need to slow down, reset, and take care of ourselves in a world that rarely makes room for stillness.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care looks different to everyone, but it's always about recharging and reconnecting to our bodies and emotions. It can be any small or big action that helps reduce stress and brings your focus back to yourself.

When you carve out time to relax, move your body, and simply exist in the moment, you give your nervous system a break by signaling that it's safe to do so. In turn, this helps improve focus, boost energy, and even lower your risk of illness2.

How Do I Develop a Self-Care Ritual?

Fortunately, it doesn't take much to refuel. Even five minutes of silence, a walk in nature, or a long shower can be a good place to start. What's important is that it's your "me" time.

If you're unsure how to practice self-care, begin by choosing a time that lends itself to quiet, such as early in the morning before getting ready for work or in the evening when you're winding down. Either way, practicing this every day is important3.

Pick one or two activities that help ground you to the present moment, like doing yoga poses to your favorite playlist or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. Keep these actions simple so you can repeat them daily without much effort. They should be activities you look forward to, not chores. The goal is to create a ritual that anchors you in your body, a calm routine you can return to when external influences feel chaotic.

Here are some ideas.

Schedule Getaways

Imagine setting aside time every few months to truly unplug and prioritize yourself. This could be a trip to a wellness destination like WorldSprings, where you can soak in globally inspired mineral hot springs and disconnect from the digital noise. Visiting the spa for relaxing treatments provides an opportunity to step away and recharge, so you can return to the daily grind feeling lighter and ready to take on the world.

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is essential to your overall well-being—boosting brain function, mood, and physical health. To improve sleep quality, try limiting blue light exposure (from phones, tablets, and TVs) at least an hour before bed to support melatonin production. Instead, unwind with calming rituals like a warm bath or a good book. Sticking to a consistent sleep and wake schedule also helps your body maintain a healthy rhythm. On your next visit, try the WorldSprings Mineral Method Sleep Circuit to help your body relax and ease into deeper, more restful sleep.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity boosts mood-regulating hormones, like endorphins and serotonin, while reducing cortisol, a stress hormone5. It doesn't have to be intense to be effective. The key is to make exercise fun, so you can stay consistent. This can be a walk around the neighborhood at sunset, joining a fitness class, or even just dancing to music.

Be Intentional with Your Diet

Eating well is good for your body and tells your mind that you care about your health. Focus on incorporating more whole foods and vegetables into your meals and reducing your snacking throughout the day. And, don't underestimate the power of slowing down to savor your food, which helps bring you back to the present moment.

Where Do I Find Self-Care Near Me?

At WorldSprings, we turn self-care into a full-body experience that engages all the senses. Modeled after iconic hot spring destinations like Iceland and Japan, our mineral pools support stress relief and muscle recovery. You can enhance your visit with spa treatments, wellness therapies, yoga, sound baths, and more, all while nourishing your body at our café and bar.

Whether you're visiting solo or making it a wellness trip with friends, we offer a chance not to escape your life, but to make it even better.

Citations:

1. (October 21, 2024). Stress Effects on the Body. American Psychological Association. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

2. (December 2024). Caring for Your Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

3. (February 15, 2022). How To Start a Self-Care Routine. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-start-a-self-care-routine

4. Mawer, R., and Soliman, M. (May 29, 2024). Top 15 Proven Tips to Sleep Better at Night. Healthline. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-tips-to-sleep-better

5. (March 26, 2025). Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Manage Stress. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469