What Happens When You Finally Prioritize Self Care?

Did you know that most Indians admit to feeling mentally drained at least once a week? For me, self-care simply means taking small, guilt-free steps to care for your body, mind, and emotions. In today’s fast-paced life, with endless deadlines, family duties, and social pressures, it’s easy to forget about ourselves and keep running without pause

In fact, in today’s rat race with all its deadlines, family needs, and innumerable responsibilities, one tends to forget taking time out for oneself and starts running too. According to a 2023-2025 report by Statista, over 68% of Indian working professionals said they struggle with burnout, while searches for “self care tips” in India went up by 34% in 2024 alone. 

It’s through journaling, practicing yoga, spending quiet moments alone, or just slowing down, that more people today are realising the need to recharge from within. Self-care is no longer just a trend; it’s becoming a way of life. Taking even a few mindful moments each day can make a big difference in how we feel, think, and live.

Why Self-Care Is A Must In Indian Life Today?

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern India, the need for self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a survival tool. Yet, it’s often overlooked or misunderstood as being selfish or indulgent.

Moreover, according to the WHO, Self-Care is balancing tradition, ambition, and responsibility in India can feel like walking a tightrope. Self-care becomes crucial to maintain mental, emotional, and physical balance.

1. The Pressure Cooker Life – Work, Family, Society

Job stress, family obligations, and societal expectations squeeze priority out of when personal time could be possible.

• Long-Hour Work & Burnout: In a survey of LinkedIn, 74% of Indian professionals feel they would be stressed out at their workplace. The “always-on” culture is draining energy faster than it is replenished.

• Cultural Pressures: The societal standards of parenting and the marital expectations, it becomes all too impelled to run life on autopilot with time to break for self.

2. The Emotional Baggage We Never Address

Most Indian children learn to suppress their emotions, resulting in chronic psychological stress throughout their lives.

• Lack of Emotional Expression: Most Indian families refuse to discuss mental health issues, thus leading to a buildup of emotions.

• Inherited Trauma: Few generational burdens, such as poverty or discrimination, are ever really aired; they are mostly sailed along, settling uncomfortably within the body.

3. How Ignoring Self-Care Affects Our Health?

Self-care has chronic illness consequences, mental, just as readily as physical.

• Stress-related Diseases: India has among the highest lifestyle diseases in the world. The WHO puts the spotlight on increasing stress-associated conditions such as diabetes and heart disease in India.

• Mental Health Crisis: According to the National Mental Health Survey, 15% of the adult Indian population is in need of active intervention; only a very minute proportion comes to seek advice.

Taking care of oneself isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Indian society must start valuing self-care not as a Western fad, but as a fundamental right to live better, longer, and with dignity.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT SELF-CARE IS?

Self-care is more than just finding ways to unwind. It, however, involves looking for your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. It is also, crucial to strike a balance that enables you to take care of each of these areas if you want to take good care of your health and well-being.

Therefore, to achieve balance or respite from a stressor in your life, you might occasionally need to practice more self-care in one particular area. Unfortunately, self-care is not prioritized by many individuals, as they often view it as a luxury. Consequently, they are left feeling overburdened, worn out, and unprepared to deal with life’s inevitable difficulties.

Importance of Self Care

Taking care of yourself should be the priority in everyone’s life. 

• You might be significantly affected by the ups and downs of dealing with others. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll be better prepared to handle crises and the challenging task of assisting someone struggling with a mental health issue.
  
• However, it has been empirically demonstrated that practicing self-care routines may lessen or even eliminate anxiety and sadness, as well as lower stress levels and boost happiness.
  
•  Also, it can aid in your ability to adjust to change, forge solid connections, and bounce back from failure.
  
• The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that self-care is crucial since it may aid in promoting health, preventing disease, and improving patient coping with illness.
  
• Practicing self-care can be crucial for overcoming depression. It boosts your mood and gives you the strength to recover.

Different Types Of Self-Care 

We hear the term “self-care” a lot, but what does it mean? It’s more than spa days or motivational quotes, it’s about taking real steps to protect your well-being. You don’t need to turn your life upside down. Small, intentional actions across different areas of your life can bring meaningful change.

1. Physical Self-Care 

• Move your body with intention: A 20-minute walk or dancing in your room still counts. Studies show that just 30 minutes of light movement can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
  
• Fuel your body, not just feed it: Choose real, whole foods when you can think colorful veggies, fruits, and good fats. This improves energy levels and reduces inflammation.
  
• Prioritize sleep like it’s non-negotiable: Adults need 7–9 hours nightly. Lack of sleep messes with your mood, memory, and even your metabolism.

2. Emotional Self-Care 

• Allow yourself to feel your feelings: Ignoring emotions doesn’t make them go away; it stores them in the body. Naming what you feel is the first step to healing.
  
• Journal without judgment: Write down one thing that bothered you today. It helps release inner clutter and offers clarity.
  
• Talk it out with someone safe: A friend, therapist, or even a voice note to yourself can create emotional space and validation.

Moreover, according to NCBI, emotional self-care among individuals with cancer is influenced by psychological, social, and treatment-related factors.

3. Mental Self-Care 

• Create tech-free pockets: Constant scrolling feeds anxiety. Try 30 minutes a day of no-phone time to give your brain rest.
  
• Limit decision fatigue: Reduce micro-decisions by planning your meals, outfits, or tasks ahead. It saves brain energy.
  
• Engage in brain-positive hobbies: Reading fiction, solving puzzles, or learning a new skill keeps your mind fresh and engaged.

4. Social Self-Care 

• Quality over quantity in friendships: One deep connection is worth more than 10 shallow ones. Be around people who let you be you.
  
• Learn to say ‘no’ without guilt: Protect your energy. Saying “yes” to everything leads to burnout.
  
• Unfollow to protect your peace: Your digital space matters. Curate your social feed like your living room.

Moreover, according to NCBI, social support plays a crucial role in enhancing self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes.

5. Spiritual Self-Care 

• Connect with something bigger: Whether it’s community service, rituals, or faith, tapping into something beyond you brings grounding.
  
• Practice mindful stillness: This can be prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in nature. Quiet moments often bring the most peace.
  
• Ask yourself deeper questions: What matters to me? Where am I headed? Reflecting gives purpose to your daily grind.

Self-Care Ideas That Actually Work

Category	Ideas
Budget-Friendly At-Home Self-Care Rituals	DIY face masks with honey, turmeric, or besan. Aromatherapy baths using essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender. Unplug & journal with lo-fi music in the background for 15 minutes
Desi Remedies That Are Total Game Changers	Haldi doodh (turmeric milk) before bed for better sleep and immunity. Oil champi (head massage) with coconut or mustard oil for relaxation and better hair health. Tulsi or ginger tea to calm nerves and boost energy.
Quick 5-Minute Practices to Reset Your Mood	Box breathing (inhale-hold-exhale-hold for 4 counts) to reduce anxiety fast. Step outside and feel sunlight on your face; it improves serotonin. Write one thing you’re grateful for to shift your mindset instantly.

Self-Care Myths Indians Need To Ditch

In India, self-care often gets misunderstood thanks to cultural conditioning and half-baked social media ideas. It’s time we bust some common myths and get real about what self-care actually means.

1. “Self-Care Is Selfish”

• In many Indian households, putting oneself first is seen as being self-centered.
  
• The truth is, taking time for your mental and physical well-being actually increases your ability to support others.
  
• According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, burnout levels among caregivers are rising, a strong case for setting healthy boundaries.

2. “Only Women Need It”

• Self-care is wrongly branded as a “female thing” due to gender stereotypes.
  
• Men are just as vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue, but are conditioned to suppress it.
  
• A 2022 Indian study showed that over 40% of working men suffer from unreported mental health issues.

3. “You Need Expensive Stuff to Practice It”

• Instagram shows bubble baths and luxury retreats, but self-care is mostly free.
  
• A simple 15-minute morning walk or digital detox can do wonders.
  
• Consistency and intention matter more than a price tag.
  

4. “It’s Only About Relaxation”

• Many believe self-care is just about pampering, but it includes tough actions too.
  
• Saying no, going to therapy, or getting a health check-up is also self-care.
  
• Real self-care often feels uncomfortable because it involves long-term benefits.
  

5. “You Must Always Be Productive”

• The hustle culture makes people feel guilty for resting.
  
• But rest is essential for the brain to process, reset, and perform better.
  
• Moreover, according to NCBI, attitudes toward rest breaks, productivity, and well-being while working from home significantly influence overall work performance.

Tips To Reduce Work Stress

Self-care is important, and so Dietitian Mac also helps you with the same. So, watch the below video to know how you can reduce work stress and set your mind free and relaxed.

Bottom Line

It’s crucial to take care of yourself. No matter how difficult they may be, our ability to meet our other obligations will be improved the more optimistic, steady, and at peace, we can maintain our minds.

• Why Self-Care Is A Must? In today’s high-pressure Indian lifestyle, self-care is not indulgence, it’s essential survival. With over 74% of professionals facing work stress and 15% of adults needing mental health support, prioritising self-care is the only way forward to truly living.
  
• Self-Care: Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining overall well-being across all aspects of life. Studies show that consistent self-care can reduce stress by up to 68%, helping you feel more balanced and resilient every day.
  
• Importance: Best practices for self-care are essential for mental and physical well-being, helping reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By prioritizing self-care, you can enhance your resilience, foster strong relationships, and improve your overall health.
  
• Different Types: Self-care isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about intentionally nurturing every part of yourself, physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. Small, consistent actions can significantly impact your well-being, making it easier to live in daily life.
  
• Ideas That Actually Work: Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Incorporating simple, effective rituals like DIY face masks, soothing aromatherapy baths, and quick mood resets can boost your well-being without breaking the bank.
  
• Myths Indians Need To Ditch: Self-care isn’t just about luxury or relaxation; it’s about setting healthy boundaries, prioritizing mental and physical well-being, and taking proactive steps for long-term health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care is the practice of taking action to maintain or improve your physical, emotional, and mental health. It involves conscious choices that support overall well-being and personal balance.

What Are 5 Examples Of Self-Care?

Examples of self-care include exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, practicing mindfulness or meditation, getting adequate sleep, and setting healthy boundaries in relationships and work environments.

What Are 5 Tips For Self-Care?

Schedule regular “me time,” stay physically active, prioritize sleep, limit screen time, and say no when overwhelmed. Consistency is key to making self-care an effective and lasting habit.

What Are The 7 Pillars Of Self-Care?

The 7 pillars include: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, environmental, recreational, and social self-care. Together, these areas promote a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle and help prevent stress and burnout.

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Disclaimer

This blog was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The vital thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, before starting, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.