Self-Care Is More Than Bubble Baths:
Why the Simple Stuff Matters
What Self-Care Really Means
The term self-care is thrown around like confetti these days. But what does it really mean—and why should we care?
Simply put, self-care activities are the things we do to nurture our mental, emotional, spiritual, sexual, social, and physical health. They are the daily and intentional acts that keep us grounded, balanced, and connected to ourselves.
Yet somewhere along the way, self-care became over-simplified. We see it boiled down to Instagram posts showing bubble baths, morning stretches, and walks on the beach—but rarely do we hear why these moments actually matter.
Why the “Small” Self-Care Practices Work
Here’s the problem: we don’t trust that something so small could have such a big impact. We think—how the hell could a bath with a sprinkle of Epsom salts fix deep-seated emotional turmoil?
But here’s the truth: humans overcomplicate things. We forget that small steps can lead to the same destination as big leaps.
Moments of happiness and calm, when repeated and nurtured, grow into deeper levels of long-term peace and emotional resilience. That 20-minute bath? It’s not “just a bath.” It’s a pause. A grounding moment. A chance to breathe, tune into your body, and still your mind.
The Power of Grounding in Everyday Life
When you take time for these simple activities, you’re training your mind and body in the art of grounding. That skill can then be applied in stressful situations, during anxiety spikes, or in moments of emotional overwhelm.
This isn’t about pretending a bath will fix your life. It’s about understanding that these little self-care rituals help create the stability and mindset you’ll need for bigger emotional healing.
The Missing Piece: Understanding the “Why”
Yes, we need to look deeper than just motivational quotes. Yes, understanding why you feel the way you do is important. But no—self-care doesn’t have to be grand or complicated to be effective.
Simple self-care practices are the first step toward mental and emotional well-being. Without them, the “big fixes” we search for often don’t work, because we haven’t built the foundation.
Don’t Underestimate the Small Stuff
So here’s my advice: don’t dismiss the small moments in your self-care toolkit. Don’t push them aside in search of something “more.” That “more” won’t come without the simple stuff first.
Self-care is not about extravagance. It’s about consistency, compassion for yourself, and an understanding that you are worth the time it takes to just be.
The first step is small—but it’s still a step forward. Take it.
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By Lahnee Pavlovich (Sex Educator & Wellness Coach)
