Prioritizing Self-Care

Kay Dreher, RDN, CHWC • June 15, 2025

Making Time for Wellness in a Busy World

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner. Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, wellness often feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. But true well-being isn’t just about finding time. It’s about making time. When we shift our mindset and prioritize ourselves, we create a foundation for lasting health and resilience.


Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. It allows us to recharge, manage stress, and nurture both physical and mental health. Think of it like refueling a car without gas, you won’t get far. Investing in small daily habits can lead to better energy, improved focus, and a stronger immune system over time.


Simple Ways to Prioritize Wellness

  • Start with Small Routines: Wellness doesn’t require drastic changes. Begin with simple habits like drinking water first thing in the morning, stretching for five minutes, or practicing deep breathing.


  • Schedule Wellness Like an Appointment: Treat your self-care time as a non-negotiable meeting with yourself. Whether it’s a morning walk, meal prep, or meditation, block out time as you would for work.


Listen to Your Body: Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tune into what you need, whether it’s more sleep, movement, or nourishing foods, and adjust accordingly.


Set Boundaries: Overcommitting leads to burnout. Protect your energy by saying no to things that drain you and yes to things that uplift you. Remember... "No" is a complete sentence.


Find Joy in Movement: Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Dance, take a nature walk, or try yoga. Find something that feels good rather than something you think you should do.


Cultivate Mindfulness:  Whether it’s journaling, gratitude practices, or simply being present in the moment, mindfulness helps reduce stress and increase resilience.


The Power of Consistency

Self-care isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Small efforts add up, and prioritizing wellness today leads to a healthier, more balanced tomorrow. Your well-being is worth the time, because when you take care of yourself, you show up stronger for everything and everyone in your life.