Is it Selfish, or Selfcare?

Emily Brown
6 days ago
2 min read

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all asked to perform at high levels at work, at home, and in our communities. It can feel like there’s always one more deadline, one more responsibility, one more thing to add to the list. In the middle of all that, taking time for yourself can start to feel like a luxury, or even selfish.

But the truth is, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary for your health and well-being.

Why Self-Care Matters More Than Ever

According to the American Psychological Association, stress levels in the U.S. remain consistently high, with most adults reporting that stress has negative effects on their physical and mental health.¹ Chronic stress doesn’t just make us feel overwhelmed. It contributes to headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, digestive problems, sleep issues, and even an increased risk of heart disease.²

When we skip self-care, we don’t eliminate stress, we just let it build. That’s why taking regular time to care for yourself is so important. Think of it as maintenance: just like a car runs better with regular tune-ups, your body and mind perform better when you consistently give them the attention they need.

What Self-Care Looks Like

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be:

Hitting the gym or taking a yoga class.
Taking a sick day to rest, read, or recharge.
Getting your nails done or going for a walk.
Spending time with friends who lift you up.
Or simply unplugging and giving yourself a break.
And of course, massage therapy is one of the most effective forms of self-care you can choose.

Why Massage Works

Massage isn’t just about relaxation, though it certainly helps with that, too. Research shows that massage lowers cortisol (your body’s main stress hormone), while increasing serotonin and dopamine, which support mood and well-being.³ Massage has also been shown to:

Ease chronic muscle tension and pain.
Improve circulation and lymphatic flow, boosting your immune system.
Support better sleep and reduce fatigue.

When scheduled regularly, massage becomes a tool for long-term health, not just short-term relief. Just like regular workouts or healthy meals, it helps keep your body strong, resilient, and ready to meet life’s demands.

Making Time for You

We know it’s not always easy to carve out time for yourself, but here’s the thing: if you don’t make time, your body will eventually demand it. Self-care is what allows you to keep showing up — for work, for your family, and for yourself — without burning out.

So this week, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do just for me? Maybe it’s 10 minutes of quiet time, maybe it’s booking that massage you’ve been putting off. Whatever it looks like, remember you deserve it.

Because self-care isn’t indulgence. It’s how you build a healthy, sustainable life.

References:

American Psychological Association. Stress in America Survey. (2023).
Mayo Clinic Staff. Chronic stress puts your health at risk. Mayo Clinic.
Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19–31.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know. (2023).
Diego, M. et al. (2004). Massage therapy increases immune function. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(4).

Backhaus, J. et al. (2011). Massage therapy and sleep improvement. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.