YOGA STRENGTH ACADEMY with Heather Monthie

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Reframing Your Mindset About Taking Time for You


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Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Reframing Your Mindset About Taking Time for You
Welcome to the very first episode of the Vibrant, Balanced Living Podcast! I’m Heather, your host and creator of this space dedicated to helping women reclaim their health, energy, and confidence. If you're watching on YouTube, you might notice my little boy, Coal, making a cameo. So if you hear some playful noises in the background, that’s him!
Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart: why self-care isn’t selfish. As busy women, it’s all too easy to feel guilty about carving out time for ourselves, especially when so many people depend on us—our kids, partners, colleagues, or friends. But here’s the truth: prioritizing self-care is essential if you want to show up fully in all areas of your life.
https://youtu.be/D9921Nn3vpc
Why Self-Care Matters
Picture this: You’re juggling professional responsibilities, personal obligations, and countless other tasks. Your plate is overflowing, yet you still want to be there for everyone else. It’s admirable, but without taking care of yourself first, you’ll eventually run on empty. Think of it like the age-old analogy of putting your oxygen mask on first during a flight—you can’t help others effectively if you’re not taking care of yourself.
Taking care of yourself isn't about indulgence; it’s about replenishing your energy, reducing stress, and gaining the mental clarity needed to stay focused and calm under pressure. This is what leads to true productivity and a balanced life.
The BALANCE Method: Building a Foundation for Self-Care
I developed what I call the BALANCE Method, which consists of seven pillars designed to help you get back to the basics of healthy living. The idea isn’t to get bogged down in the minutiae or split hairs over every little detail (unless you're a professional athlete or managing a specific health condition). Instead, it’s about making simple, sustainable changes that lead to an exponential effect on your overall well-being.
Here’s the reality: small, consistent actions compound over time. When you start making these little changes, you might wake up one day and think, “Wow, I feel really good!” And that’s exactly where you want to be. I've spent the last 30 years in the world of health and fitness, but it wasn’t until I started truly taking it seriously about 17 years ago that I understood the power of these basics. For instance, I used to hit the gym and follow it up with a cigarette in the parking lot—definitely not the healthiest approach!
But I learned, I grew, and I started incorporating changes that laid a strong foundation for a balanced, vibrant life.
Reframing Self-Care: It’s Essential, Not Selfish
So, let’s talk about reframing your mindset around self-care. As busy women, we often feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. That guilt is normal, but it’s misplaced. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It helps you manage stress better, stay calm in chaotic situations, make better decisions, and manage your time more effectively.
Think about it: something as simple as ensuring you drink enough water, get a good night's sleep, or move your body for 30 minutes each day can have a ripple effect across every area of your life. You'll start feeling more productive, stronger, healthier, and happier. And sure, not every day will be perfect, but overall, these habits will set you up for success.
Practical Tips to Start Your Self-Care Journey
Here’s the kicker: when you're thinking about incorporating self-care into your life, don’t try to boil the ocean. Start small. Choose one manageable thing you can do today.
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YOGA STRENGTH ACADEMY with Heather MonthieBy Heather Monthie, PhD