When people talk about physical self-care, I used to immediately think of intense workout routines or complicated meal prep. As someone who’s never been naturally athletic and has a complicated relationship with food, this always made me feel like I was failing before I even started.
But physical self-care isn’t about crushing a 5K or living off green smoothies. It’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs – and sometimes that looks completely different from day to day.
Here’s what I’ve learned about honoring my body:
Some days, my body wants to move – maybe it’s dancing while cooking dinner, stretching during work breaks, or going for a leisurely walk. Other days, it wants rest – and that’s okay too. I used to feel guilty about not having a “consistent” routine, but I’ve learned that consistency in caring for yourself is more important than consistency in what that care looks like.
Physical self-care also means paying attention to the basics:
Eating when you’re hungry (not when the clock says you should)
Staying hydrated (yes, even when you’re busy)
Getting enough sleep (this one is non-negotiable for me)
Moving your body in ways that feel good (not punishing)
And here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: your body’s needs change, and that’s perfectly normal. Right now, as I write this, my body is craving comfort food and early bedtime because I’ve been dealing with some stressful work situations. Instead of fighting it, I’m leaning in.
Physical self-care isn’t about achieving some ideal – it’s about respecting the body you have right now.
