Self-care can be one of the first things we abandon when our lives get busy. We’re overbooked on the weekend, or the kids need to be in several places at once. Taking time for ourselves can seem… selfish.
But self-care is important for our mental health. It gives our brain and body time to decompress and reset.
“Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health,” the National Institute of Mental Health reports.
That being said, self-care looks different to everyone. For some, self-care activities might include meditation or breathwork, but others might prefer to unwind with a book on the couch.
Read on to find out what self-care looks like to The Weekly team.

Maddy Wilson, Editorial Coordinator
My idea of self-care is a Saturday afternoon curled up on the couch with a good book or TV show. You’ll find me in something outrageously comfy… my recent obsession is a Ready Freddie, which is perfect for both lounging around or getting ready for the day. I take the time to indulge in a face mask to hydrate and soothe my skin. Then, I’ll order some delicious pasta for dinner and unapologetically take time to unwind and relax.
I also love indulging in small acts of daily self-care. To me, this is taking the time to dry brush and use a nourishing moisturiser after a shower. This small addition to my nightly routine gives me time to fully decompress from the day and set myself up for a restful sleep.
Orlaith Costello, Digital Editor
Self-care to me is taking my time and effort to either feed my creative mind by allowing a brain break or by indulging in an activity that only benefits me like exercise for my health or making delicious things to eat.
When things get too hectic with my workload or my personal life I go for one of three things:
- Cooking and/or baking: spending a few hours making gnocchi from scratch and then watching my favourite comfort show of the moment with a bowl of delicious gnocchi is what my self-care dreams are made of.
- Walking/exercise: a powerwalk to push away a frustrating day while listening to my favourite podcast or some kind of weightlifting class like Les Mills Body Pump.
- Computer games: I do not identify as a gamer, but there is a computer game that I have played since my teen years that I have adopted as my go-to brain-break resource: Age of Empires II. I am always the Vikings, I always play in an Islands scenario, I never play in teams or others online, and I always finish the game in 45 minutes.

Tiffany Dunk, Deputy Editor
I recently joined a traditional Finnish sauna — 90-degree heat for 10-15 minutes, followed by an ice bath plunge, then a 15-minute rest with a cup of herbal tea by an outdoor fire before doing it all over again for another round — which is now my go-to for the ultimate self-care.
A two-hour session leaves me feeling both relaxed and refreshed while the communal space and inclusive atmosphere is a gentle way to socialise. Mental health-wise, it’s a key pillar in my arsenal.
Ashleigh Austen, Health Editor
Self-care for me looks like saying no to things I either don’t want to do, or I just don’t have the capacity to take on. Nothing gets me frazzled quicker than a packed schedule of coffees/meetings/favours that I said yes to out of obligation, only to be left feeling depleted and resentful with no time to do the things that fill my cup up! Sure, sometimes the wheels fall off, but I’m getting better with age.

Bec Milligan, Senior Digital Content Producer
I’m sure the beginning of my self-care routine is going to sound a bit extreme to most… But I love to deep clean my apartment (with Taylor Swift on so I can sing as I scrub), put fresh linen on the bed, light some candles, read a book in the tub, order some take-out and then eat it while watching a ‘girly’ 2000s movie. There’s something so soothing about it all and my favourite bit is getting into clean sheets at the end of the day.
And once in a blue moon, when I really need some extra TLC, I’ll splurge and treat myself to a facial.
Georgia Moore, Copy Editor
For me, self-care is about hitting pause on the pressures of life and the often overwhelming urge to be productive all the time and do something to change my mood. That “something” looks different depending on where my head is at. If I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I like to slow down by losing myself in a good book (usually with a cup of tea!).
If I’m feeling antsy or restless, exercise is great — preferably a nice walk or jog in a park with lots of greenery. Or if I want a mood-booster just because I like putting on some fun pop music and dancing around the house.

Jayde Malifa, Head of Digital, Lifestyle
When it comes to self-care I love spending time in the water, whether that is the ocean or an indoor pool. I am very lucky to live close to the beach, so when the weather is good I like to start my day down at the ocean pool and swim laps. Not only do I leave feeling refreshed, but by moving my body first thing in the morning I feel energised for the day ahead.
Fran Abdallaoui, Food Director
One of my favourite self-care moments is floating in the ocean… and it is free! What I crave in summer is feeling that shock of chilly water and the adrenaline when you first dive under the waves then flipping over and floating, looking up to the sky and being aware of nobody. I also like to exfoliate my arms, legs and feet with wet sand while I’m in the shallows. Even my ageing skin feels amazing afterwards.