Gringa in Mexico

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential to your overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

I remember a friend once venting on Facebook about how exhausted she was from hearing people talk about self-care. She was overwhelmed—juggling work, motherhood, and running a household while her husband, a firefighter, was often away. She insisted she didn’t have time for self-care and was tired of being told she needed it.

Yikes. If there was ever someone in need of self-care, it was her in that moment.

Since moving to Mexico, I’ve established a weekly ritual just for me—one that I continue whether I’m in the U.S. or Mexico. I call it Self-Care Saturdays, and it has become a non-negotiable part of my routine.

My day starts early with personal projects, followed by a 90-minute massage—an essential reset for my body and soul. After that, it’s whatever I need most that week: a facial, a mani-pedi, coffee at a local cafe to write and reflect, a bikini wax, an hour at the beach, an audiobook, maybe even a blowout, or simply some quiet time for myself.

Self-care isn’t selfish. Spending money on yourself isn’t wasteful—it’s an investment in your well-being. Whether it’s a simple face mask or a full spa day, these moments remind me that I am worthy of time, care, and attention.

Since selling my yoga studio, I’ve found that I don’t usually exercise on Saturdays—because I already incorporate physical activity into the rest of my week. For me, Saturdays are for slow, mindful moments, reminding myself to breathe and just be.

But self-care goes beyond beauty treatments. It’s about loving and respecting yourself because the way we treat ourselves sets the tone for how we show up for others.

But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t just facials and pedicures. It’s also about the people we surround ourselves with. Ask yourself:

• Do the people in your life support and uplift you?
• Or do they hold you back—like crabs in a bucket—dragging you down when you try to elevate yourself?

If you find yourself constantly drained by certain people, it might be time to set boundaries or even distance yourself. Protecting your peace is a form of self-care.

We often feel like we don’t have the time, money, or energy to care for ourselves. But prioritizing our needs isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Setting boundaries to protect our time, health, and mental well-being is one of the greatest forms of self-care we can practice.

Let’s commit to prioritizing ourselves—not just today, but everyday.

You are worth it.

How do you show up for yourself? How do you practice self-care? Share your thoughts with me below!