Hey Starglow families! Dr. Joel Warsh here, a proud dad, pediatrician, and author. I know from experience that being a parent is incredibly rewarding, but let’s face it—it’s also incredibly demanding. Some days, it can feel like our little humans are calling all the shots. And they don’t even pay rent! Between the never-ending to-do lists and constant pressure, it’s easy to put our own well-being on the back burner. But I’m here to remind you: self-care is not selfish, it’s smart. And it can help all of us be happier and more patient parents. 

Self-care is not always about expensive spa days or playing a weekly round of golf (although both sound amazing). It’s about making small, intentional choices to enhance your health, happiness, and overall well-being. 

“Filling your cup” boosts your mood and energy, helps you strike a balance between work and home life, prevents burnout, and improves your effectiveness as a parent. Prioritizing self-care is a necessity, not a luxury, and incorporating it into daily life is probably easier than you think. 

Here are some practical examples that will fit into any busy parent's routine:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Brief daily sessions can significantly reduce stress levels and help you think more clearly. Even a few minutes of quiet can be an escape from the chaos and help you recharge and refocus. 

Physical Activity: Exercise helps you manage stress and boosts your mood. Whether it's a short walk, a simple yoga session, or a quick home workout, finding enjoyable ways to move your body is crucial.

Healthy Eating: Consuming nutritious food recharges your energy levels and promotes optimal overall health. There’s no need to get fancy—just cook healthy meals and choose snacks to sustain you throughout the day.

Sleep: Prioritize quality rest by establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a calming bedtime environment. Use blackout curtains to block out light, put on soothing white noise to remove distractions, or lose yourself in a good book before drifting off to sleep. And you’re not going to like this, but try saying “No” to that extra Netflix episode once in a while and catch some extra Zzzs instead.

Hobbies and Interests: Make time for activities you enjoy, like reading, gardening, or crafting. You don’t need to overthink it or spend a ton of money—just do more of the things that bring you joy.

Social Connections: Maintain relationships with friends and family through regular catch-ups for support, either in person or virtually. Thanks to technology, connecting to loved ones across the globe is easier than ever!

Quiet Time: Find moments of solitude for reflection and relaxation—from enjoying a quiet cup of tea to spending time in nature.

If all this sounds too good to be true, trust me, it’s not. There’s a ton of research showing just how much self-care can positively impact our mental health:

Stress Reduction: A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Psycho­neuro­endocrinology shows that consistent self-care practices notably decrease stress levels by lowering cortisol (the body's stress hormone).

Improved Mental Health: A review in the International Journal of Child and Family Studies suggests that incorporating mindfulness and compassion practices into parenting may improve parents’ skills and strengthen their connection with their children.

Enhanced Well-Being: According to the American Psychological Association, engaging in self-care activities through hobbies, physical activity, and social interactions correlates with higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

Self-care isn’t just about you—it’s about your whole family. Maintaining your physical and mental well-being should be a non-negotiable. Because when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to handle the inevitable ups and downs of parenting.

So, why not make self-care part of your daily routine? You’ll be happier, your kids will be happier, and you’ll show them how to take care of themselves, too. It’s a total win-win for everyone.

What’s your go-to self-care activity?

Dr. Joel Warsh, aka DrJoelGator of the popular parenting Instagram account, is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California, who specializes in parenting, wellness, and integrative medicine. He is the author of  Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years. Dr. Joel is also hosting an annual free summit for parents and caregivers, exploring balanced and comprehensive approaches to complete children’s health. Check it out here.

Email us or give us a shout on our socials. We’re all ears👂!  And if you enjoyed this article, sign up for our weekly newsletter below, with tips, tricks, and trends coming to your inbox every Sunday morning.