Making Self Care Simple

Ah, self-care. That magical, elusive concept that we all claim to value but somehow manage to avoid. Somewhere along the way, it became synonymous with luxury spa days, $12 green juices, and yoga retreats in Bali. No wonder most of us feel guilty even thinking about it—who has the time or money for that? But here’s the thing: self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant, expensive, or require blocking off half your calendar. In the latest episode of This Way Up, I sat down with Drew Greisel from Primal Wellness (also the host of The Superhuman Blueprint podcast), and he broke down how small, simple habits can have a massive impact on our mental and physical well-being.

For starters, movement is a game-changer, especially if you do it outside. Studies show that just 20 minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels and improve mood (Frontiers in Psychology, 2019). And no, you don’t need to summit Everest—just take a damn walk. Bonus points if you leave your phone behind and resist the urge to scroll.

Then there’s hydration, a concept so simple yet so ignored that half of us are walking around mildly dehydrated and wondering why we can’t focus. Brain fog, fatigue, irritability—these are all signs that your body is basically running on fumes. And guess what? It takes approximately three seconds to drink a glass of water. 

And finally, sleep—the ultimate form of self-care that we somehow treat like an optional hobby. Getting 7-9 hours isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s essential for everything from cognitive function to immune health. So maybe, just maybe, let’s stop glorifying burnout and start prioritizing rest like the life-extending, brain-boosting superpower it is.

So, there you have it—self-care doesn’t require a trust fund or an entire day off. It’s about the little things, done consistently, that make you feel human instead of a frazzled, over-caffeinated shell of yourself. Now go drink some water, take a walk, and get to bed on time. Your future self will thank you and so will the ones you love.