Why Self-Care Has to Be Practical to Be Sustainable

Lakeisha Lee
Jan 4
4 min read

It’s the first week of January, and by now many of us have already set our intentions for the year ahead. Some people create New Year’s resolutions. Others are done with resolutions altogether and simply decide to be more intentional about their lives, their time, and their health.

January is also a natural season of reflection. We’ve spent time looking back, evaluating what worked and what didn’t, and now we’re saying, “This is the year I do things differently.” We’re planning. We’re hopeful. We’re imagining what the next year could look like.

And with the best intentions, many of us decide we’re going to eat better, exercise more, lose weight, go on walks, or finally establish a routine that supports our well-being.

The challenge is that, for most people, that momentum fades just as quickly as it builds.

This is especially true when it comes to self-care.

The Problem With How We Think About Self-Care

When many people hear the term self-care, they immediately think of manicures, pedicures, spa days, or occasional treats. While those things can be enjoyable, they are not enough to sustain us — especially in real life.

Self-care has to go deeper than that.

Self-care is about the practical, everyday ways we take care of ourselves, not just when we have extra time, money, or energy, but especially when we don’t.

That’s why this month, I want to focus on practical self-care — care that is quick, effective, and realistic for people who are busy, responsible, and carrying a lot.

Practical Self-Care for Real People

Mental Overload Is Not a Mindset Problem

One of the biggest issues people are facing right now is mental overload.

We are juggling responsibilities, expectations, work, family, and personal goals — often without enough boundaries in place. We keep pushing, keep giving, and keep pouring, even when our own cup is empty.

We’re often told to “change our mindset” or “think more positively,” but mindset alone doesn’t solve overload.

Mental overload happens when there is too much being held internally and not enough space to process it.

This is where practices like journaling become essential — not as emotional dumping, but as mental organization. Writing things down helps reduce decision fatigue, clarify priorities, and create space to think instead of constantly reacting.

Care That Fits Real Life

Another reason self-care doesn’t last is because it often doesn’t fit real life.

We create plans that require perfection, long stretches of time, or high levels of motivation. When life happens — and it always does — those plans fall apart, and we assume we’ve failed.

In reality, the plan failed us.

Self-care works when it is:

simple
repeatable
flexible

Care that fits real life doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. It requires small, supportive habits that can be repeated consistently.

Sometimes that looks like:

scheduling rest instead of hoping it happens
using a calendar to protect your time
setting boundaries that preserve your energy
choosing routines that support your body, not overwhelm it

If it’s not scheduled, it usually doesn’t happen. That’s not a personal flaw — it’s reality.

How to Know What You Need Right Now

One of the most important self-care skills we can develop is learning how to identify what we actually need in the current season.

Sometimes your body needs support:

rest
hydration
moisture
simple routines that help regulate stress

Other times, your mind needs support:

clarity
space to think
fewer decisions
intentional reflection

Self-care is seasonal. What worked before may not work now, and that’s okay. Sustainable care requires listening, responding, and adjusting without guilt.

Simple Practices to Start With

If you’re not sure where to begin, start small.

Choose one or two practices you can realistically maintain:

a short journaling practice to clear your thoughts
a simple morning or evening routine
caring for your skin as a grounding, body-based practice
setting one boundary that protects your energy

Consistency matters more than intensity.

What If You Mess Up?

You will.

And that doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Self-care is not about perfection. It’s about returning — returning to yourself, your routines, and what supports you. Missing a day or a week doesn’t undo progress. It simply means you start again.

That’s sustainability.

Tools That Support Practical Self-Care

Information alone doesn’t always lead to consistency. Sometimes we need tools that make care easier to return to.

During the winter months especially, our bodies and skin need extra support. Cold weather, stress, and dry air can take a toll, particularly for busy professionals who are constantly moving.

That’s why I created my Self-Care Kit — to support simple, repeatable routines that help the body slow down and reset. I also created my journal and journaling class to help with mental clarity and processing, especially for people carrying a heavy mental load.

These tools aren’t about doing more. They’re about supporting what you’re already trying to do — take care of yourself in a way that actually lasts.