What Is Self-Care?

Honoring International Self-Care Day with compassion and clarity

When we hear the term “self-care,” a lot of us picture face masks, spa days, or long baths. And while those things can be lovely, that’s not the full picture.

At Sparkle of Hope Cleaning Foundation, we know that self-care isn’t always glamorous. In fact, sometimes it’s messy, uncomfortable, or hard. But that doesn’t make it any less important — especially when you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, or burnout.

So, what is self-care?

Self-care is anything you do to support your mental, emotional, or physical well-being.
It’s not selfish. It’s not a luxury. It’s how we keep going — especially when life feels heavy.

It can be soft and comforting. It can also be boring and practical.

Most importantly, self-care is personal. What works for one person might not work for another — and that’s okay.

Self-care can look like:

🧼 Washing your sheets
💊 Taking your meds
🍲 Making sure you eat something
🛑 Saying “no” to something you don’t have the energy for
📞 Texting a friend and saying “I’m not okay”
🌿 Sitting outside and breathing fresh air
📱 Logging off social media for the night
🧠 Talking to a therapist
🧽 Cleaning one small corner of your space
😴 Going to bed early — even if the dishes aren’t done

It’s not about doing it perfectly.
It’s about doing something — anything — that helps you feel a little more human and a little less overwhelmed.

Why does Sparkle of Hope care about self-care?

Because when your environment is chaotic, it can be hard to function — especially during a depressive episode. That’s why we offer free cleaning services to those struggling with their mental health. Because sometimes, that is the self-care someone needs most.

But we also believe that once the cleaning is done, you need support to keep going. That’s why we started Sparkle Together Sundays — our free, virtual cleaning support group that meets every Sunday at 10 AM CT. It’s a space to take small steps, together, without pressure or shame.

You deserve care — just as you are.

You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to prove your worth to deserve support.
You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to care for yourself — even in small ways.

So today, on International Self-Care Day, ask yourself:

💛 What’s one small thing I can do to care for myself right now?

Then go do it. You matter. And we’re proud of you.

Want to join us for Sparkle Together Sundays?

Sign up here and take the first step with others who understand.