Nourish to Flourish: The Necessity and Gift of Self-Care
Taking time for self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an investment in our ability to show up for others and ourselves.
As the President & CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, a wife, mother of four, author, and advocate for living life to its fullest, my life is often packed with responsibilities. Juggling my professional duties, family commitments, and personal aspirations requires careful planning and intention. However, no matter how hectic things get, one thing I always make time for is my wellness routine. It’s not just about staying fit—it’s about taking care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually so that I can show up and thrive as my best self for both my family and my business. Self-care isn’t just a trendy term; it’s essential to maintaining vitality and balance, especially when life becomes overwhelming.
So, what does self-care mean? To me, it’s about nurturing yourself in every way—body, mind, and spirit—to stay healthy and vibrant. Life throws challenges our way—whether it’s dealing with illness, financial struggles, relationship issues, or simply the demands of a busy life. During these times, it's easy to neglect self-care, but it’s precisely during these moments that we need it the most. Prioritizing self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity that helps us stay strong, focused, and ready for anything life sends our way.
Taking time for self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an investment in our ability to show up for others and ourselves. In today’s culture, we’re often pressured to be constantly productive, believing that it’s the key to success. But this constant hustle can leave us exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed. Over time, this can lead to burnout, anxiety, and other emotional and physical struggles. Prioritizing self-care helps us stay grounded, energized, and ready to face whatever comes our way. Research has shown that self-care can lower stress, improve focus, and increase happiness. It also helps protect against serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. More importantly, self-care allows us to stay connected to our purpose and find deeper meaning in life, creating positive effects not just for us, but for everyone around us.
For me, my daily self-care routine includes a nourishing blend of mental, physical, and spiritual practices. I begin each day with prayer and reflection, which sets the tone for the hours ahead. Connecting with God helps me release stress, focus on His promises, and find peace. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Yoga and Pilates are also key to my routine—they strengthen my body and provide me with moments of introspection and grounding. With the demands of managing a successful business and a busy family life, stress can easily build up. I’ve found that movement not only strengthens my body but also clears my mind, helping me stay balanced and focused.
In addition to physical activity, I rely on treatments like dry needling, chiropractic care, and cryotherapy. These tools help me release tension, restore balance, and recharge, allowing me to be my best self.
Self-care is a deeply personal journey, and it looks different for each of us. Whether it’s enjoying a conversation with a close friend, taking a peaceful walk, moving your body, or losing yourself in a good book, it’s important to discover what nourishes your soul. Try starting and ending your day with a simple breathing practice to set a calm, grounded tone. Begin with a few deep breaths, releasing tension and inviting peace into your heart. With each inhale, reflect on God’s promises, and with each exhale, let go of what you can’t control. Or, if you’re more of an active person, a quick morning yoga routine can significantly enhance your well-being and provide a refreshing start to your day. Begin in Child's Pose to gently awaken your body, then flow through Cat-Cow stretches to promote spinal flexibility. Transition into Downward-Facing Dog to energize and stretch, followed by a Standing Forward Bend to release tension. Conclude with Mountain Pose, raising your arms overhead, feeling grounded and ready to embrace the day ahead. Small practices like these can help keep you centered, helping you show up with clarity and grace.
Self-care isn’t just about recharging your body; it’s about nurturing every part of you—mind, body, and spirit—so you can flourish and show up as your best self. When you make your well-being a priority, you’re not only stepping into your full potential for those around you, but you’re also honoring the unique, incredible person God designed you to be. And especially in tough seasons, leaning into self-care helps you build resilience, regain your energy, and live the fulfilling life you deserve. Loving yourself means giving yourself grace, making your well-being a top priority, and recognizing that self-care is not a luxury—it’s a vital foundation for a joyful, balanced, and purpose-filled life.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. Let’s continue to pursue the five-star life God intends for us—filled with joy, balance, and abundant grace.
xo,
brit
