“You can't pour from an empty cup.” You've probably heard this phrase before, but do you truly understand what it means? It’s all about self-care. Self-care looks different for everyone, and it's much more than just bubble baths and manicures. It's the key to living a balanced and fulfilling life. Even though self-care often gets branded as selfish, in reality, it couldn't be further from the truth.

Imagine this for a moment. You find yourself running on fumes; your body is worn out, your mind is foggy, and your spirit is dwindling. Every step feels like running a marathon, and life's mere responsibilities seem insurmountable. Here's a life-altering truth – you cannot offer your best self if you're not at your best. Simply put – when your wellbeing suffers, so does your output.

Many of us are guilty of neglecting ourselves while putting others’ needs first. But every richly lived story of a successful individual has an underlying thread of dedicated self-care. Take, for instance, the Olympics' top-notch athletes. Would they manage to break world records if they skipped their early morning workouts to help a friend move houses? Or consider my own journey in founding Success Insider, a thriving personal development education company. Would it even exist without rigorous self-care routines that kept me on track during the endeavor?

Self-care is akin to securing our own oxygen mask first before helping others in an emergency situation. It sounds so simple in theory, yet in practice, self-inflicted guilt shrouds this fundamental truth.

Ask yourself, why is it that we so easily comprehend the concept of self-care when it comes to physical health, yet draw a blank when it applies to our mental and emotional well-being? Have you ever avoided your daily jog because a friend needed company at that very moment? Unlikely. So, why would you devalue your mental “jogs” – be it meditation, reading, or simply quiet introspection?

Remember, self-care is not about ignoring those around us. Instead, it's about guaranteeing the highest quality of care that we can provide, something only possible when our cup is far from empty.

Let's break this down further. There are two main components to self-care: physical and psychological. While both are crucial for a balanced life, they cater to different aspects of our well-being.

Physical self-care is the most talked about. It includes maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, sleeping adequately, and taking time out to relax. When practiced consistently, these habits build endurance, vitality, and resilience, the pillars of a good life.

In contrast, psychological self-care may be less visible to the naked eye, but it is equally, if not more, essential. Just as physical care keeps your body fit, psychological care is what keeps your mind fit. Activities like meditation, journaling, reading, and enjoying a hobby or interests are all part of psychological self-care.

So if you've been under the impression that an extra hour on your startup or additional overtime at work is more valuable than your yoga class or reading hour, it's time to reevaluate. Bear in mind, consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to self-care.

Consider implementing the LMA course (Lifestyle Makeover Academy) principles into your routine if you're unsure where to start your self-care journey. Its enriching resources are designed to guide you towards success in personal growth and might just be the catalyst you need.

In the end, self-care equals self-love. It’s not a selfish act but a profound responsibility towards our own wellbeing, which ultimately reflects on others in our life. In the eloquent words of American tennis star Venus Williams: “Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” So, fill your cup first, then abundantly pour into the cups of others. Self-care is not selfish – it's essential.