In this article, inspired by Stephanie Rumble's "Style for Life" podcast, we explore how to practice self care in a way that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Stephanie, a seasoned fashion stylist, health educator, and accountability coach, shares her insights on the importance of self care for living your best life.

“If you’ve taken care of your mind and body, you are better equipped to live your best life.” ~ Stephanie Rumble

Self-care is not selfish. It is essential for maintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and showing up as the best version of yourself every single day. With practical strategies and gentle encouragement, this article will help you develop a personalised approach to self care that fits your lifestyle.

What is Self Care and Why Does It Matter?

Understanding what self care is is the first step towards creating a healthier, happier life. Self-care is a multidimensional approach to wellbeing that addresses:

Physical health
Mental health
Emotional health
Social health
Spiritual wellbeing

Self-care involves nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

By incorporating regular self care activities, you can boost resilience, reduce stress, and build a life you truly love. Without self-care, it's easy to fall into cycles of exhaustion, overwhelm, and burnout that affect every area of life—from your relationships to your career.

Self-care matters because it lays the groundwork for everything else. When you care for yourself, you set the stage for better mental focus, stronger connections, and greater overall happiness.

If you are ready to start your self-care journey and would like personalised guidance, Stephanie offers personal styling and wellbeing coaching services designed to help you look and feel your best.

Physical Wellbeing: The Foundation of a Strong Self Care Plan

Physical self care is often the starting point for wellbeing. Stephanie highlights how proper rest, movement, and nutrition can make or break your day. Our bodies carry us through everything—and taking care of them is one of the simplest yet most powerful forms of self care.

“Choose your hard. Being fit is hard. Being unfit is hard. Choose your hard.” ~ Stephanie Rumble

Some essential steps for physical wellbeing include:

Prioritising quality sleep
Fuelling your body with nourishing food
Getting regular exercise, even when you don't feel like it
Stretching and recovering to maintain mobility

Physical self care enhances energy, supports good mental health, and helps prevent illness. Small, consistent actions—like a daily walk or a commitment to eating more vegetables—can have lasting effects. It's about listening to your body and giving it what it needs to thrive.

Stephanie also offers group workshops that cover topics such as body awareness, clothing function, and stress reduction for professionals. You can learn more about these transformative sessions through her resilience and wellbeing education services.

Mental Wellbeing: How to Practice Self Care for the Mind

Our mental wellbeing is often overlooked, yet it's just as vital as physical health. To maintain good mental health and to explore how to improve mental health, it's important to engage in activities that keep your mind active and sharp.

“Self-care is the mechanism for recalibrating, having fun, relaxing, and connecting.” ~ Stephanie Rumble

A woman sits peacefully in a cozy, plant-filled room, journaling in a notebook while sipping herbal tea. Surrounded by books, greenery, and soft lighting, she practices self-care and mindfulness in a calm, nurturing environment. — Taking time to nourish your mind is powerful self-care. Journaling, reading, and quiet moments help build resilience, clarity, and emotional strength.

Here are some ideas to nurture your mental self care:

Read books or listen to inspiring podcasts
Take up puzzles or creative hobbies
Learn something new
Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk

Stephanie points out that many people carry around negative internal narratives that sap their energy and confidence. By making space for activities that stimulate your mind and uplift your thoughts, you create resilience and inner calm. Mental self care is not just about relaxation—it's about empowerment.

Emotional Wellbeing: How to Practice Emotional Self Care

Emotions play a powerful role in how we experience life, yet many people suppress or ignore their feelings. Stephanie encourages us to tune into our emotional needs and take steps to support self care for anxiety and stress.

To practice emotional self care, try:

Talking to trusted friends or professionals
Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation
Journalling or exploring mindfulness techniques

It's important to acknowledge feelings without judgement. When you learn how to practice emotional self care, you gain tools to handle life's ups and downs with grace and resilience. Emotional self-care empowers you to manage anxiety, anger, sadness, and everything in between.

Spiritual Wellbeing: Take Time for Yourself and Find Meaning

Spiritual wellbeing isn't limited to religious practice. It refers to your sense of connection, meaning, and purpose in life. Stephanie reminds us to take time for yourself to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.

Ways to nurture spiritual self care include:

Spending time in nature
Practising gratitude
Exploring your personal beliefs and values

Many people find that spiritual self-care helps them weather difficult times and maintain a broader perspective. It also contributes to resilience training through guided workshops by helping you stay grounded and hopeful.

Social Wellbeing: Self Care for Connection and Belonging

Humans are wired for connection, and meaningful relationships are a vital part of self care, particularly for women and men alike. Stephanie highlights the importance of nurturing your social wellbeing—even when life feels too busy.

Try these ideas to support social self care:

Schedule regular catch-ups with friends
Join a community or group that shares your interests
Prioritise quality time with loved ones

A diverse group of five adults sit around a table in a cozy café, smiling and chatting over coffee. The setting is warm and welcoming, with natural light and indoor plants enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. — Social self care matters—whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a good laugh with friends, meaningful connection helps boost your mood, reduce stress, and remind you "you're not alone".

Social self care strengthens your sense of belonging, reduces loneliness, and provides emotional support in tough times. Even a quick phone call or coffee date can uplift your mood and reinforce your support network.

Burnout Prevention: Why You Need a Self Care Plan

Without a deliberate self care plan, burnout can slowly take hold. Stephanie's story of recognising her own signs of burnout underscores the importance of proactive self-care routines.

Here are key elements to help with preventing burnout:

Listen to your body's signals and honour your need for rest
Create daily rituals that restore your energy
Set clear boundaries to protect your time and mental space

By putting a self care plan in place, you can avoid the depletion that comes from overcommitting. This allows you to sustain your energy and maintain your wellbeing in both your personal and professional life.

Key Statistics in New Zealand: The Impact of Self Care

Understanding the real-world impact of how to practice self care is essential for motivating change. Here are some eye-opening statistics from New Zealand:

85.4% of New Zealand adults reported being in 'good health' (good, very good, or excellent) in 2023/24 (source).
83% of adults reported a high or very high level of life satisfaction in 2023/24 (source).
82% of adults reported high or very high family wellbeing in 2023/24 (source).
People in New Zealand aged 15 years and over reported an average overall life satisfaction score of 7.6 out of 10 in 2023 (source).

Infographic showing that self care has a positive impact on wellbeing in New Zealand. In 2023/24, over 85.4% of adults reported good health, 83% life satisfaction, 82% strong family wellbeing, and life satisfaction score 7.6 out of 10. — 85.4% of New Zealand adults reported being in 'good to excellent health'.

These figures highlight the need for greater awareness, education, and daily self care plans to improve both mental and physical wellbeing across New Zealand.

How to Practise Self Care Without Feeling Selfish

Many people, especially women, feel guilty for taking time for themselves. Stephanie urges us to reframe this mindset: how to practise self care without feeling selfish means understanding that self-care benefits not only you, but everyone around you.

You can:

Remind yourself that self care increases your capacity to support others
Start with small, manageable acts of care
Set the intention to be consistent without overloading yourself

When you take time for yourself, you come back to your relationships, work, and life with renewed energy and presence.

Self Care Ideas to Inspire Your Routine

Looking for fresh self care ideas? Self-care doesn't have to be complicated. Stephanie suggests starting with accessible, enjoyable activities:

A daily walk or jog
Preparing a nourishing meal
Carving out "me-time" for hobbies or reading
Practising meditation, breathwork, or relaxation
Joining a fitness class or a resilience training workshop

These small but impactful self care activities can be life-changing when practised consistently. The goal is to find what works for you and make it part of your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: How to Improve Your Self Care

Practising self care is not about perfection. It's about building daily habits that nurture your physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health. Stephanie Rumble's philosophy reminds us that prioritising self care isn't selfish—it's necessary for living with energy, confidence, and joy.

To summarise:

Make self care a non-negotiable habit
Start small but stay consistent
Embrace the journey of growth and self-discovery

Stephanie Rumble, founder of Bright Red, stands confidently in a green floral dress against a soft pink background decorated with vibrant pink flowers. — Stephanie Rumble reminds us that self-care is the foundation for joy and balance.

For those looking to take their next step towards personal transformation, Stephanie also offers personal branding and speaking services to help you build confidence from the inside out.

Whether you're looking to improve your confidence and style, enhance your wellbeing, or simply find more balance, a thoughtful self care plan can help you get there. Your wellbeing matters. Start today—take time for yourself, and live your best life.

Listen on Spotify

Frequently Asked Questions

What is self care and why is it important?

Self-care is the practice of taking intentional actions to support your physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. It helps you maintain balance, build resilience, and prevent burnout.

Without self-care, it's easy to become overwhelmed by daily stresses. Prioritising self-care allows you to feel more energised, confident, and capable in every area of your life.

How can I practise self care when I’m busy?

Even if you have a hectic schedule, small daily habits can make a big difference. It could be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk, practising deep breathing, or carving out time for a healthy meal.

Consistency is key. Stephanie Rumble suggests creating simple rituals that become non-negotiable parts of your routine, no matter how busy life gets.

What are some quick self care ideas I can start today?

Some easy self-care ideas include going for a short walk, reading a favourite book, listening to music, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea. You could also try journaling or a short mindfulness exercise.

The goal is to choose something that helps you recharge mentally, emotionally, or physically—even if it’s just for five minutes.

How do I know if I’m heading towards burnout?

Common signs of burnout include constant fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and a lack of motivation. You might also notice physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or difficulty sleeping.

If you feel this way, it's essential to take a step back and reassess your self-care practices. Stephanie’s resilience and wellbeing workshops can help you build practical strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout.

Is self care the same for everyone?

Self-care looks different for each person. What recharges one person may not work for another. It’s about discovering what brings you energy, calm, and joy.

The key is to tune into your needs and make self-care part of your everyday life, in whatever way suits your personality, lifestyle, and goals.

How can I balance emotional self care with daily responsibilities?

Balancing emotional self-care with a busy life requires conscious effort. It might mean setting boundaries, seeking support from friends, or scheduling time for activities that bring you peace.

Stephanie highlights the importance of not waiting until crisis hits. Regular emotional check-ins can help you stay grounded and avoid overwhelm.

What are the five areas of self care?

The five core areas of self-care are physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. A balanced self-care routine considers all of these dimensions.

By attending to each area regularly, you can build resilience, maintain energy, and show up more fully in both your personal and professional life.

How does physical health affect mental wellbeing?

Physical health and mental wellbeing are closely connected. Regular exercise, quality sleep, and good nutrition can all boost mood, reduce stress, and improve focus.

Even gentle activities like walking or stretching can have significant positive effects on your mind and body. Stephanie recommends small, consistent actions to stay energised and resilient.

What role does social connection play in self care?

Maintaining meaningful relationships is a vital part of self-care. Social connection can reduce stress, combat loneliness, and provide emotional support during difficult times.

It doesn’t have to involve big gatherings—small catch-ups, phone calls, or shared activities can all nourish your social wellbeing.

How can I use personal styling as part of my self care?

How you dress can influence your confidence, mindset, and overall sense of wellbeing. Taking time to choose outfits that reflect who you are can be a powerful form of self-care.

Stephanie offers personal styling services that help individuals express themselves, feel more confident, and show up fully in both life and work.