By Kimani Alhassan
International Women’s Day celebrates strength, ambition, and resilience. It’s also a reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t optional. Women handle work, family, and community, often putting themselves last. But real self-care isn’t indulgence—it’s survival.
There’s been a shift toward rejecting unnecessary struggle. No more glorifying exhaustion. But self-care isn’t just spa days and vacations. It’s about protecting your health, time, and peace of mind—daily.
I Learned the Hard Way
I used to believe self-care was for women with flexible schedules—the ones who wake up early for yoga and green smoothies while the rest of us battle Lagos traffic. I thought I had to check every box before I could rest.
My days started before sunrise and stretched late into the night. Meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities filled every hour. My mind never stopped.
Then, one day, my body did.
In the middle of a work presentation, my hands trembled, my vision blurred, and my heart pounded. I stepped out, sat on the bathroom floor, and tried to convince myself I was fine—maybe I just needed more coffee. But deep down, I knew the truth: I was running on empty.
And I wasn’t alone.
A lawyer friend told me she worked 12-hour days and felt the same exhaustion. A tech friend said she woke up anxious every morning. Even my cousin, who runs a fashion business, admitted she was always drained.
We were all burnt out, yet we acted like it was normal.
That moment forced me to change. I started small—leaving work on time, saying no to draining tasks, getting enough sleep. I picked up reading again, took walks without my phone, and started journaling. Slowly, I felt lighter. I didn’t lose productivity; I gained clarity.
And I realized something: self-care isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you stop doing.
Women Who Chose Themselves
Sharon had a high-stress banking job that left her drained. She switched careers to something less demanding and now has time to travel and enjoy life. “I used to feel like I had to impress everyone. Now, I focus on what makes me happy.”
Ada used to put everyone else first in relationships until she realized she was giving too much and getting little in return. She started setting boundaries and choosing herself. “Loving myself taught me I don’t have to beg for the same energy I give.”
Practical Ways to Take Care of Yourself
- Set Boundaries: Say no to things that drain you. Your time matters.
- Rest Without Guilt: Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
- Take a Break: Step away from screens and social media when you need to.
- Move Your Body: Stretch, dance, or take a walk. It helps.
- Do What You Love: Read, cook, or try something new—whatever brings you joy.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Speak to yourself with the same kindness you give others.
Now, Ask Yourself: When was the last time you did something just for you?
When did you say no to something that drained you—without feeling guilty?
Are you truly living, or just going through the motions?
It’s easy to keep pushing, to believe one more sleepless night or sacrifice won’t hurt. But at what cost?
This International Women’s Day, pause. Reflect. Ask yourself: What does self-care look like for me? And how can I start prioritizing myself—without apology?
Because you deserve peace. You deserve rest. And you don’t have to wait for burnout to claim them.