Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: A Note to Women in Business

Hello, women in business!

Let me start by admitting something: most of my life, I’ve struggled with work-life balance. I’ve been known as a “workaholic”—pushing goals and grinding through tasks while putting my own needs last. For years, I operated in cycles of work-work-work, then crash, get sick, get depressed, repeat.

It wasn’t until a decade into my entrepreneurial journey that I realized the pattern. The high-speed hustle followed by burnout wasn’t sustainable—or productive. I learned that by allowing time to rest, recover, and find balance, I could slow down in the short term and actually accomplish more in the long run.

That shift changed everything.

I’m now at a place where I’ve officially launched a franchise that took eight years to develop—and I did it one month before giving birth to my first baby! This is what I mean by sustainable success. Slow and steady really does win the race. I don’t believe in going at a snail’s pace—but I absolutely believe in pacing yourself so you don’t burn out before the finish line.

Self-care isn’t perfect. And it certainly isn’t selfish.

There have been times I’ve felt the urge to hide my massage appointments so people wouldn’t think, “Wow, Christina has time for that?” The truth is—I don’t. But I make time. Sometimes, we have to force our self-care.

Before I share my go-to tips, let me be clear: doing these things doesn’t mean I’m perfectly balanced. It doesn’t mean I feel amazing every day. I’m still trying, just like you.

Here Are the Self-Care Truths I Live By:

• Put it in your calendar. If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. We live by our to-do lists—make self-care one of them.
• Be vulnerable. It’s okay not to be okay. In fact, it’s powerful.
• Ask for help. Whether it’s delegating a task or calling a friend, you don’t have to carry it all.
• Go to counseling. Therapy isn’t weakness—it’s maintenance for your mind.
• Take care of your physical self. Grooming, movement, and rest matter. Get a manicure, a haircut, lash extensions, or hit the gym. Look good, feel good.
• Plan for your bad days. Play offense. Have a “bad day” list: a playlist, a walk, a call, or a prayer.
• Feel what you feel. Don’t shove down the sadness, exhaustion, or frustration. Let it pass through you.
• Stop the comparison. Focus on your journey. Social media is a highlight reel, not real life.
• Use “Do Not Disturb.” Protect your peace. Create modes on your phone—work, personal, downtime.
• Speak life over yourself. Affirmations aren’t fluff—they’re fuel. “I am strong. I am courageous. Today is a good day.”
• Change the narrative. Your inner voice is powerful. Make sure it’s telling the truth—not fear-based fiction.
• Shorten your list, girl. A month’s worth of tasks on one day’s to-do list is a setup for failure. Focus on 1–3 meaningful tasks per day—and celebrate when you’re done.
• Give it to God. “His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.” When we are weak, He makes us strong.

If you made it this far—thank you. I’m so grateful you allowed me to share this. I’m walking this journey with you, and I know from experience that when we prioritize self-care, we don’t just survive—we thrive.

I’m healthier, happier, and more productive because of it—and you can be too.