We are always taught to put others before ourselves. But when we put ourselves first, it creates a sense of guilt.

One of the rare moments when we accept we should is when the cabin crew reminds us on a flight:

“Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.”

It’s a simple but powerful reminder.

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking to Self Care expert Araceli Higueras and author of And how? A guide to self-care, self-leadership and purpose.

The Superpowers of Self-Care and Self-Love

One of the biggest investments we can make is in ourselves. When you invest in your own well-being, you’re building resilience, emotional stability, and a stronger capacity to handle challenges.

Self-care isn’t about extravagant spa days or indulgent treats (though those are nice occasionally). It’s about maintaining your emotional and mental equilibrium to give your best to the people and tasks that matter. Imagine trying to pour water from an empty jug—impossible, right? The same goes for your energy and focus. You can’t give what you don’t have.

Think of self-care and self-love as maintenance for the “machine” that keeps you running. It’s the oil that keeps the cogs running smoothly.

Learning from Life’s Pivotal Moments

For many, the journey toward prioritizing self-care starts with a wake-up call. Araceli knows this firsthand. When she developed alopecia areata—a condition triggered by stress—it forced her to rethink her approach to life and work.

Now, she helps professionals navigate transitions like career changes, parenthood, and leadership shifts. These moments often bring stress, but they’re also opportunities to lean into self-care and redefine priorities.

The Role of Reflection and Purpose

Araceli took her experience a step further by writing a book: And How? A Guide to Self-Help, Self-Leadership, and Purpose. It emerged from a time of uncertainty—losing her job—but became a resource for others navigating their own challenges.

Her story is a reminder that self-care isn’t just about physical or emotional upkeep; it’s about aligning your actions with your values. Reflection, whether through journaling or intentional thinking, is a key part of finding that alignment.

Five Practical Self-Care Tips for Professionals

Here are five actionable ways to incorporate self-care into your busy routine:

* Move Your Body DailyEven a short walk or stretch can clear your mind and boost creativity. Movement doesn’t just improve your physical health—it’s a way to reset mentally during a hectic day.

* Create Simple RitualsSelf-care can be small. Applying your favorite hand lotion, lighting a candle, or savoring your morning coffee can ground you in the present moment. These rituals create micro-breaks that recharge your energy.

* Define Your Core ValuesTake time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Knowing your values helps you prioritize what deserves your energy and attention.

* Lean on Your Support NetworkFeeling overwhelmed? Reach out to friends, colleagues, or mentors. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to share the load.

* Challenge Harmful BeliefsLet go of the idea that self-care is selfish. Taking care of yourself ensures you can show up as your best self, which benefits everyone around you.

Why Self-Leadership Matters

Self-leadership is about taking ownership of your well-being and your choices. Whether you’re a formal leader or not, listening to yourself, recognizing your stressors, and taking steps to address them is crucial for thriving both personally and professionally.

For professionals juggling multiple demands, this means setting boundaries, managing expectations, and giving yourself permission to pause. Burnout doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of consistently ignoring your own needs.

The Power of Small, Consistent Habits

Self-care doesn’t have to be about large lifestyle changes. That five-minute morning meditation or the habit of drinking water regularly adds up over time. These small, consistent actions create a foundation of resilience.

Final Thoughts

Caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether you’re a facilitator managing complex workshops or a professional navigating big career transitions, self-care equips you to handle challenges with clarity and strength.

Start small. Choose one habit that resonates with you and build from there. Remember, when you prioritize yourself, you’re not just improving your own life—you’re elevating the way you show up for everyone around you.

Your future self will thank you.

Guest: Araceli Higueras

A Barcelona native based in London since 2002, is a multifaceted professional with a background in business administration. Fluent in English and French, she holds a CEMS master's in international management from HEC Paris. With two decades in financial software, Ara has excelled in training, consulting, data modelling, software development and user experience design. Alongside her corporate journey, she embraced coaching in 2009, exploring diverse methodologies such as neuro-linguistic programming, neuroscience and clean language. Ara, a polyglot mastering German and Japanese and dabbling in Greek, Swedish, Italian and Portuguese, champions presence and communication. Guiding her coaching relationships is a commitment to clarity, flexibility, accountability and continuous learning. Passionate about empowering individuals with choices, criteria for battles and self-reliance, Ara believes in giving back. Whether volunteering with the elderly, contributing to various organisations, or serving as a charity trustee, she embodies a commitment to service, improvement, equality and fairness. A dedicated sportswoman, avid reader and handcraft enthusiast, Ara's trajectory underscores her unwavering passion for learning, personal development and supporting others through coaching.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aracelihigueras/

https://www.instagram.com/youarasuccess/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/how-guide-self-care-self-leadership-purpose/dp/B0CZ443QN2/

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How to Self Care and Self Love for Everyday Success