Self-care is simply your ability to give your mind and body what they need to thrive. It means nourishing yourself with healthy food, staying active, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and making room for activities that bring you joy.
With the popularity of GLP-1 medications today, it can be easy to underestimate the power of foundational lifestyle habits.
While these medication treatments are effective tools, they work best when supported by daily self-care.
In my 40+ years treating patients, I’ve consistently seen that those who practice regular self-care fare better at managing weight, preserving energy, and achieving long-term health.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential maintenance.
Fitting Self-Care into a Busy Day
You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul or hours of free time. A few intentional minutes throughout the day can significantly boost your mood and resilience:
- Breathe: Take a few deliberate, deep breaths to reset during stressful moments.
- Fuel thoughtfully: Keep nutritious foods accessible so healthy choices are the easiest ones.
- Move: Wear an activity tracker or take short walking breaks to stay active.
- Unwind: Expand a favorite playlist, enjoy a warm bath, or pursue a hobby that recharges you—whether that’s dancing, reading, or playing music.
- Protect your sleep: Create a consistent bedtime routine for more restorative rest.
Whether or not you’re using new medication treatments, staying grounded in basic self-care remains the cornerstone of long-term well-being.
If you’d like to explore personalized strategies to build healthy habits, check out my self-help book, Six Factors to Fit: Weight Loss That Works for You!
If you’re a healthcare professional interested in counseling patients to build healthy self-care practices while improving weight management outcomes, check my newest, award-winning book, Patient-Centered Weight Management.
RK
Robert Kushner, MD