Self-care is more than face masks and bubble baths or spendy shopping hauls. Really, it’s just intentionally doing things that recharge your body, mind, and spirit.

Studies from the National Institutes of Health show self-care practices like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising can boost your mood, focus, and memory. These things are crucial to brain development and stress reduction.

Imagine your brain is like your phone. Stress and burnout tax your battery until it’s dangerously low. Self-care is your charger. And if you keep letting your battery run down until it’s dead, it gets harder and harder to power it back up.

Think self-care has to be expensive? Taking a walk (or a nap, TBH) is free. Think it has to be time-consuming? Eating a simple, nutritious meal can take the same amount of time as one that makes you feel full and tired. Think it’s too selfish or indulgent? Spoiler: you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you care for yourself, you’re better equipped to care for others.

Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, spending time in nature, or listening to music. Even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference!