Cree Cole:
"Self Care Isn't Selfish"
For a long time, I poured into everything and everyone around me—work, relationships, family, friendships—without taking a real pause to pour into myself. I believed showing up for others meant sacrificing my needs, and I wore that like a badge of honor. But what I didn’t realize was how deeply that imbalance was affecting my life… until it all caught up with me.
Within just one year, I went from 190 lbs to 230 lbs. And no, it wasn’t just about food or lack of movement—it was about stress. Unmanaged, unacknowledged, and quietly building until it screamed for my attention. As I prepared for my upcoming hysterectomy in January 2025, I completely underestimated how much my stress levels had taken over. The simplest tasks felt monumental. I felt like a burden needing help with things I used to do with ease. That loss of independence affected me mentally and emotionally in ways I didn’t expect.
I began to slip into depression. I stress ate, not because I was hungry, but because I was overwhelmed, sad, and exhausted. Every little thing felt heavier. And when you're carrying that much emotional weight, physical weight starts to follow.
But everything shifted after my 8-week post-op appointment.
I made a conscious decision: my healing was going to be holistic. I couldn’t just recover physically—I had to tend to my mental and emotional well-being too. I started putting into practice simple stress relief tools: journaling my emotions, going for mindful walks, saying “no” without guilt, breathing deeply, meditating, and reminding myself daily that I matter too.
Now, in April, as I continue to rebuild, I’m shifting my focus toward my physical health. I’ve done too much inner work to allow my body—the vessel carrying all this growth—to be left behind. It would be wild to become emotionally and mentally healthier, but let my physical well-being decline. That’s not balance. And I deserve balance. So do you.
Here’s the truth:
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
When you're stressed, depressed, and distressed, it limits your ability to show up for others the way you want to. You can’t pour from an empty cup—and you shouldn’t have to. Self-care is not a luxury. It’s not just bubble baths and candles (though those are nice too). It's the deep, intentional work of saying, “I choose me.”
And choosing you doesn’t mean you’re letting anyone down. It means you’re finally lifting yourself up.
Self Care Challenge:
30 Days of Stress Relief
Because your peace deserves to be a priority.
Day 1: Start your day with deep breathing.
Take 5 slow, deep breaths before you even get out of bed.
Day 2: Write down 3 things you're grateful for.
Gratitude shifts your mindset away from stress.
Day 3: Unplug for 1 hour.
No phone, no computer, just you. Be present.
Day 4: Drink water before caffeine.
Hydration helps your mood and energy levels.
Day 5: Do a 10-minute stretch.
Loosen tension in your shoulders, back, and neck.
Day 6: Practice saying "no" today.
Protect your peace. Set a boundary without guilt.
Day 7: Take a walk outside.
Nature is one of the best stress relievers.
Day 8: Listen to your favorite calming song.
Music can reset your nervous system.
Day 9: Declutter one small space.
Clear space, clear mind. Start with a drawer or desktop.
Day 10: Try a guided meditation.
Apps like Insight Timer or YouTube are great for beginners.
Day 11: Journal how you're really feeling.
Get the stress out of your head and onto paper.
Day 12: Laugh—watch or read something funny.
Laughter literally lowers stress hormones.
Day 13: Make a nourishing meal.
Food is fuel. Feed your body something good today.
Day 14: Get 7–8 hours of sleep tonight.
Good sleep = a better ability to handle stress.
Day 15: Compliment someone (or yourself).
Spreading positivity lifts your own energy too.
Day 16: Repeat this affirmation: “I am calm and capable.”
Say it out loud, write it down, believe it.
Day 17: Create a simple evening routine.
Wind down with intention—no scrolling in bed!
Day 18: Connect with someone who makes you feel good.
A quick call or message can do wonders.
Day 19: Avoid multitasking today.
Do one thing at a time and notice the difference.
Day 20: Spend 10 minutes doing something creative.
Draw, color, sing, write—let your inner child play.
Day 21: Practice box breathing (4-4-4-4).
Inhale 4 sec → Hold 4 sec → Exhale 4 sec → Hold 4 sec.
Day 22: Clean up your digital space.
Organize your inbox or delete unused apps.
Day 23: Do a body scan meditation.
Bring awareness to every part of your body.
Day 24: Say no to something that drains you.
You don’t need to do it all. Protect your energy.
Day 25: Read for 15 minutes (no screens).
Choose a book or article that inspires or soothes you.
Day 26: Light a candle or use essential oils.
Scents like lavender and eucalyptus calm the nervous system.
Day 27: Sit in silence for 5 minutes.
Let your thoughts pass by without judgment.
Day 28: List your wins from this month.
Big or small, acknowledge your progress.
Day 29: Take a break without guilt.
Even 10 minutes of true rest can make a difference.
Day 30: Celebrate yourself.
You made it through 30 days of stress relief! Reflect on what worked and keep it going.