Healthy Hoopie Habits - Day 27: Refill Your Cup
Let’s talk about something I used to really struggle with: self-care.
If I felt like I hadn’t done enough in a day—hadn’t been productive enough or crossed off enough to-do’s—I wouldn’t “let” myself take a break. I had this internal rule that enjoyable time had to be earned. And if I didn’t feel like I’d earned it then I didn’t deserve it.
But here’s what I’ve come to learn: self-care doesn’t have to be selfish, and it doesn’t have to be something that takes away from the people or responsibilities around you. In fact, it can be one of the most life-giving things for those around you—because when your cup is full, you can give more freely.
Build Margin First
We’ve talked before (in our time blocking habit) about creating margin in your day. That’s really the foundation of this one. You can’t expect to magically squeeze in self-care at the end of a chaotic, overbooked schedule. You have to plan for it, just like you plan for work, workouts, errands, and everything else that matters.
Sometimes that means waking up a little earlier—not to squeeze in more hustle, but to actually slow down. For me, that looks like getting up early enough to read my Bible and go for a quiet walk before the day starts. It’s not about “treating myself.” It’s about refueling.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy
Let’s get rid of the idea that self-care always means bubble baths and spa days (although it totally can be). More often than not, it’s simple, quiet things:
Reading a good book in the morning before your phone is even touched
Taking a walk without music or podcasts, just to hear your own thoughts
Sitting in the sauna for 10 peaceful minutes
Doing your nails
Going to a coffee shop alone
These aren’t about escaping your life. They’re about intentionally slowing down within it.
Not an Escape—An Investment
Here’s the thing: this isn’t an excuse to check out of responsibility or blow your budget on little indulgences under the name of “self-care.” You still have things to do and people to serve. But when you take initiative to plan a little time for yourself, you come back clearer, calmer, and more capable.
Some days, self-care might look like nothing more than your morning routine. Other days, it might be a once-a-month trip to a favorite store or café. It doesn’t have to be frequent to be meaningful. It just has to be intentional.
A Reframe I Needed
For a long time, I thought the whole “fill your cup first” thing sounded silly. I saw it as selfish, or weak even. Shouldn’t I be able to just keep giving and pushing and showing up no matter what?
But the truth is: if I’m running on empty, what I give isn’t my best. And it’s not sustainable.
Self-care isn’t about putting yourself above others. It’s about stewarding your life and energy in a way that allows you to show up well—for your family, your work, your training, and your people.
Try It This Week
This week, I challenge you to build just a little margin into your day. Even 10–15 minutes. Plan for it like you would a meeting or a workout. Use that time for something that fills your soul. Something that brings calm, clarity, or joy.
