Self-Care for Handlers
Beyond Bubble Baths and Ice Cream
Liz Joyce
January 13, 2025
Self-Care Is More Than a Trend
We often see self-care dressed up in shiny fabrics, lavish dinners, and indulgent habits that don’t align with our deeper vision for life. Social media floods us with this narrative, but what if there was a different approach?
What if you redefined self-care? IMAGINE how you could transform your relationship with yourself, your life, and your self-esteem.
Redefining Self-Care
When we think of self-care, images of soothing baths, cozy blankets, or indulgent treats may come to mind. While these offer moments of comfort, real self-care goes much deeper.
It’s not about temporary fixes or fleeting indulgences. True self-care is rooted in consistent choices that reflect your respect for who you are and the life you’re building. It’s found in small, intentional actions that honor your body, mind, and long-term well-being.
This could look like exercising twice a week to support your future independence, skipping the afternoon coffee to prioritize restful sleep, or opting out of weekday wine to focus on productivity and progress.
When faced with these choices, ask yourself, “How will I feel if I don’t?” Often, the options that align with your goals and values are less appealing in the moment but offer immense rewards over time.
Commitment to Yourself
Self-care is, at its core, about keeping promises to yourself. It’s about becoming a reliable friend to yourself—one of the most vital and often neglected relationships in your life.
The respect and commitment you extend to others deserve to be directed inward. Just as you establish routines and boundaries to care for your dog, you must build habits that honor your own well-being.
You are worth the effort. When you treat yourself with care and respect, you lay the foundation for a life that feels deeply satisfying from the inside out.
This can bring up difficult questions: Why do I feel unworthy of this care? How will these changes affect my relationships and routines? These questions reflect the complexity of growth, but they’re worth confronting. Remember, if you’re not dealing with hard emotional things, they do not vacate on their own.
We’re always in conversation with ourselves. The next time you wonder whether you’re keeping a promise to yourself, ask. Your inner critic will always have an answer.
The Power of Movement
We forget, in our busy lives, that we’re animals—creatures designed to move, walk, and engage with our environment. When caring for your dog, you think about breed-specific exercise, stimulation, and nutrition. They thrive because of this care.
You deserve the same consideration.
Movement is a vital, often overlooked aspect of self-care. Exercise isn’t just about appearance—it’s about feeling strong, capable, and alive. Whether it’s walking in nature, strength training, yoga, or dancing in your living room, movement is a way to celebrate what your body can do.
Think of exercise as a commitment to vitality and longevity. It’s how you show up fully for yourself, your passions, and the people (and dogs) you love. It’s how you ensure you’ll be ready for this dog, the next one, and the one after that.
Fueling Your Body With Respect
Another cornerstone of self-care is nourishing your body with food that sustains and energizes you. This isn’t about restrictive diets or guilt—it’s about respecting your body’s needs.
Consider the effort you put into providing your dog with balanced meals to keep them healthy and strong. That same care should apply to you. By viewing food as fuel, you honor the incredible machine that is your body.
It’s worth noting that taste buds and gut flora adapt over time—taste buds refresh every two weeks, and gut flora can adjust in as little as 2–4 weeks. The flora that’s fed are what guide your cravings. You’re working to build a colony that aligns with your goals!
Gradual changes can ease the process, making it sustainable and enjoyable. Self-care isn’t about deprivation; it’s about understanding and supporting your body’s journey.
Are you ready to invest in yourself and unlock lasting fitness and peak sport performance? With the All-Access Pass, you’ll gain the tools, guidance, and support to prioritize your well-being and achieve your goals. Taking care of yourself is the ultimate form of self-care—and you deserve it.