I often think that self-care is something we should be taught long before adulthood. Ideally, it would come from our parents, or even be included as part of school education. Imagine how many mistakes, frustrations, and wasted years we could avoid if every girl learned the basic principles of nutrition, skincare, and body awareness early in life. Instead, most of us grow up with the mindset of “you won’t know until you try it on yourself,” and this trial-and-error approach often costs us both time and confidence. The earlier we understand how our bodies work, the more effectively we can preserve our youth, health, and inner harmony.

For me, self-care has always started in the mind. Before creating any routine, it’s important to understand your real motivations. Ask yourself why you want to look good, feel good, or change something in your life. When your intentions are clear, the steps you take become more conscious and much more effective. Without this internal clarity, even the best routines lose their meaning.

One of the most essential pillars of self-care is, of course, healthy nutrition combined with regular physical activity. These two factors work together, and neither can fully replace the other. They influence not only our appearance but also our energy levels, sleep quality, emotional stability, and overall well-being. A consistent, balanced approach in both areas is the strongest investment you can make in yourself.

When it comes to beauty, we often focus on the face and forget how quickly the neck and hands reveal our age. These areas require just as much attention as the skin on our face. Systematic and thoughtful care from an early age makes an enormous difference over time. Starting sooner means giving your skin a stronger foundation for the future.

Sun protection is another non-negotiable point. The sun may feel warm and harmless, but its effects accumulate silently. Sun exposure leads to premature aging, uneven skin tone, deeper wrinkles, and even serious skin damage. That’s why sunscreen is essential throughout the entire year, regardless of whether it’s cloudy, windy, snowy, or the sun seems to hide. Consistency is what protects your skin long-term.

And finally, even if you feel perfectly fine, regular health check-ups remain an important form of self-respect. Preventive care saves time, energy, and emotional peace. It allows you to stay in control of your health instead of reacting to problems when they already appear.

Now I’m curious to hear from you. What are your key self-care principles?