Self-care is more than just a term; it is the cornerstone of a happy, successful life. . My books, I Decided Not to Cry and A Story Can Change Your Life, offer a blueprint to supercharge your life with resilience, purpose, and growth. These aren’t just stories but guides to help you navigate life’s challenges and unlock your potential.

People often underestimate the art of self-care. I, Ritu Singal, have encountered two kinds of people who neglect it entirely.

On one side, you have the workaholics—driven individuals who believe that solely focusing on their goals and ignoring their emotional well-being will yield success. They bury themselves in work, thinking their relentless pursuit will bring rewards.

However, they fail to realize that neglecting self-care leads to depleted energy, burnout, reduced focus, and creativity. Over time, their inability to recharge not only affects their productivity but also their relationships and overall happiness.

On the other side, you have the social butterflies—those who prioritise living life to the fullest and making everything about the moment, often at the cost of their deeper emotional and mental being. While their lifestyles may appear carefree, the tendency to avoid introspection and long-term planning leaves unmet needs.

Both of these people, I have observed underestimate the connection between emotional, mental and physical being.

When you prioritise your self you hold space for others and your tolerance level for obstacles increases. You also inculcate the habit of understanding what you need which then helps you understand what others may need. Stronger relationships naturally drive better networking and collaboration which then fosters better networking and collaboration.

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Many people try to escape these feelings by engaging in unhealthy coping techniques such as drinking, smoking, or mindless binge eating or watching. However, these habits only offer temporary relief and, in the long run, exacerbate the problem. However, these coping mechanisms only provide temporary relief over the long-term health.

True self-care is not an indulgence, it’s a need. It’s about setting boundaries in relationships and with yourself, taking time to recharge and addressing the emotions that you might otherwise avoid. Without this, even the most successful person’s career or most colourful social life can feel empty. So, let’s redefine success; not as the absence of self-care but as its embrace.

So how do you prioritise self-care in life this year 2025? Let me help you get started. First and foremost this year the best kind of self-care you can do is to set boundaries in your life boundaries regarding everything about your life: Physical, Emotional, and Mental.

Checkout: How Mental Coaching from Life Coach Ritu Singal can Transform Your Life

Self-Care First: Set Boundaries for a Healthier You

Prioritize your sleep, exercise, and healthy eating above everything else. It’s okay to say no to people if their requests or invitations disrupt your daily routines.

Example:

If you’re frequently invited to parties and only get 3-4 hours of sleep because of them, this will eventually affect your productivity. Learn to say no to such events or limit your time at them. Attend for a short period, enjoy the moment, and leave early. By doing this, you’ll value the time you spend with others more because it’s limited, and you’ll be less likely to waste it.

Sure, you may miss out on some moments, and life won’t feel perfect, but you’ll interact in a healthier and more emotionally regulated way. You’ll also feel more alive and in control of your emotions.

On non-cheat days, you can stand firm in your choices by ordering a healthy salad when dining out. This simple act of standing out from the crowd can be great practice for bigger challenges in life.

You might feel the FOMO (fear of missing out), but you’ll also feel proud for sticking to your values. That’s how winners are made—they dare to be different and do extraordinary things.

This mindset can create a ripple effect in your life. Once you start taking these small steps, you’ll gain the confidence to pursue bigger goals you’ve been afraid to tackle.

Emotional Boundaries

You can’t keep filling others’ cups when yours is empty. It’s crucial to recognize how much emotional toll you can handle.

Think about this:

Do you know someone who constantly complains and focuses on negativity? How do they make you feel? Are they actively working on solutions, or are they stuck in victim mode? Does their drama impact your mood and energy?

If so, it’s time to set boundaries. Talk to them about how their behavior affects you, or limit your interactions. You don’t have to overextend yourself to please others.

Examples:

• A friend who constantly complains about their job but never takes action:
•   Tell them, “I understand you’re concerned, but I don’t have the emotional energy for this right now”
• A colleague who shares gossip that escalates into drama and disrupts your work:
• Say respectfully, “I’m trying to focus on my tasks right now.”

Don’t feel guilty about protecting your energy. Setting these boundaries will help you interact more positively and stay emotionally balanced.

Protect Your Peace: Setting Boundaries for Mental Wellbeing

Setting mental boundaries means deciding how you treat yourself and ensuring you nurture your mind with positivity and self-compassion.

Example:

Make it a rule to never speak harshly to yourself or beat yourself up over mistakes. Instead, treat yourself the way a best friend would—supportive, encouraging, and patient. Be your own cheerleader.

When you criticize yourself excessively, it only leads to procrastination and low self-esteem. Shift your mindset to focus on growth and learning from your mistakes. Small steps like practicing self-compassion, taking breaks when needed, and limiting negative self-talk can make a significant difference.

Not everyone will appreciate or understand your boundaries, and that’s okay. Setting them is about protecting your energy and mental peace, not about pleasing others.

Final Thoughts

As we move into 2025, it’s time to focus on living up to your own values and becoming the best version of yourself. To help you on this journey, I, Ritu Singal, offer life coaching services tailored to your goals. Whether you’re looking to overcome mental obstacles, build resilience, or fast-track your success, I can help you 10x your progress and achieve results you never thought possible.

In addition to being a certified life coach, I’m an entrepreneur with three successful companies and was honored as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011. My experience in turning challenges into opportunities equips me to guide you toward a more fulfilling and goal-oriented life.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can start by reading my autobiography, “I Decided Not to Cry.” It’s a story of resilience, success, and mental strength, detailing how I transformed a 50-60 crore business loss after my husband’s suicide into a thriving empire. The lessons in the book will inspire and empower you to face life’s challenges head-on and create your own success story.

This year, make the choice to prioritize yourself, set boundaries, and invest in your growth—because you deserve to live a life aligned with your highest potential.