Self-Care: What’s Working and What’s Not
Self-care, in its simplest form, is all about taking time for yourself to nurture your body, mind, and soul. It’s a concept that has evolved over the years, from taking a warm bath with candles to practicing mindfulness and journaling. As we move into 2025, self-care trends have taken on new dimensions—fueled by societal changes, innovation, and an increasing focus on mental health. While some trends are empowering and transforming lives for the better, others are a bit more questionable or potentially harmful.
So, what’s really working in the self-care world, and what’s just a fad? Let’s dive into the most prominent self-care trends, look at how they’re impacting our well-being, and explore whether they’re helping us find balance—or just adding more pressure to our already busy lives.
1) Digital Detox: Disconnecting to Reconnect
With screen time skyrocketing over the last decade, digital detoxes have emerged as a must-try self-care trend. The idea is simple: take a break from your phone, social media, and all digital distractions. In 2025, this trend has grown into a more structured practice. People are setting designated “tech-free” days, using apps that limit screen time, and going on retreats where the only technology allowed is for emergency use.
What’s Working:
A digital detox, when done intentionally, can lead to a decrease in anxiety, stress, and feelings of burnout. Studies have shown that taking breaks from screens—especially social media—can help us become more present, reduce information overload, and improve sleep quality. Disconnecting for a day or even a weekend allows people to reconnect with real-world relationships, engage in physical activities, and focus on mindfulness.
What’s Not Working:
However, the rise of the digital detox movement has also led to some unrealistic expectations. For instance, people often feel guilty about needing to disconnect from work emails or social media—fearing they’ll fall behind or miss out. Additionally, the pressure to “completely” detox may cause more stress, especially for those whose work relies heavily on digital platforms. Instead of improving well-being, it can lead to feelings of exclusion or anxiety about staying offline for too long.
Verdict:
Digital detoxes are undoubtedly beneficial, but the all-or-nothing approach isn’t always practical. Instead of trying to disconnect entirely, find manageable ways to reduce screen time—like limiting social media or setting boundaries with work emails after hours. A flexible, balanced approach works best for most people.
2) Mindfulness and Meditation: Harnessing the Power of Now
Mindfulness and meditation have been buzzing for years, but in 2025, they’ve evolved to become more accessible and integrated into everyday life. Guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques at our fingertips (search online!)
What’s Working:
The benefits of mindfulness are well-documented. Studies suggest that practicing mindfulness can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and even enhance physical health by lowering blood pressure and improving sleep. The internet has made it easy for anyone to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines, whether it’s through a 5-minute morning meditation or a guided breathing session during work breaks.
What’s Not Working:
One downside to the mindfulness trend is the pressure to be “perfect” at it. Many people feel discouraged when they can’t achieve a “zen” state, or they believe they’re not meditating the “right” way. There’s also a tendency to turn mindfulness into yet another task on an already overloaded to-do list, making it feel like a requirement rather than a restorative practice. Mindfulness should be about non-judgmental awareness, but the obsession with “doing it right” can sometimes undermine its benefits.
Verdict:
Mindfulness and meditation are proven to have significant benefits, but like all self-care practices, they should be approached with flexibility. Start small and don’t put pressure on yourself to reach some ideal state. It’s okay if your mind wanders, and it’s okay if your mindfulness practice looks different every day.
3) Fitness Tracking: Monitoring Your Body’s Health
Fitness trackers and smartwatches have exploded in popularity over the past few years. Whether it’s tracking steps, monitoring heart rate, or analyzing sleep patterns, these gadgets have become integral to many people’s self-care routines. Fitness tracking has evolved with more advanced features, such as stress level monitoring and real-time body composition analysis.
What’s Working:
Fitness tracking can be incredibly motivating. People who use these devices tend to be more active, more aware of their physical health, and more likely to meet fitness goals. Some trackers even provide insights into recovery time, hydration, and sleep quality, all of which can contribute to a holistic view of health.
What’s Not Working:
On the flip side, fitness trackers can sometimes be counterproductive. Some people become so obsessed with hitting specific numbers—like 10,000 steps or a certain calorie count—that they develop unhealthy relationships with their bodies. There’s also the risk of over-exercising or pushing yourself too hard based on inaccurate data from your tracker. This pressure can turn self-care into an exhausting chore rather than a restorative practice.
Verdict:
Fitness trackers can be helpful tools when used with intention, but they should be approached with mindfulness. They should enhance your well-being, not become a source of stress. It’s important to listen to your body and not just follow the numbers.
4) Therapeutic Art and Creative Expression
Creative expression has long been linked to emotional well-being, therapeutic art is gaining traction as a form of self-care. This includes everything from painting and drawing to pottery, music, and even creative writing. Many wellness centers now offer art therapy sessions, and people are increasingly turning to their creative outlets for emotional release.
What’s Working:
Art therapy and creative expression allow people to tap into their emotions in a way that words often can’t. It can serve as a powerful form of emotional release, helping people process grief, trauma, or stress. Engaging in creative activities can activate positive brain chemicals, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety.
What’s Not Working:
The biggest challenge with this trend is that people may feel pressure to be “good” at art or feel like their work isn’t valuable if it doesn’t meet certain standards. This can take away from the therapeutic benefits and turn creativity into another task that demands perfection. In addition, some people might not feel comfortable expressing their emotions through art, leaving them feeling stuck or frustrated.
Verdict:
Therapeutic art is an excellent self-care practice, but it’s essential to let go of the need for perfection. The focus should be on the process, not the outcome. Whether you’re scribbling on a page or playing an instrument, the act of creating itself is what matters most.
5) Holistic Nutrition: Fueling the Body, Mind, and Soul
Holistic nutrition has become a dominant sself-care trend focusing not just on eating healthy foods but on understanding the connection between diet, mental health, and emotional well-being. People are increasingly looking at food as medicine, turning to plant-based diets, superfoods, and supplements that support mental clarity and emotional stability.
What’s Working:
There’s growing evidence to suggest that what we eat can directly impact our mental health. Foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The trend toward plant-based diets and mindful eating has also encouraged people to slow down and appreciate the process of eating, rather than mindlessly consuming food. Holistic nutrition has also paved the way for greater awareness of food sensitivities and their effects on mood and energy levels.
What’s Not Working:
The downside to the holistic nutrition trend is the rise of diet culture and the pressure to follow restrictive eating habits. Some people may feel overwhelmed by the number of “superfoods” they’re expected to incorporate into their diet or become fixated on food as the sole solution to their mental health issues. For others, the pressure to eat “perfectly” can lead to guilt or disordered eating patterns.
Verdict:
Holistic nutrition is a powerful tool for self-care, but it should be balanced with a healthy attitude toward food. Focus on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-rich foods, but avoid falling into the trap of perfectionism. Eating should be about joy and balance, not restriction or guilt.
6) Sleep Hygiene: Prioritizing Rest for Mental Health
Good sleep has always been a cornerstone of self-care, sleep hygiene has become a more sophisticated and personalized trend. From blue-light-blocking glasses and sleep tracking devices to specific nighttime routines, people are becoming more aware of the importance of sleep for overall well-being.
What’s Working:
Prioritizing sleep is crucial for mental and physical health. Getting enough rest improves cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall mood. Many people are seeing huge benefits from improved sleep hygiene—such as better sleep consistency, improved energy levels, and enhanced mental clarity. Sleep apps and devices can also provide personalized insights into your sleep patterns, helping you optimize your rest.
What’s Not Working:
The pressure to create a “perfect” sleep routine can sometimes be counterproductive. Some people feel anxious about sleep if they don’t follow the exact routine or struggle with sleep disorders despite their best efforts. There’s also the risk of becoming too reliant on sleep trackers, which might increase anxiety about sleep rather than improving it.
Verdict:
Sleep hygiene is one of the most effective self-care practices, but like other trends, it’s important to keep things flexible. Focus on creating an environment conducive to sleep, but don’t stress about having a flawless routine every night.
Conclusion: The Balance of Self-Care
Self-care is a highly personal practice, and what works for one person may not work for another. The trends we’ve seen in 2025 show that self-care is evolving, with new technologies, practices, and approaches emerging all the time. But amidst all the noise, it’s essential to remember that self-care should be about balance. While trends like digital detoxes, mindfulness, and holistic nutrition can provide real benefits, it’s crucial not to let them become another source of stress or competition.
At its core, self-care is about listening to your body, mind, and spirit—and doing what feels right for you. Whether it’s taking a break from screens, finding joy in creative expression, or prioritizing restful sleep, the most important thing is to nurture yourself in ways that feel authentic and restorative. So, take the trends that resonate with you, experiment with new practices, and above all, make self-care a regular, sustainable part of your life.