When we think of self-care, we often picture bubble baths, spa days, or a quiet night in with a good book. While those moments of rest and relaxation are important, self-care runs much deeper. At its core, self-care is about living in a way that honors who you are and what truly matters to you—and that’s where living with intention comes in.
Living with intention is the ultimate act of self-care because it requires you to align your actions with your values, protect your energy, and create a life that feels meaningful. Here’s how you can start living more intentionally and practicing self-care in the truest sense.
Know What Matters Most to You
Living with intention begins with clarity. You can’t align your actions with your values if you’re unclear on what those values are. Take time to reflect on:
- What brings you joy?
- What makes you feel most at peace?
- What do you want to prioritize in your life?
When you know what matters most to you, it’s easier to make choices that feel aligned and fulfilling.
SPX Tip: Write down your top three values and think about how your daily actions support—or don’t support—those values.
Say No to What Doesn’t Serve You
One of the most powerful forms of self-care is learning to say no. When you’re living with intention, you recognize that your time and energy are finite, and you’re careful about where you invest them. This might mean:
- Saying no to commitments that drain you.
- Setting boundaries around your work hours.
- Letting go of habits or relationships that no longer align with your goals.
Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for creating a life that feels purposeful and balanced.
SPX Tip: Identify one thing you can say no to this week to protect your time and energy.
Build Intentional Routines
Self-care thrives in structure. Intentional routines help you create space for what matters while reducing decision fatigue. Think about your:
- Morning routine: How can you start the day with purpose and calm?
- Evening routine: How can you wind down in a way that feels restorative?
- Daily habits: What small actions can you take to align your day with your values?
Living with intention doesn’t mean over-scheduling yourself—it means creating routines that support your well-being.
SPX Tip: Choose one part of your day to make more intentional, whether it’s your morning, lunch break, or evening.
Listen to Your Inner Voice
So much of modern life is about keeping up—whether with deadlines, social expectations, or the pace of the world around us. But living with intention means tuning out the noise and listening to your inner voice. Ask yourself:
- What do I need today to feel supported and fulfilled?
- Am I doing this because it aligns with my values, or because I feel like I should?
Listening to yourself is one of the greatest acts of self-compassion you can practice.
SPX Tip: Set aside five minutes each day to check in with yourself. Ask, How am I feeling? What do I need right now?
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Living with intention doesn’t mean getting everything right all the time. It’s about making choices that align with your values more often than not. Perfection is unrealistic, but progress is empowering. When you focus on small, intentional actions, you’ll notice how much they add up over time.
SPX Tip: At the end of each day, reflect on one intentional choice you made and how it supported your well-being.
Final Thoughts
Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself—it’s about creating a life that feels aligned, balanced, and true to who you are. Living with intention allows you to honor your values, protect your energy, and show up fully for the things that matter most. It’s a daily practice, but each small step you take brings you closer to a life of deeper care and fulfillment. You don’t have to transform everything at once—start with one intentional choice today. Whether it’s saying no, building a meaningful routine, or listening to your inner voice, each action is a way of telling yourself: I matter. What’s one intentional choice you can make for yourself today? Start there, and let it be the foundation for a life rooted in care, purpose, and meaning.