How to recharge when working from home
Self-Care for the Self-Employed: How to Build Your Self-Care Menu
If you’re self-employed and feeling drained, this episode of the Her Messy Bun Podcast is for you. In Season 1 Episode 05 of Her Messy Bun Podcast, we’re breaking down what real self-care looks like—beyond bath bombs—and how to build your own Self-Care Menu to stay emotionally, mentally, and physically strong while running your business.
Why Self-Care is Essential When You're Self-Employed
No matter where you are at in your journey of life, it is never too late to start taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health. I started building my self-care habits after ending the most toxic relationship I had ever experienced. That turning point helped me rediscover peace, happiness, and eventually led me to becoming more self-aware—and meeting Blake, eight years ago.
I think that sometimes we confuse having our own place, paying bills, and doing “adult” things with taking care of ourselves. On the surface, yes, you need to go to work and pay your bills in order to take care of yourself, but there is so much more to it.
Signs You Might Need More Self-Care
You feel emotionally shut down or disconnected.
You’re tired, even after doing nothing.
You’re constantly overwhelmed by simply existing.
These are more than just “bad days”—they’re signs your emotional cup might be empty. Taking back control is a form of self-care.
What Is a Self-Care Menu?
I want to talk about the day-to-day activities you can do for yourself that will fill your cup. Here’s the thing: society tricks us into thinking that taking care of yourself is selfish, that we need to be doing for others before we do for ourselves.
Well, there’s this analogy I heard when I first started my self-employed journey. Imagine we all are holding a cup filled with water, and the more you give, the more you empty your cup until you no longer have water to drink from. There are two ways to get that water back—one by someone else pouring into your cup and the second by you filling up your own cup. Self-care is the fastest way of filling up your cup, and when you reach a point of overflowing, share that with the world. Water is our life source; you want to make sure you have enough both for yourself and enough to share.
My Self-Care Story (And What Led Me to Create My Menu)
I’ve created a self-care menu—things I can do that will fill me up with love and happiness to keep me in a position to love my family the way they deserve and to keep sharing positive motivation with all of you. I call it a menu because you are literally feeding your soul when you do the things that make you happy and recharge.
Let’s Keep This Conversation Going
Remember: self-care isn’t about growth or productivity—it’s about nurturing your well-being. If you tweak my list or create your own, what matters is that it serves you. Take what works, leave what doesn’t, and refill your cup daily.
💌 I’d love to hear your voice—literally! If you’re listening on Spotify, leave me a voice message, or DM/email me your favorite self-care idea. I feature listeners in future episodes, like this week’s shoutout to Melissa and Molly—thank you!
More Resources
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Reclaim your days with my Work Intuitively Masterclass
Never stare at a blank page again Join Consciously Creative
Take Messy Action
Whether you’re determined to do it yourself or prioritize yourself, my blog, templates and services are designed to eliminate the guess work.
Feel confident in your brand so you can focus on what really matters.
Did This Help?
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And As Always – Don’t Give Up, Take A Day Off Instead.
Until next time!
xo Danielle
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Danielle’s TikTok: @her.messy.bun
