July marks Self-Care Month, a time when conversations and actions around wellbeing should take priority. But true self-care isn’t a one-off consideration — it’s about building consistent habits or routines that sustain our health and wellbeing well beyond Self-Care Month.
Self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Before the spa days, Pilates classes, matcha teas and wellness routines, it’s about defining your bare minimums that will keep you functioning, create a sense of balance, and help you up in your day-to-day life in a way that feels sustainable. We call these our “non-negotiables.”
What are non-negotiables?
Non-negotiables are the essential actions that keep you feeling healthy, balanced and thriving. By committing to these foundational habits, you create a personal wellbeing system that becomes a part of your day-to-day life, habits, and boundaries because they’re fundamental to your health and wellbeing.
They’re personal and unique to each one of us — not prescribed by trends or influencers — but rather, rooted in what truly makes a difference for you. Think of them as your wellbeing north star — a simple, adaptable guide that keeps you on track when life gets too much.
Self-care that works for everyone
While the specifics will vary across cultures, lifestyles, and individual needs, the principle remains constant: everyone needs core habits that sustain their wellbeing.
Non-negotiables aren't about following someone else’s definition of self-care — it’s about identifying your own basic needs that fuel you to feel your best.
Here are some examples:
Other areas to consider include nutrition, mental wellbeing (meditation, reading, journaling) and creativity (music, art, writing).
Life can get messy. Stress builds, motivation dips, and suddenly, you’re exhausted, irritable, or low in mood.
When that happens, instead of spiraling, check in with your non-negotiables:
If something has gone astray, gently course correct. Recommit to the basics. Often, this simple act of reflection will bring you back to a steadier place.
A simple, sustainable approach
Unlike overly medicalized wellness advice, the beauty of non-negotiables is their simplicity. No complicated routines or expensive interventions — just small, consistent actions that allow you to feel well and function fully. By defining these essentials, you create a personal wellbeing blueprint — a system to check in when life gets overwhelming.
You don’t need a long list of tasks, just the minimum set of habits that support your health and wellbeing. Consideration should be made to:
The long-term impact of non-negotiables is profound because they create a foundation for sustainable wellbeing rather than relying on short-term fixes. Instead of waiting until burnout, stress, or illness forces change, non-negotiables act as preventative care. By creating deeper self-awareness, you can start to recognize patterns: what drains you, what fuels you, and when you need adjustments. Life will always throw obstacles in your way. Non-negotiables act as a set of personal anchors to keep you grounded.
In essence, non-negotiables create sustainable self-care. Over time, they don’t just help you survive — they help you thrive.
What are your non-negotiables? Define them, commit to them, and use them as your guide to lasting wellbeing.
