“Self-care” has become a buzzword. Bubble baths, face masks, green smoothies (I personally prefer an iced coffee!), and “treat yo’self” mantras. There is nothing wrong with these things—they can actually make you very happy. But many people are discovering that surface-level self-care is not enough. Getting your nails done and a smoothie is a great treat — but will do nothing for your stress and anxiety levels. Most people are exhausted, restless, or quietly unfulfilled even after checking all the wellness boxes. That is where soul care comes in.
Self-care and soul care are not opposites. They are partners. One tends to the body and mind; the other nourishes the deepest part of who you are.
Self-care is the practical maintenance of your physical and mental health. It is the everyday-important maintenance necessary to keep your human body functioning:
- Like getting enough sleep and eating nourishing food
- Moving your body through exercise or gentle stretching
- Setting boundaries
- Taking mental health days or seeing a therapist
- Managing stress with meditation apps, journaling, or hobbies
Some people see these actions as soft, but: self-care is accessible, measurable, and often immediate in its results. A good night’s sleep or a walk outside can shift your mood and energy quickly.
However, it can just be superficial. You can drink all the celery juice in the world and still feel empty if you are ignoring bigger questions about meaning, purpose, or connection.
Soul care is the intentional nurturing of your inner life—your spirit, values, sense of purpose, and connection to something larger than yourself. It is less about doing and more about being.
Soul care asks deeper questions like “am I living in alignment with what truly matters to me?” and “where do I find meaning?” How are you caring for your relationships (what truly matters to me) and your creativity etc?
These questions can be answered by prayer or meditation. Ultimately you need to be fully present— thus you can ask these questions during the time you spend in nature or your creative expression (music, art, writing, even reading some kind of wisdom— maybe even some poetry).
Soul care addresses the root causes of burnout and emptiness. This is why most are now opting for easier and more peaceful lives. It builds resilience that lasts beyond whatever happens next in your life
Soul-care can feel vague or inaccessible if you are in survival mode. You sometimes need self-care (rest, nutrition, safety) before soul care can be achieved.
Most people need both, you need to think of yourself as a three-part being: body, mind, and soul. Neglect any part and the whole suffers: you can have glowing skin and perfect sleep but still feel like something essential is missing and you can have profound spiritual experiences but crash hard if you are not eating or sleeping (this one kind of hits).
Someone in a season of grief might find that bubble baths do not touch the ache, but journaling prayers, walking in the woods, or gathering with loved ones for honest conversation begins to heal the soul.
- Create white space — Schedule unstructured time with no screens or agenda. Let your mind wander.
- Reconnect with wonder — Watch a sunset without photographing it. Listen to music that moves you.
- Examine your values — Ask: What would I do if money and approval were not factors?
- Nurture relationships — Prioritize deep conversations over transactional ones.
- Practice presence — Try centering prayer, breathwork, or simply sitting in silence daily.
Start small. Soul care does not require a retreat in Bali (though those can be wonderful). It can happen in ten quiet minutes before bed.
Self-care keeps the lights on. Soul care makes the house a home.
You do not have to choose. Begin where you are. If you are burned out, lean into self-care. Then you can let soul care deepen the work.
The most beautiful lives are never just productive or Instagram-perfect—they are integrated. Healthy bodies and minds supporting rich, purposeful souls.
Kat’s Musings 