National Self-Care Week Shines a Light on Why Taking Care of Yourself Isn’t Just Good for You – It’s Good for the UK’s Health and Economy. Join the Conversation by Participating in the Self-Care Forum’s 10-Minute Survey.

Have you ever felt like self-care is something you’ll eventually get to? You’re not alone. Many people see self-care as a luxury, an activity they’ll get around to if there’s time left after work, family, and other responsibilities. But here’s the reality: neglecting self-care has a very real cost—not just to your well-being, but financially, too. According to recent studies, poor mental health and physical well-being cost the UK economy £117.9 billion every year. And you might be wondering: what does that mean for you personally? Let’s break it down.

Self-Care Isn’t Optional – Here’s What It’s Costing You Daily

In my consultancy practice, I see this all the time. When people come to me looking for help with one aspect of their life, one of the first questions I ask is: “What self-care activities are you doing?” Nine times out of ten, they aren’t doing any. The reasons are usually the same—“I’m busy with the kids,” “I don’t have time,” or “I just haven’t prioritised it.” Sound familiar?

The reality is that by skipping self-care, they’re losing more than they realise. The average UK employee loses £1,652 per year due to mental health issues, either from time taken off work or from ‘presenteeism’ (when they’re physically at work but not really functioning). 

That’s about £4.50 per day—the cost of a daily coffee lost on missed work and lowered productivity. When we’re running on empty and have nothing left to give, these hidden costs creep into every area of life and add up quickly.

Why Do So Many of Us Avoid Self-Care Despite the Cost?

So, why do so many people put self-care on the back burner? Here are the top barriers I hear:

• Time Pressure: Balancing work, family, and other commitments can make it feel like there’s no time left.
• Financial Concerns: Ironically, people often avoid self-care, thinking it’s too expensive without realising the high cost of neglecting it.
• Guilt and Productivity Culture: Society often equates busyness with success, so prioritising health can feel selfish or indulgent—when it’s essential.

The situation is especially tough for NHS workers and healthcare professionals. Many face long shifts and demanding schedules, finding it difficult to take time for themselves, which only fuels burnout. When our healthcare professionals struggle with self-care, it puts added pressure on an already-stretched NHS.

The High Price of Neglecting Self-Care for the Average Individual

The cost of poor self-care isn’t just financial—it impacts every area of life. Here’s what neglecting self-care could mean for you:

• Lost Earnings: Taking time off due to mental health issues or stress can result in lost wages or even slow career progression. For those in high-stress jobs, these losses can add up to thousands each year.
• Presenteeism Costs: Being at work but not fully functioning costs UK businesses around £30 billion annually—or about £2.80 per employee daily in lost productivity.
• Healthcare Expenses: Untreated stress and poor lifestyle habits lead to doctor visits, treatments, and sometimes costly prescriptions—all expenses that could be reduced with regular self-care.

Imagine This: The Real-Life Cost of Skipping Self-Care

Imagine the actual cost of self-neglect. After a long week, you’re running on empty, your sleep is suffering, and you’re low on energy. By Monday, the effects show up at work—you’re distracted, irritable, and struggling to focus. It might seem like just one off-day, but over a month, those small dips in productivity and focus start to add up, chipping away at your performance.

This single tired Monday, multiplied by weeks or months, contributes to the £1,652 each UK employee loses annually due to mental health-related absenteeism and presenteeism. For you, it’s £4.50 per day of ‘hidden’ costs, but on a larger scale, it’s a drain on your quality of life and your well-being. Self-care isn’t a luxury—essential maintenance can make a measurable difference.

Be Part of the Solution – Share Your Self-Care Habits

This National Self-Care Week, there’s an opportunity to make a change—not just for yourself but for the whole UK. The Self-Care Research Study from the Self-Care Forum, SCARU, and Imperial College London is a crucial survey gathering insights on self-care behaviours, attitudes, and barriers across the UK. In just 10 minutes, you can help researchers understand the barriers people face with self-care, creating a clearer path to support and resources that make a difference.

Here’s how you can be part of the solution:

1. Complete the Survey: Your responses will give researchers a real view into the challenges people face with self-care. Whether you’re a busy parent, a healthcare professional, or someone struggling to make time for yourself, your perspective matters.
2. Help Drive Policy Change: The insights from this survey could shape public health strategies that make self-care more accessible, ultimately saving millions for both individuals and the healthcare system.
3. Support Health for All: With better data, we can develop practical ways to encourage self-care across diverse communities, leading to a healthier, more resilient society.

Simple Self-Care Ideas to Start Today

While we await the survey results, here are some practical self-care ideas that can fit even the busiest schedule:

• Micro-Breaks: Take just 1-2 minutes every hour to stretch, breathe deeply, or walk around. These small breaks reduce stress and can boost focus for the rest of your day.
• Budget-Friendly Exercise: Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. A short 10-minute walk each day helps reduce stress, lifts your mood, and keeps you moving.
• Digital Detox: Spend the first or last hour of your day screen-free. Reducing screen time improves sleep, lowers stress, and allows your mind to reset.
• Gratitude Journaling: Taking a few minutes daily to jot down things you’re grateful for can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and reframe your outlook.

Make a Difference in Just 10 Minutes

Ready to help improve self-care in the UK? This survey isn’t just a study – it’s a chance for your voice to shape how self-care is understood and supported nationwide. Join the thousands taking part to share your experiences. Every response is a step toward better resources, healthier habits, and more accessible self-care for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Self-Care Is an Investment in Your Health and Wallet

This National Self-Care Week, it’s time to start seeing self-care as an investment, not an indulgence. By prioritising small, consistent self-care actions, you can improve your well-being and potentially save thousands each year. Imagine the difference if we all took proactive steps toward better self-care—fewer sick days, reduced healthcare expenses, and a more vital, more resilient workforce.

Make this the week you prioritise your health. Complete the survey, try a new self-care practice, and remember—when you take care of yourself, it’s not only good for you; it’s beneficial for everyone around you.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to reach out via email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!