Making Time for Self-Care in 2025

During busy season you're likely running on caffeine, adrenaline, and sheer determination. When your calendar is packed with weddings and deadlines, it’s easy to push self-care to the bottom of your list (or off the list entirely). But just because you're in the thick of it doesn’t mean your well-being has to take a backseat.

This year, prioritizing self-care isn’t just a personal goal but a business strategy. Taking care of yourself means showing up better for your clients, team, and long-term vision. So, before burnout starts whispering in your ear, let’s talk about how wedding pros like you are carving out space for rest and balance in 2025.

Schedule time on your actual calendar

If it’s not on the calendar, does it even exist? Block off time just like you would for a consultation or vendor meeting.

Julia Wade, Owner of Julia Wade Photography, shares, “I have learned to block consistent, weekly appointments on my calendar for my favorite hobby, which happens to be tennis. It serves a few purposes: exercise, time to focus on the present moment, and even allows me to get out some frustrations on the court.”

Though it may feel strange at first to pencil in time for yourself, think of it this way: you’re modeling the importance of balance in your business. And trust us, future-you will thank present-you for the intentional breaks!

Step away from social media

We all know social media can be a blessing and a curse. It’s a powerful marketing tool, but it’s also a place where comparison creeps in, and your brain rarely gets a break. Taking even a short detox can do wonders for your mental clarity and focus.

“Sometimes the best thing you can do is to mute those social media accounts that cause you to fall into the comparison trap and second-guess your value,” reminds Sarona Farrell, Founder & Lead Planner at Gloweddings.

Try setting specific times for scrolling or even logging off completely during your off-hours.

Erin Dabbs, Lead Photographer at Erin Ren Photography, adds, “Sometimes logging off is the biggest gift of self-care we can give to ourselves. In the mornings and evenings, purposefully choose to be screen-free and away from social media and emails. Focus only on yourself and family needs during this time. Disconnecting from business needs until you really ‘clock in’ allows you to choose your own pace instead of being reactive.”

You’ll be surprised at how freeing it feels not to be constantly plugged in. When you do come back, you'll likely feel refreshed and more intentional about how and why you're showing up.

Find what recharges you

Self-care isn’t just about resting. The trick is also figuring out what lights you up.

“I think self-care doesn’t always have to be about slowing down; it’s also about finding what recharges you,” confirms Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “For me, sometimes that’s traveling somewhere new for inspiration or just hanging out with my dog and playing catch. Either way, the key is to treat it as a necessity, not a luxury.”

Pay attention to how you feel after certain activities. Do you feel more grounded after cooking a meal? More alive after a group fitness class? Lean into those clues and start crafting a personalized self-care plan around them.

Make it routine

It’s easy to assume self-care has to be some big, grand gesture. But honestly? The magic is in the routine.

Vijay Goel, Co-Owner of Bite Catering Couture, suggests, “Build in time and routines to make good things routine. It's better if they are in by default and then moved as needed. In my case, we have dinner at 6:30 and read a bedtime story at 9. Grandpa comes for a visit at the park with the kiddo every Sunday at 3:30.”

Small, consistent acts of care can create a solid foundation for long-term well-being. And when you build these moments into your regular schedule, they become habits rather than something you have to think about.

Actually take days off

It sounds obvious, but let’s be real: how many times have you said you’re taking a day off, only to sneak in a few emails or hop on a call? Taking a day off means fully disconnecting from work. No client messages. No timelines. No to-do lists.

“Setting the expectation with your other clients that you will be out of the office on your days off,” emphasizes Alex McClard, Owner & Lead Planner at Vision in White Events.

Give yourself permission to be human for a day, not just a business owner. Rest is productive. And the world won’t end if you take 24 hours to breathe!

Make a self-care kit

A self-care kit doesn’t have to be fancy or Instagram-worthy. It just has to be you. Think of it as your go-to stash when you’re feeling overwhelmed or drained.

Zhaun Frias, Owner & Lead Photographer at Zhaun Frias Photography, says, “As a photographer, one of the ways I ensure I can still practice self-care is to prepare and pack self-care kits for event days. These can include protein snacks, electrolytes, breath mints, painkillers, band-aids, and backup clothing for comfort and preparedness.”

Keep it nearby in your event-day bag, so when stress hits, you have tools ready to ground you. Having a physical reminder of what brings you comfort can help you reset quickly.

Move your body

You don’t need to spend an hour at the gym every day to feel the benefits of movement. Even a quick stretch between meetings or a 10-minute walk around the block can boost your energy and shake off the stress.

“I also believe that eating well and making time for movement, whether that’s hitting the gym, going for a long walk, or just getting outside in the sun, is a game-changer,” highlights Emily Reno, Owner of Elopement Las Vegas. “It helps not only with stress but also with stamina, so when those marathon wedding weekends hit, you’re not totally wiped out for days after. The wedding hangover is real, y’all!”

As wedding pros, we’re used to long hours on our feet, but there’s a difference between working your body and caring for it. Find a movement practice that feels good to you and stick with it.

Hit the spa

This one may feel indulgent, but let’s call it what it is: maintenance. Your body works hard. A massage, facial, or even a simple foot soak can do wonders to reset your nervous system.

Meaghan Cody, Owner of Sweet Pea Events, notes, “A favorite way to treat myself after an event is a spa day with a 90-minute massage. But during the midst of busy season, sometimes that isn't always as doable as I would like, so calling my local reflexology foot spa is the next best thing! I get to lay back in one of those reclining chairs, and let them work out all the knots my feet are holding onto!”

If you can swing it, book regular appointments in advance so they become part of your wellness rhythm. And if the full spa experience isn’t in the budget right now, even creating a spa-like vibe at home can help you decompress after a long week.

Set professional boundaries

Boundaries are one of the most powerful forms of self-care. They protect your time, energy, and mental health.

“Boundaries are tough for wedding professionals,” admits Liney Castle, Planner at Twickenham House. “After all, you work events on the weekends but then spend all week trying to prep and plan for future events. Making sure that you are giving yourself enough ‘off’ time to mentally refresh and take some time for self-care will not only set you up for success, but it will also present the best version of yourself to your client!”

It might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to saying yes to everything, but the right clients will respect them. And you’ll feel better for it.

Carve out small increments

Don’t have an hour to dedicate to self-care? That’s okay. Start with smaller chunks of time.

Natalia Zuk, Co-Owner of Lilac Studios, explains, “It can be challenging to practise self-care during the busy season. What helps me stay grounded is carving out at least 15 minutes a day to do something just for myself. That might be drinking coffee while reading a chapter of a book, taking a long bath, doing a bit of yoga, or going for a brisk walk. Even small pockets of time can make a difference.”

These little check-ins with yourself help you stay grounded on the busiest days. Think of them as self-care “snacks” to keep you going until your next full recharge.

Habit stack

Want to make self-care stick? Pair it with something you already do. That’s the beauty of habit stacking.

“Creating simple routines with habit-stacked behaviors allows me to not skip past the things that I need to do to take care of myself,” shares Shannon Tarrant, Co-Founder of Venue Help Desk. “I created a morning and nighttime routine that is the same every day that allows me to set myself up for self-care success. One of the things I do in the morning is fill my vitamin box on Sundays and put it next to the coffee maker so every morning, I remember to take my vitamins.”

It’s an easy way to weave wellness into your routine without it feeling like a big commitment. Before long, those tiny add-ons become part of your daily rhythm.

Stay aware of your needs

Your needs won’t look the same every week (or even every day). Self-care isn’t static, so check in with yourself often.

Penny Haas, Owner & Lead Planner at Penny Haas, LLC, recommends, “Pay attention to yourself and be aware even in the fbusy season. You may be going through the motions, but being intentional, staying aware, and concentrating can help you achieve your business and planning goals, as well as being mindful of what YOU personally need. You cannot be on top of your event game if you are not taking care of yourself first.”

Creating that space for self-reflection allows you to respond to your life as it is, not as it “should” be. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful care.

Reframe your thoughts

It’s easy to fall into the mindset that self-care is selfish or a luxury. But here’s the truth: it’s part of doing your job well. A well-rested and emotionally balanced version of you is better for everyone.

“Reframing your thinking, knowing that the work is always going to be there and your to-do list is ever-growing, so even if you did get ‘caught up’ on everything, there would still be more to do,” says Nicole Back, Photographer & Videographer at nicole&photo. “Your health affects every aspect of your life, from your ability to focus and perform tasks better, your mental happiness and peace, or even how you interact with your community.”

Try swapping “I don’t have time for self-care” with “I deserve to take care of myself.” The way you talk to yourself matters. Start speaking with the same compassion and encouragement you give to others.

Celebrate your wins

Self-care also means giving yourself credit for how far you’ve come. Celebrating your wins—big or small—reinforces your progress and helps you feel more fulfilled in the work you do.

McKenzi Taylor, Founder/Owner of Cactus Collective Weddings, advises, “Take pride in your work. At the end of a successful event, take a minute to stand back and admire your accomplishment. Pause, take a breath, and pat yourself on the back for another job well done. Celebrate wins big and small. Say thank you to your helpers or colleagues. They’ll appreciate it, and you’ll all feel good about the state of the great little world that you’re building.”

You should also acknowledge the wins that don’t show up on Instagram: finishing a tough conversation, setting a boundary, taking a real day off. All of it counts. You’re doing great. Don’t forget to recognize it!

Make it your own

There’s no “right way” to do self-care. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. This journey is about tuning in, trying things out, and building a rhythm that fits your life and business.

“Self-care means different things to different people, so no matter what that looks like for you, the number one thing is to commit and not prioritize other things over that time,” reminds Kimberley Dunkley Watkins, Destination Wedding & Event Planner at Dragonfly Experiences.

Forget the trends and tune into what helps you feel grounded and capable. Your version of self-care is the one that sticks and supports you through all the highs and lows of running a creative business!