How to Embrace Self-Care the French Way

As a French native, I’m excited to share with you the unique ways French women embrace self-care. While there’s no exact translation for “self-care” in French, it’s similar to “prendre soin de soi,” which simply means taking care of yourself. In France, self-care isn’t about following strict wellness trends. Instead, it’s all about finding contentment and feeling comfortable in your own skin. This approach is a refreshing alternative to the often rigid nature of modern wellness routines. French women tend to take a more relaxed, intuitive approach, focusing on self-awareness and acceptance. It’s really about feeling good in your own skin, in your own way.

In this article, we’ll explore how this philosophy plays out in everyday life. From the art of enjoying a balanced diet and choosing simplicity and quality to creating peaceful evening rituals for better sleep and taking a sustainable approach to exercise, you’ll uncover the secrets behind French self-care. I hope you’ll find some inspiration here to bring a little bit of that French approach into your own daily routine ;).

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1. Adopt a Balanced Diet

At the heart of French self-care is a philosophy that’s more about enjoying life’s pleasures in moderation than following strict health rules. This mindset shapes the French approach to eating, which, interestingly, doesn’t really involve “dieting,” as we often think of it. In France, the idea of dieting is often seen as a cultural misunderstanding; instead, what we call “the French diet” is just a natural part of everyday life. It’s an art form that revolves around preparing and savoring food together, something that’s deeply ingrained in French culture.

This approach is all about simplicity and quality. The French diet mostly avoids processed and artificially modified foods, preferring fresh, local ingredients. It’s a common-sense way of eating—intuitive, avoiding snacks and “diet” foods, and focusing on meals cooked from scratch, where flavor is always a priority, even in the healthiest dishes.

In France, balance is key. If a “healthy” habit feels too restrictive, it’s often considered counterproductive to well-being. French women naturally get this balance. A sweet treat, like an Opéra cake from Angelina Paris, isn’t seen as a guilty pleasure; it’s a little indulgence that’s balanced out by a lighter meal later, keeping everything in harmony. Indulgence, when done in moderation, isn’t just okay—it’s something to be enjoyed!

2. Create End-of-Evening Rituals

To help you get a better night’s sleep, try rethinking your evening routine. Instead of watching late-night TV, scrolling through social media, or planning tomorrow’s to-do list, which can keep your mind buzzing, opt for earlier bedtimes paired with calming rituals. You might light a candle or use an essential oil diffuser—I’ve been using the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser almost every day in spring and summer, and it’s become a cozy part of my routine. A warm cup of herbal tea and a good book can also be a great way to unwind.

Winter evenings are perfect for indulging in a long, relaxing bath. I highly recommend treating yourself to a luxurious bubble bath—I’m a huge fan of L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath. Pair it with a lovely scented soap like Diptyque’s Eau des Sens and a nourishing face mask, such as the Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask. You could even give yourself a little manicure while you’re at it. Another way to ease into sleep is with a gentle, 30-minute yoga or stretching session, which helps relax both your body and mind for a deeper, more restful slumber.

If stress and anxiety are keeping you up, natural supplements can be a big help. I’ve had great success with Solgar’s Magnesium Citrate—two tablets daily for a month can really support your nerves and muscles while promoting a relaxed state of being. I also rely on Solgar’s 5-HTP, especially during stressful times or when I’m feeling anxious or down. Taking one capsule at 5 pm and another before bed for 30 days has really helped me maintain emotional balance.

And let’s not forget about herbal teas! Varieties like valerian root, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower, and magnolia bark are known for their calming and sleep-enhancing properties. Adding these teas to your evening routine can do wonders for your sleep quality, embracing the French way of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures for a more balanced and peaceful life :).

3. Exercise Regularly to Manage Stress

Regular exercise isn’t just about staying fit; it’s a key part of feeling good and bringing energy into every part of your life. Beyond the physical perks, exercise is a fantastic way to manage stress. But unlike the high-intensity workouts that can feel overwhelming and hard to keep up with, the French approach to exercise is all about balance.

French women often prefer a more sustainable and enjoyable way to stay active, focusing on gentle, regular activities that easily fit into their daily lives. For me, Pilates is a favorite, but it could also mean walking to work, taking a leisurely bike ride on the weekend, or choosing public transportation. These simple choices aren’t just about fitness; they’re about making movement a natural and enjoyable part of your day.

If you spend a lot of time at a computer, taking regular breaks to move around is super important. Whether it’s walking your dog, taking a quick stroll through the park, wandering around the neighborhood, or enjoying a walk on the beach, these little moments of movement are crucial. They’re not just breaks—they’re chances to clear your head and spark some creativity. By adding these breaks into your daily routine, you’ll not only feel better physically but also come back to your tasks with fresh energy and new ideas, perfectly capturing the French way of living a balanced, active life ;).