“What Self-Care Really Looks Like for the Default Parent — and Where It’s Headed” By Lexi Davey, Founder of nook NZ

Image Credit: Lexi Davey, Founder of nook NZ | www.nooknz.com

Let’s be honest: the phrase “self-care” has been thrown around so much it’s started to lose all meaning — especially for parents. For anyone managing the relentless juggle of packed lunches, 2am wakeups, emotional labour, and laundry piles (still somehow unfolded from three days ago), the idea of carving out time for a long skincare routine or meditation app can feel completely out of touch.

And yet, the need for it — real, doable, non-performative self-care — has never been more urgent.

Right now, we’re seeing a shift in how health and beauty are being redefined for parents. It’s less about luxury and more about longevity. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but finding small, realistic ways to actually feel better in the middle of everything else. Here’s where we’re at — and where things are heading next.

1. Skincare That Works While You Don’t
Busy parents are driving a demand for simple, no-fuss skincare that delivers results without the 10-step routines. Think multitasking products that hydrate, protect, and treat in one go. Clean beauty is now the baseline; the focus is shifting to smart beauty — products that work with your schedule (or lack of one).

Expect to see more of:
*Microbiome-friendly formulas that support your skin barrier and help prevent flare-ups.
* AI-personalised routines that help you cut through the overwhelm of choice.
* Reusable beauty tools that actually save time and money — LED masks, cryo rollers, overnight treatments, all becoming more accessible.

2. The Rise of Mental FitnessWe’ve spent years talking about physical health. But the emotional load of parenting is finally getting the attention it deserves. Mental well-being is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s part of the bigger wellness picture.

New trends include:
* App-based therapy and emotional support designed with parents in mind — because not everyone can squeeze in a weekly session.
* Wearables that track stress, sleep, and mood, giving you gentle nudges and feedback to help manage the mental load.
* Community-led well-being spaces, both online and local, where parents can offload, connect, and be seen.

3. Movement That Fits Into Your Day (Not the Other Way Around)
The next wave of fitness is flexible, because let’s face it — parenting doesn’t stick to a routine. Short, efficient workouts (think 10-minute strength blasts or buggy-friendly walks) are overtaking hour-long gym classes.

We’re seeing more of:
* Compact home equipment that fits around real life, not the other way around.
* Apps and platforms that combine movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, with filters like “nap time friendly” or “low energy”.
* A shift from performance to regulation — parents are turning to movement to regulate their nervous systems, not just burn calories. Breathwork, mobility, and even cold water therapy are creeping into the mainstream.

4. Realistic Nutrition for Real-Life ChaosForget complicated wellness plans and ‘Pinterest perfect’ smoothie bowls. What parents want now is functional nutrition that fuels energy, mood, and focus — without adding stress.

Emerging trends include:
* Functional snacks with added benefits, like mood support or protein boosts for busy mornings.
* Personalised supplements based on postpartum, hormonal, or lifestyle needs — simplifying the “what do I actually need?” question.
* Family-friendly ready meals and subscription services that tick the nutrition box and work for the freezer stash.

So What’s Next? Over the next five years, we’ll likely see more customisation, better tech, and smarter support for parents — but the real shift is cultural. The narrative around self-care is changing. It’s not about indulgence anymore. It’s about keeping parents well enough to keep showing up.

Because at the end of the day, wellness for parents isn’t about being your “best self” — it’s about staying resourced, steady, and well enough to do the hardest job in the world without burning out.

Meet Our Contributor — Lexi Davey
Lexi is the founder of nook NZ, Canterbury’s leading online parenting resource. She created nook NZ to support anyone raising, caring for, or simply keeping a tiny human alive — whether you’re a mum, dad, grandparent, caregiver, aunt, uncle, or family friend. Lexi is passionate about building a community that empowers parents and caregivers, because she knows it truly takes a village (and sometimes a large glass of red). nook NZ helps families discover the best local events, activities, and expert-backed insights — all in one place. The platform curates trusted recommendations, supports small NZ-owned businesses, and collaborates with industry experts to deliver content that’s useful, inclusive, and judgment-free. Find nook NZ at nooknz.com or follow @nooknz on social media to stay in the know.