Karoline Leavitt Leans Into Self-Care As Her White House Career Becomes a Pressure Cooker

In the high-stakes world of Washington politics, where each word is scrutinized and every appearance dissected, even the most composed figures can show cracks beneath the surface. That may be the case for Karoline Leavitt, the current White House Press Secretary, whose recent behavior suggests a quiet but telling shift—one that leans heavily into self-care as the weight of her role intensifies.

Though Leavitt likely entered her position fully aware of the pressure it entailed, the reality of serving as the administration’s public voice is proving to be more than just a professional challenge—it’s a personal one as well. Observers have noticed subtle signs of strain during her recent briefings: repetitive anxious gestures, such as reaching for her hair mid-sentence, and a slightly more restless demeanor at the podium.

But perhaps more revealing are Leavitt’s social media footprints. In a move that caught attention, she reposted a video about the mental load and emotional stress often carried by women—especially working mothers. For a press secretary who typically sticks to political messaging, this moment of vulnerability felt like a red flag, or perhaps a cry for empathy. Soon after, she posted about her son’s birthday in a warm, almost escapist tone—steering public attention away from the rigors of her job and toward the joys of motherhood.

That redirection, however, didn’t last long. Leavitt has now re-emerged with a fresh focus: herself. Her recent trip to her home state of New Hampshire offered a break from D.C.’s political whirlwind, and notably included a visit to Salon Pure—a familiar spot for her. There, she debuted a noticeably brighter, freshly trimmed hairstyle, showcased in a carefully framed Instagram Story. “The best salon and the best stylist,” she captioned the salon’s own post, clearly eager to promote a slice of normalcy.

While a haircut may seem like a trivial act in the political world, for Leavitt, it might mean more. Traveling hundreds of miles for a beauty appointment speaks volumes—it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about regaining control, carving out time, and grounding oneself amidst chaos.

Yet even in her moment of reprieve, politics found its way back to her. Though she wasn’t tagged in the salon’s post and her face was partially hidden, internet users were quick to link the moment with her high-profile role. Criticism emerged online, particularly surrounding her response—or lack thereof—to ongoing questions about the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Reporters continue to press her at briefings, while critics on X (formerly Twitter) flood her mentions with frustration.

These reactions only underscore the intensity of Leavitt’s position. As the face of a controversial administration, she’s not afforded much breathing room. Every move, whether personal or professional, becomes part of the broader narrative.

And yet, Leavitt seems to understand that sustainable performance requires balance. Sources close to her suggest that she’s already begun incorporating more self-care into her daily routine. Most notably, she’s reportedly getting one to two hours more sleep per night than she did during the 2024 campaign cycle—a significant shift for anyone operating in the non-stop world of American politics. Experts, including Dr. Eric Zhou of Harvard Medical School, note that quality sleep is a crucial foundation for cognitive function, mood regulation, and long-term health.

Beyond sleep, Leavitt appears to be merging wellness with family life. In a recent podcast interview with Kate Mackz, she revealed how she combines date nights with her husband and outings with their one-year-old son into light exercise, like walking. “It’s our safe place, our happy place,” she said, describing quiet evenings spent together as a trio. These moments, though simple, may serve as emotional anchors during the stormier days in the briefing room.

Still, a new hairstyle and extra sleep are only the beginning. Experts argue that to truly manage chronic political stress, long-term strategies are essential. This could include improved dietary habits, consistent physical activity, and establishing boundaries between public duties and private life—an increasingly difficult feat in the era of 24/7 scrutiny.

Leavitt’s self-care pivot may also reflect a broader cultural moment: a growing acceptance that even leaders—especially women in high-pressure environments—deserve to tend to their well-being without being deemed “weak” or “distracted.” In fact, the ability to prioritize health and family might be the very thing that sustains her through this demanding chapter of her career.

As the White House press corps continues to circle and public opinion shifts by the hour, Leavitt seems to be choosing calm over chaos, control over collapse. Whether this self-care strategy will help her withstand the mounting pressure—or signal deeper exhaustion—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Karoline Leavitt is no longer pretending that stress doesn’t exist. She’s leaning into it—and, perhaps for the first time, letting the world see what that really looks like.