When you think of the words “self-care”, what comes to mind? Massages, aromatherapy, and bubble baths? Long walks, yoga, and deep breathing? Or maybe you think that self-care is something that you don’t have time for, is selfish, or is just another thing on your to-do list.
Despite its many benefits, self-care is often misunderstood as indulgent or optional, rather than a necessary component of mental well-being.
In order to better understand what self-care is, let’s start by taking a look at what self-care is not. Self-care is not selfish. It is not an indulgence or something that must be earned by working hard enough. Self-care is not escaping, numbing out and avoiding responsibility. It is not an instant fix. At times self-care is not easy, requiring us to do hard things like set boundaries, get up early, or go to therapy.
So what is self-care? Self-care is taking the time to invest in the physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of your life in ways that promote resilience, health, connection, and overall well-being. It is being purposeful in your choices, looking for ways to support your capacity to cope with stress, connect with others, and live a meaningful life. Research has shown that regularly practicing self-care can lead to reduced anxiety and loneliness and increased satisfaction with life (Iyer et al., 2024). Other benefits of self-care include greater emotional regulation, increased self-awareness, and improved physical health.
Self-care is not one-size fits all, and it is important for each person to develop practices that are meaningful to them as an individual. On your own or with a counselor you can look at your current habits and stresses, identify your self-care needs, develop a self-care plan, and focus on realistic expectations.
The following areas can be helpful starting points as you work toward a greater focus on self-care:
Physical Self-Care:
-Prioritizing sleep
-Regular physical movement
-Consuming nutrient-rich foods
Mental Self-Care:
-Mental stimulation (reading, creative projects)
-Mindfulness, deep breathing, and grounding
-Limiting exposure to negative news and social media
Spiritual Self-Care:
-Prayer, meditation, and reflection
-Gratitude practices
-Spending time in nature
Emotional Self-Care:
-Regular check-ins with your feelings
-Journaling, talking with a friend or therapist, creative outlets
-Practicing self-compassion
Social Self-Care:
-Asking for help
-Investing in healthy relationships
-Serving others
If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of self-care and building habits that support your well-being, working with a counselor can be a valuable next step. Together, you can explore what truly nourishes you, identify what’s getting in the way, and create a personalized path toward growth, balance, and resilience. To support you as you begin this journey, the questions below can help you reflect on your needs, values, and next steps:
*How do you know when you’re in need of self-care?
*What are some things you currently do to take care of yourself?
*What gets in the way of you taking care of yourself regularly?
-What would good self-care look like in this season of your life?
References:
Iyer, P., Iyer, L., Carter, N., Iyer, R., Stirling, A., Priya, L., & Sriraman, U. (2024). Self-Care Program as a Tool for Alleviating Anxiety and Loneliness and Promoting Satisfaction With Life in High School Students and Staff: Randomized Survey Study. JMIR formative research, 8, e56355. https://doi.org/10.2196/56355
