When we hear the term self-care, we tend to think of a cozy night in: candles, a bath, maybe a favorite show. While this is absolutely a version of self-care, it’s not the entirety of it.
Self-care also includes the choices that aren’t comfortable in the moment - like setting a boundary, having a hard conversation, or choosing to rest when things feel overwhelming. Self-care might look different each day, and what feels supportive in one moment may not feel right in the next. Some days you need movement, connection, or fresh air. Other days you need silence, solitude, or just the reminder you’re allowed to pause.
Sometimes self-care can feel like just another task to get through, and on certain days, that might be all you have the capacity for. In moments when you’re able to pause, self-care is about listening to your body, noticing shifts in your thoughts and relationships, and responding with care and attunement.
Here are a few ways to check in with yourself and explore what self-care might look like today.
Emotional Self-Care
This includes noticing, processing, and making space for your emotional experience. It might involve journaling, talking to a therapist, setting boundaries, or engaging in creativity that helps you feel more in touch with yourself.
Physical Self-Care
Caring for your body is an essential form of self-care. This can look like getting enough sleep, moving your body regularly, nourishing yourself with food, drinking water, or practicing hygiene when energy is low.
Social Self-Care
Social self-care might mean spending time with people who feel safe, asking for help, or setting boundaries when you feel drained. It’s also about letting yourself lean on others when you need to, and offering support in ways that feel balanced.
Spiritual and Personal Self-Care
Spiritual and personal care practices help you feel connected to yourself, your values, or something bigger. This might include mindfulness, time in nature, creative expression, or any practice that helps you feel grounded and aligned.
Financial Self-Care
This includes facing what you might normally avoid: budgeting, paying bills, reviewing your accounts, or planning ahead. It might feel uncomfortable momentarily, but it can reduce long-term stress and support stability.
Self-care won't always look the same - what you need will shift depending on your environment, relationships, and season of life. When we pause, check-in with ourselves, and respond with intention, we create a version of self-care that feels balanced, grounded, and sustainable. If you’d like to get started, please reach out to our client care coordinator so they can help match you to a wonderful therapist who can help you navigate these ever changing needs.
Warmly,
Lauren David, AMFT
