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As a therapist, self-care is a topic you are introduced to in grad school when learning about counseling theories and how to take care of yourself as a therapist. In my program, a few professors ingrained in us as students that a self-care routine is essential to well-being. For me, self-care is a no-brainer.
I was in a session this week and I was asking a client about his self-care routine and what that looks like. He asked, “What even is self-care?” It took me a second to recognize that self-care isn’t exactly as ingrained in my clients’ lives as it was for me when I was in school. I responded by saying that self-care encompasses a lot of things in our life. The way I define self-care is anything that adds to your life and doesn’t deplete your energy but restores it. Self-care’s definition changes depending on who you’re talking to. For some, self-care is going for a long hike, and for others, it’s getting a massage.
If defining self-care is tough for you, I challenge you to check in with yourself and start to identify the things that make you feel restored, better and balanced.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- take time away from responsibility and engage in something that brings you joy
- move your body for at least ten minutes
- have a mindful cup of coffee or tea
- make one of your favorite meals
- connect with a friend or loved one
- spend time in nature
- take a relaxing bath or shower
Self-care is all around us if we look hard enough and engage in it with intention! If self-care is something you need more of in your life, feel free to follow me on Instagram at carlacares_ where each Sunday I share some restorative ideas for self-care!
