What Does Self-Care Look Like to You?
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Hi all, please share a self-care activity, practice, or routine you incorporate into your life. You’re welcome to list more than one thing if you like or share other details regarding your self-care, i.e., when you practice it, why you do it, and how it helps you. You could also share your own definition of self-care and what self-care means to you. For me, one thing I do for self-care is write in a gratitude journal most mornings. This helps me start my day on a positive note, gives me perspective, and allows me to focus on what’s most important in my life.
Hi Pongo, Self Care looks like cooking for me. I find the process of thoughtfully meal planning, shopping for groceries, cutting vegetables, and ultimately cooking it all together to be very therapeutic and calming for me. I try to make sure that it is possible for me to slowly prepare a home made meal at least three nights a week, trying to be as present as possible with each ingredient, step, and while eating the meal itself. I think the evening time can be sacred with reflecting on the day and winding down towards rest. Cooking helps to ground me into feeding my body so that I can carry out the activities of my life and also helps me in connection with the earth around me, including seasonality and local produce options. A big emphasis for me in self care is to be present and not multitasking when conducting it, so that I can have my full attention on this activity and send all the energy towards it.
For me, self-care is about alignment. Bringing my body, soul, and mind back into connection when life pulls them in different directions. I don’t see self-care as indulgence; I see it as intentional re-energizing and returning to myself.
One practice I regularly incorporate is creating small grounding rituals with candles and aromatherapy. I’ll light a candle with a scent that feels calming and sit quietly for a few minutes. The scent helps me slow my breathing, settle into my body, and release mental noise. I also make intentional time to enjoy tea or coffee with my cats. That quiet moment helps me reconnect with simple presence. Watching them, feeling their calm energy, grounds me and restores me emotionally.
Once a month, I schedule a massage. It helps release stored tension and reminds me that my body deserves care. I also take time to pamper myself and care for my personal appearance and while some may view it as vanity, for me is about reinforcing the belief that I am worthy of care and attention.
Dear Friends
For me, self-care means creating space for quiet reflection and emotional balance. As someone who works with young people and often holds space for their emotions and experiences, I need time to reconnect with myself.
Self-care includes spending time in silence, writing, and practicing mindfulness. My Buddhist practice also plays an important role in helping me stay grounded and compassionate toward both myself and others.
Another important part of self-care is recognizing my limits. I have learned that trying to push through exhaustion or discouragement does not help me or the young people I want to support. Allowing myself to step back, rest, and rethink my approach is sometimes the most responsible and caring thing I can do.
Self-care also means reconnecting with inspiration. When I remember the deeper purpose of my work — creating safe spaces where young people can express themselves honestly — I regain the motivation and emotional strength to continue.
