What Does Self Care Mean To You?
- Aaria Bhatnagar
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
When you hear the words self care, what comes to mind?
Oftentimes, when we search for ideas on social media, we get results pointing to elaborate skin care routines and expensive spa days. In reality, while those things can absolutely be part of it, self care is usually much simpler and much more personal.
We asked our clinicians to share what self care looks like in their own lives. While every answer is unique, they each serve the same purpose - providing comfort and peace in their lives.
Coming Back to the Present
When life feels overwhelming, many people find comfort in activities that gently bring their attention back to the present. Whether that's through movement, mindfulness, or focus on an task using your hands, being immersed in the moment can be just the distraction a busy mind needs.
Emily Condal, LAC
"When I'm feeling stressed out or overwhelmed in life, something that I really like to lean into are activities that keep my mind in the present moment. Two of the things that I love to do most are baking and scrapbooking."
Daphne Mayer, LAC
"Something I like to do for self care is go on a mindful walk - I find it pulls me to focus on the here and now."
Recharging & Resetting
Sometimes caring for yourself starts with something as simple as taking a deep breath or going for a short walk. Small moments of intentional grounding can help regulate your nervous system and create some space for you to slow down your thoughts.
Denise Ardito, LCSW, PsyA, Clinical Director & Practice Owner
"I really like to do yoga, I like to read, I have three dogs - I like to play with them and walk them. I also really love to look at water, so whether it be the lake or the ocean. I joke around with people that I need to get a shirt that says 'Face me at the water' because that's something that really brings a lot of peace for me."
Cathy Lawrence, LPC
"When I feel anxious, I really try to concentrate on my breathing just to slow it down. That helps slow down my whole nervous system and it makes me feel calmer. The more long-term, consistent things I try to do is exercise or get some kind of physical activity once a day. That might be something like a group class but if I can't fit any group exercise in, even a short 10-minute walk really helps."
Expressing Yourself
Not everyone immediately processes their emotions through conversation. Sometimes using creative outlets or journaling can create a space to help us better understand what we're feeling and give our thoughts somewhere to land.
Madison Bargetzi, LSW
"My favourite way to engage in self care is through creative outlets like drawing, painting, sculpting. It's just an awesome way to bring yourself back to the present, clear your mind, and process feelings in a way that maybe you don't traditionally process them. It's also just super fun and I love doing it."
Esra Şahsuvaroğlu, LAC
"One of my favorite ways to cope when I'm overwhelmed or stressed is to journal. I've been doing that ever since I could write. Sometimes it feels like my thoughts are faster than my hand can write, and that's when I like to record myself. I'll audio record, especially when I'm walking, and I find that to be really helpful."
Enjoying the Simple Things
Self-care doesn't always have to be productive. Sometimes it's laughing at your favorite reality TV show, spending time with your pet, putting on a face mask, or simply allowing yourself to enjoy something that brings you comfort.
Serena Garnett, LAC
"My go to coping skill is playing with my cat Mochi but our favorite thing to do is watching trash TV together. Specifically the Housewives, although we both got really into Love Island and especially love Brinity."
Samantha Medina-Sullivan, LSW
"My favorite way to practice self care is by cuddling up on the couch with my dog or taking her for a walk, doing a face mask, and watching any reality TV show - any franchise of Real Housewives, Summer House, In The City, or Vanderpump Rules. I also love doing hot yoga, I feel like it just really calms the nerves and kind of shifts your perspective on a lot of things."
The Biggest Takeaway?
Self care is personal to your own needs.
For one person, it might be painting or journaling. For another, it's taking a mindful walk, practicing yoga, baking, cuddling with a pet, or spending time by the water. What matters most is finding the practices that help you feel more connected to yourself and making room for them, even in small ways.
Making time for yourself is an important part of caring for your mental health, but it’s okay if that feels challenging at times. Therapy can help provide the space and tools needed to navigate stress, emotions, and life’s challenges with confidence. If you’re ready to take that step, our clinicians are here for you!
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