Self-care is critical to our mental health, and it is not all about candles and massages (although these are nice and can be a part of it ). Many people struggle to understand what self-care actually means and how to incorporate this into normal, affordable life.

In searching for self-care ideas, we think we need to add something new and dramatic to our lives. Most of this pursuit is re-discovering who we are, what we enjoy, taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and relationally; not allowing ourselves to put everybody else first – never taking care of our own needs. We end up sick, emotionally exhausted, and not living a life that we enjoy. Counseling can be a safe place to re-discover who you are, investigate what behaviors are stopping you from taking good care of yourself, and find joy again – maybe for the first time.

Engaging in self-care is a way of signaling to ourselves that we matter in our own lives. Self-care is ultimately not about what you might do for an hour or two each week, self-care is a way you live your life, and this includes how you relate to yourself, possibly improving a habit of negative self-talk. You do not need a lot of time and money to improve your self-care. By taking care of your health and reclaiming who you are and who you want to be, you will be well on your way to living a truly self-caring life.