What Does Self Care Mean to You?

In the world of health and wellbeing, self care is a phrase we hear constantly. It appears in conversations, on social media, in therapy rooms, and in wellness programmes.

Yet when we pause and really ask ourselves “What does self care mean to me?”, the answer is often far more personal and nuanced than a simple definition.

For me, self care is about creating intentional moments that nourish your mind, body and spirit.

It’s the space where you check in with yourself honestly, acknowledge what you need, and allow yourself permission to prioritise it.

But here’s the honest truth.

I am the first to admit that although I am a huge advocate of self care with my clients—whether working one-to-one or in groups—my own practice is still very much a work in progress.

Earlier, I was out to dinner with a close friend and we found ourselves deep in conversation about this exact topic:

How do we maintain self care so that it becomes non-negotiable?

It’s easy to recommend self care. It’s harder to consistently honour it in the midst of busy lives, responsibilities, family, work and the endless mental to-do lists many of us carry.

And perhaps that honesty is exactly where self care begins.

Self Care Looks Different for Everyone

One of the most important things to remember is that self care isn’t one-size-fits-all.

What replenishes one person might do very little for someone else. For some, self care is quiet and restorative; for others, it’s energising and adventurous.

Some examples might include:

• Taking a long walk in nature

• Reading a book purely for pleasure

• Yoga, meditation or breathwork

• Cooking nourishing food

• Spending time with supportive friends

• Creative expression such as art, music or writing

• Switching off from technology for an evening

• Getting enough sleep

• Simply saying “no” when you need to

• 
  

The key is not copying someone else’s version of self care, but discovering what genuinely restores you.

My Personal Self Care Anchors

When I think about the moments that truly refill my cup, a few things always stand out.

Water

Water has always been a powerful reset for me.

Whether it’s swimming, surfing, being in or on the water, or even simply sitting near a body of water, it brings an immediate sense of calm and clarity. There’s something about the rhythm and movement of water that helps quiet the mind and reconnect with the present moment.

Writing

Writing has been my outlet since childhood. It’s where I process thoughts, make sense of emotions, and sometimes simply let words flow without judgement.

Recently I’ve returned to writing more intentionally and have really indulged my love for it again. It feels like reconnecting with a part of myself that had been quietly waiting to be revisited.

Travel and Outdoor Adventures

Exploring new places, getting outdoors and sharing adventures—whether on my own, with my boys, or with Craig—always reminds me how important it is to step outside the routine of everyday life.

Fresh air, movement and new environments have a powerful way of resetting perspective.

The Honest Question: How Are You Really Doing?

It’s easy to talk about self care in theory. The more important question is:

How well are you actually practising it?

Not occasionally.

Not when things become overwhelming.

But consistently.

If I’m being completely honest with myself, it’s something I’m still learning to prioritise. Life gets busy, and sometimes self care is the first thing that slips down the list.

But awareness is a powerful starting point. Recognising that self care needs protecting is often the catalyst for real change.

Making Self Care Non-Negotiable

So how do we turn self care from a nice idea into something that actually happens?

A few simple approaches can help protect that time.

Schedule It

If it matters, it deserves space in the diary. Treat self care like any other commitment.

Start Small

Self care doesn’t need to be a full day at a spa. Sometimes it’s ten quiet minutes, a walk outside, or writing a page in a journal.

Create Rituals

Small repeated habits build powerful routines—morning swims, evening walks, Sunday journalling.

Let Go of Guilt

Looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It allows you to show up more fully for everyone else in your life.

Protect Your Energy

Boundaries are an essential part of self care. Not every request, task or obligation needs to be accepted.

A Question for You

So I’ll leave you with the same question my friend and I asked each other over dinner.

What is your go-to form of self care?

And just as importantly:

How do you make sure you actually practise it?

Because self care isn’t about perfection.

It’s about ongoing awareness, small choices and giving yourself permission to pause.

For me, it will likely always involve water, writing, and the occasional adventure. And while I’m still learning to make those moments truly non-negotiable, I know they are essential.

Self care isn’t a luxury.

It’s the foundation that allows us to eat clean, live well, and continue dreaming. ✨