Every Monday on Instagram, I’ve been sharing thoughts on self-care — small but powerful reminders that caring for yourself is more than a bubble bath, a walk, or a green smoothie. And now, with summer winding down and the back-to-school season creeping in, many of us are feeling that familiar pressure to get our lives “back on track.” But what if we started September not with hustle, but with compassion?
The truth is, self-care has become highly commercialized. We’re told to eat this kind of food, do yoga or Pilates, buy a new skincare routine — and while those things can be helpful, they’re just one part of a much bigger picture. True self-care is not about meeting aesthetic standards or buying your way into wellness. It’s about creating a life that supports your whole self — emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I like to think of self-care as a whole pie. Not just a slice. There are many dimensions that make us feel nourished, balanced, and whole. These include physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, environmental, and professional self-care. Yet, most of what we see online or in mainstream media focuses almost exclusively on physical self-care — like eating nutritious foods, staying active, practising good hygiene, and getting enough rest.
Important? Yes. But it’s not the full picture.
What About the Other Kinds of Self-Care?
Emotional self-care is about understanding and tending to your feelings. It might mean journaling after a long day to process your emotions, going to therapy to work through what’s weighing on you, or taking a mindful walk in nature to soothe your nervous system. Sometimes, it’s as simple — and as hard — as giving yourself permission to rest when you’re overwhelmed, or to ask for help when you’re struggling. It’s checking in with yourself and honouring what you need, rather than pushing through or silencing your inner voice.
Mental self-care supports your mind’s clarity and stimulation. This could be as gentle as reading a book that challenges your perspective or as energizing as learning something new — a skill, a hobby, a language. It might also mean unplugging from social media, taking breaks from screens, or doing something creative just for the joy of it. Mental rest is just as important as mental engagement — and often, we need both.
Social self-care is something we often overlook until we feel the ache of loneliness. As human beings, we are wired for connection. We are not meant to go through life alone. We need relationships where we feel seen, loved, and supported. Whether it’s making time for a catch-up call with a friend, having a deep conversation with someone who gets you, or simply being around people who make you laugh — connection is not optional. It’s vital for our emotional and even physical health.
Spiritual self-care isn’t just about religion, though it can be if that’s meaningful to you. For some, it includes prayer, going to church, or reading sacred texts. But spiritual self-care can also be about tuning into your inner self, connecting with something larger than you — whether that’s nature, creativity, community, or purpose. It’s about finding meaning in the chaos, grounding yourself in your values, and feeling a sense of peace in your own presence.
Environmental self-care is about the spaces you live and work in. Our surroundings affect our mood, our focus, and even our energy levels. For me, I’ve worked hard to make my home feel like a safe and calming space — a place where I can breathe deeply and let my shoulders drop. This kind of care might look like decluttering a corner of your home, adding comforting touches to your space, or simply opening a window to let fresh air in. Your environment doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel supportive.
Professional self-care can be harder to define, especially if your work is emotionally demanding or not aligned with your passion. But it’s just as important. It might mean setting clearer boundaries around your time and energy, taking proper breaks during the day, or reconnecting with the parts of your work that give you a sense of meaning. If you’re in a job that drains you, professional self-care could also mean protecting your joy outside of work — finding ways to refill your cup so you’re not pouring from an empty one.
In their book Burnout, authors Emily and Amelia Nagoski talk about how stress isn’t just something we think our way out of, it’s a biological process that lives in the body. And to complete the cycle, we need to release it. That release might come through movement, laughter, crying, dancing, or hugging someone you love for at least 20 seconds (yes, there’s actual science behind that). Self-care isn’t always calm or still. Sometimes it looks like shaking things off, literally.
As we keep working and adjusting to new routines, growing to-do lists, and busier schedules, it’s important to remember: you don’t have to launch into September full speed. You don’t need to earn your rest or “fix” yourself before summer ends. You’re allowed to ease into this next season. You’re allowed to be tired, unsure, or overwhelmed and still be worthy of care.
Let this be your reminder that self-care is not a performance. It’s a practice of coming home to yourself.
In Part 2, we’ll talk about how to rebuild your routine in a way that’s sustainable, compassionate, and supportive — not rigid or pressure-filled. We’ll explore gentle structure, setting boundaries with your time, and choosing rhythms that reflect your life — not someone else’s highlight reel.
If you’re feeling the weight of transition, burnout, or disconnection from yourself, therapy can offer a space to process and reset. I offer culturally affirming therapy for adults navigating big emotions, stress, and the need to come back to themselves.
📩 Book a free consultation or reach out with any questions — you don’t have to do this alone.
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