Self-care has become a popular buzzword but often gets reduced to surface-level routines that don’t reflect real needs. True self-care is personal, practical, and sometimes uncomfortable. It is about tuning in, setting boundaries, and finding what genuinely supports your well-being. This is a reminder to redefine self-care on your own terms and make it a realistic, authentic part of your everyday life.
Daniela Bigott, MS, LMFT
At Thrive Counseling, we often hear from clients who aren’t sure what self-care really means for them or who try different self-care activities but find that nothing truly works or feels helpful. It’s common to feel stuck or overwhelmed by all the advice out there, especially when self-care is talked about like a one-size-fits-all solution.
Here are a few things to consider when it comes to self-care:
1. It’s a personal practice
“Self-care” is everywhere these days. It’s a word that’s been embraced by wellness culture, and for good reason! Taking care of yourself matters. But somewhere along the way, the true meaning of self-care has gotten a little… fuzzy.
More often than not, self-care gets painted as something luxurious or aesthetically pleasing: a face mask, a weekend away, or a bubble bath with candles. While those things can absolutely be part of it, self-care is so much more than that.
In fact, self-care can be messy. It can look like setting boundaries, cancelling plans, or finally having a tough conversation. It can be folding your laundry, taking a walk, or turning your phone off for a few hours. Sometimes, it’s giving yourself permission to do less.
2. So why does this matter?
Because self-care has become a buzzword. It’s often marketed to us as a one-size-fits-all solution, but the reality is: authentic self-care is personal.
That starts with asking yourself:
- What do I actually need right now?
- Is this discomfort a sign I need rest, or a push to take action?
- Am I doing this because it helps me, or because it looks like what “self-care” is supposed to be?
Sometimes the answer might be “I need to move my body.” Other times, it might be “I need to do absolutely nothing today.” The key is tuning in to what feels restorative to you—not what looks good from the outside.
3. Self-care should be realistic.
Not everyone has time for long routines or expensive retreats. That doesn’t make your self-care any less valid.
It might look like:
- Drinking a full glass of water
- Saying no without guilt
- Watching a comfort show
- Asking for help
- Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb
Small actions matter. In fact, they often matter more because they’re sustainable. When we stop trying to match someone else’s idea of self-care, we can start creating rituals that truly support us.
At Thrive Counseling, we believe that everyone deserves personalized, realistic ways to care for themselves that fit their unique lives.
If you’re struggling with self-care or finding it hard to understand what you truly need, you’re not alone and support is available.
Learn more about self-care and how to make it work for you by visiting thrivecounsel.com/services or call 407.608.2444
