What Is Self-Care, Really?
The term “self-care” is everywhere—yet it’s so often left undefined, flat, or limited to quick-fix tips. Years ago, working at a trauma recovery center, I kept asking: “What does real self-care actually look like?” Most responses were vague (“take a bath?”) or didn’t fit me at all. You might feel the same.
Here’s what I learned (and still believe): self-care isn’t a single act, trend, or product. It’s about nourishing every dimension of who you are.
Beyond Bubble Baths: The Real Elements
In my work with newsrooms and care professionals, true self-care involves more than physical rest. Drawing from my Silver Wheel Core Practices Framework, here are daily domains we can all explore:
Body Sustenance: Rest, joyful movement, eating enough (not just “right”)
Heart Nurturance: Laughter, compassion, safe connection, emotional release
Cognitive Care: Mental rest, learning, reflection, creative breaks
Spirit Spark: What lifts you—nature, ritual, purpose, awe, music
Professional Vibrance: Boundaries at work, energizing tasks, ongoing growth
Personal Expansion: Trying new things, curiosity, time for play and interests
Financial Consciousness: Small choices that support your wellbeing, not driven by pressure to buy
Many actions can fit these elements—but you get to define what “care” means for your body, mind, heart, and spirit today.
Try This:
Pause and notice: which of these elements have you practiced today, even in a tiny way? Where might you want to add a little more nourishment—not as a guilt trip, but as a gentle experiment?
Balanced self-care, practiced across your whole self—not just one domain—makes true restoration possible, even (especially!) in high-demand roles. This is what helps you sustain your spark through stress, rather than burning out.
Self-care isn’t a trend. It’s your anchor and your birthright. And it’s always yours to adapt, remix, or reclaim.
✨ Ready to discover what real self-care can look like for you—without pressure or trends?
Schedule a free call to explore a personalized approach, or reply below: Which element of care do you want to nourish this week? Your self-care is unique, and you’re allowed to make it your own.
Pro tip:
💡 Even one small act—noticed and named—can reignite your spark!