I shouldn’t need to say this but I often have to. Self-care is not an optional add-on in life.  It’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritising your mental health enables you to show up more fully for others and yourself.

And it’s not just about occasional treats or indulgences – it’s about deliberately nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.

Redefining “Doing Nothing”

During a mindfulness course I attended, we were asked what was stopping us from doing our homework. We were all struggling to do our daily mindfulness practices. Some of us said that it felt like a luxury to take time out to do “nothing”.  But the powerful insight I want to share is that stepping back from the busy day-to-day is actually a re-energising practice.

Many of us are conditioned to view rest or doing things for fun as unproductive, especially if you have a strong work ethic or caring responsibilities. But stepping back is not a luxury – it’s necessary for our mental health and overall well-being. I often need to remind myself!  This photo is of me walking on the Downs after deciding to take advantage of the sun on a weekday afternoon when I normally work.

What Real Self Care Looks Like

Practicing self-care doesn’t have to be organising something big, like a spa day or going on a long walk. It’s about intentional moments of pause and pleasure. Take my client who took a daytime bath on a work day – a lovely act of self-recognition and prioritising her needs.

Your Self Care Mission: 3 Practical Tips

I’d love you to choose one small act of self-care today. Pick something that lifts you up – something that feels like a gentle rebellion against constant productivity.

A few tips:

1. Choose Something You Love

Select an activity that genuinely brings you joy. This isn’t about obligation – it’s about pleasure and restoration.

2. Short and Sweet Works

Don’t have hours? No problem. Even 5-10 minutes can be transformative:

    • Read a few pages of a book
    • Take a quick walk in nature
    • Dance to your favourite song
    • Practice a short yoga sequence

3. Reframe Your Thinking

Think of these moments as “healthy snacks” for your mind and body. You know that looking after your physical health is important and the same goes for your mental health. And remember that rest is a radical act!

Get in touch

I’d love to hear what you choose. Drop me a line and share what you’ve done. One of my personal favourites is a 10-minute yoga session that leaves me feeling recharged and ready to face the day.

If you’re struggling to make time for yourself and need some support to get on the right path do let me know.  Maybe you can’t stop putting others before your own needs or work is taking over too much of your life. As a professional qualified coach it’s my job to support you to look after yourself so that you can achieve what you want in life.

If you enjoyed reading this post why not subscribe to my newsletter? I share tips to stress less, including guided exercises to help you manage difficult situations with ease. It’s sent once a month to avoid clogging up your inbox.

You might also like to read more of my blogs.