Self-Care Strategies That Stick: A Blueprint for School Counselors (Part 2)

Part 2: Eight categories that comprise true self-care

In recent years, self-care has become a popular buzzword – a buzzword that is often overused, misinterpreted, and commercialized. Pop culture has transformed it into a "treat yourself" trend, focusing more on indulgence than on intentional, restorative practices. Social media often portrays self-care as bubble baths, manicures, massages, and weekends out with friends. This media-driven portrayal has caused the term self-care to lose much of its deeper meaning. Engaging in the media’s “treat-yourself” version of self-care may feel good temporarily, but it often falls short of making a lasting impact on our mental health, mood, or stress levels. 

My goal in sharing this information is to help you move beyond occasional indulgences and build practical, sustainable routines that support your well-being and uplift your mood all year long. Remember: you are truly worth the investment.

Self-care can be divided into eight key categories: physical, social, personal, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, and professional. As you read through the descriptions, take a moment to reflect on which areas you feel strong in and which might benefit from more attention and growth.

• Physical: Are you drinking enough water and nourishing your body with healthy foods? Do you make time to move or exercise regularly? Are you getting sufficient, restful sleep?
• Social: Who makes up your support system? Are you spending quality time with them? Do you maintain healthy boundaries and communicate effectively? Are you comfortable asking for help when needed? How much time do you spend on social media?
• Personal: Are you engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy? Are you setting realistic, manageable goals? How do you express yourself creatively? In what ways do you show up for yourself?
• Emotional: How do you cope with stress and difficult emotions? How do you treat others – and yourself? Are you able to forgive? How do you protect and nurture your emotional energy?
• Spiritual: Do you take time for solitude and self-reflection? Do you connect with nature? Do you practice meditation, journaling, gratitude, or try new experiences that nurture your spirit?
• Environmental: Do you feel safe and secure at home and work? Is your living environment healthy, stable, and organized?
• Financial: Do you manage your finances responsibly? Are your bills paid on time? Do you balance saving with spending wisely?
• Professional: Are you managing your time well? Are you setting and maintaining boundaries? Do you work in a supportive, positive environment? Are you actively pursuing opportunities for learning and growth?

Everyone’s version of self-care looks different. One person might be strong in meeting their physical needs but struggle with setting boundaries at work. Another might focus heavily on financial self-care but neglect their social connections. While it’s natural to have strengths in certain areas, it’s important to cultivate self-care practices across all categories to help reduce overall stress and support your mental health.

In Part 3, we’ll dive into how to create a personalized self-care system that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.