Making space for you: a real approach to self-care
Self-care isn’t just about relaxing or checking things off a wellness list. It’s about noticing what helps you feel like yourself and making space for those things in your daily life. It can be about feeling more balanced, more connected, or more able to handle what’s in front of you.
What that looks like is different for everyone. Some people feel better after movement or creativity, while others need quiet, connection, or small moments of joy. There’s no right way to do it. The key is creating a plan that fits you.
Start with what’s realistic
When you’re thinking about self-care, it’s easy to dream big. Daily workouts, journaling every night, healthy meals every day. But for a plan to really work, it has to be something you can stick to long term. That means starting small. Instead of planning five new things all at once, try adding one change at a time. Then ask yourself, “Where does this actually fit in my day or week?”
For example, if you want to start walking more, look at your schedule. Could a 10-minute walk fit into your lunch break? Or maybe after dinner a few times a week?
When self-care has a clear place in your day, it’s more likely to happen.
Make it part of your whole day, not just the end
Self-care isn’t only something to do after a hard day. Small actions throughout the day can actually help prevent stress from building up. That might mean setting boundaries around your time, taking five minutes between meetings to breathe, or just stepping outside for fresh air.
Try thinking of self-care as something that supports you before you hit burnout, not just something to recover with after.
Know your style
Everyone recharges differently. Do you get energy from being around others, or from quiet time alone? Do you feel better after movement, creativity, rest, or reflection?
Understanding what helps you feel recharged is a great place to start. Maybe self-care means calling a friend, going for a walk, cooking a comforting meal, or writing in a journal. Maybe it’s doing something you’ve been putting off, even if it’s hard, because deep down, you know it will help. Maybe it’s finally booking that doctor’s appointment, having a hard conversation, or asking for help. Maybe it’s tackling a task that’s been weighing on you, even if it’s uncomfortable in the moment.
These kinds of actions might not feel like traditional “self-care,” but they’re powerful because they move you toward clarity, relief, or progress. They lighten a mental or emotional load.
Self-care isn’t just about comfort, it’s about care. And sometimes, real care means doing the things that actually help you even if they are hard.
Reflect on your needs
Not sure what kind of self-care you need? Try looking at different parts of your life: physical, emotional, or social, and asking yourself: where am I feeling stretched thin? What feels neglected?
You could even write it out. What’s going well? What’s missing? What would help me feel more balanced?
When you reflect honestly, it’s easier to see where small changes could make a big difference.
Let go of the pressure to “do it right”
Self-care doesn’t always feel amazing in the moment. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. It might mean going for a run when you’d rather stay on the couch. Or saying no to something that drains you. Or starting something new you’ve been putting off.
These things aren’t always fun, but they’re still self-care. Because self-care is about taking care of yourself in ways that matter, even when it’s hard.
Information for this blog was provided by registered social worker, Kelsey Bradley. Learn more about our counsellors.