Self-care, we talk about it all the time, but what exactly is it?

Grit Mindset Therapy | Clinical Psychologist Specializing in ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression in Mountain View, CA | Munn Saechao, PsyD, LCSW, PPSC

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One of the things I enjoy teaching and talking about is self-care and how to help parents, professionals, and mental health providers to develop a healthier understanding and application of self-care.

I’ve been studying psychology and social work for 15 years and have worked in the mental health field for 11 years and I’m still trying to figure out how to live a life centered around “self-care.” It would be nice if all my meals were balanced and healthy, I practiced daily meditation and exercised for 30-60 minutes, I slept 8 hours a night and consumed 64 ounces of water a day. These self-care activities all sound good but they’re not practical, not in my life at least. Particularly when we are inundated with external demands, social expectations, and have student loans to pay off to say the least, it’s quite easy to allow “self-care” to fall to the wayside. Setting boundaries can be one way to protect your energy and make self-care feel more realistic instead of impossible.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, starting with one small, manageable step can be more supportive than trying to overhaul your entire routine. I’ve come to learn overtime that self-care is about acknowledging where I’m at and being kind to myself. Therapy for adults can help you understand what self-care actually needs to look like in your current season of life, especially when stress, anxiety, or burnout are present.

While we all can develop healthier habits, which would behoove us in general, what’s most important is having a healthy relationship with oneself by tuning into our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and responding to those innermost needs. While running is a significant part of my life, I’m not always able to run 60 minutes a day, sometimes it’s only 20 minutes a day because it’s all I can do given my daily agenda. My inner critic then tells me, “Why didn’t you run 30 minutes?” My rational mind responds with, “20 minutes is better than nothing; at least I got a run in.”

If you walk away with something from this post, I hope it’s around shifting the meaning of self-care, and that is, being more self-compassionate. I encourage you today to be kind to yourself. For adults who feel stuck in self-criticism, overwhelm, anxiety, or burnout, adult therapy can provide support in building self-care that feels compassionate and sustainable. For parents, modeling self-compassion can also support resilience in children by showing them that rest, flexibility, and emotional care matter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does self-care support emotional resilience?

Self-care supports emotional resilience by helping you rest, regulate your nervous system, and return to daily life with more steadiness.

Can therapy help me create self-care that actually works?

Yes. Therapy can help you identify what drains you, what restores you, and how to build realistic practices that fit your life.

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Grit Mindset Therapy | Clinical Psychologist Specializing in ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression in Mountain View, CA | Munn Saechao, PsyD, LCSW, PPSC

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. If you are experiencing distress or need help, please consult with a licensed clinician, go to your nearest emergency room, or call emergency services.