When most people hear “self-care,” they think of bubble baths, face masks, or maybe treating themselves to a latte. While those things can be enjoyable, real self-care goes deeper. It’s about creating a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside.
In this post, we’ll explore the 7 pillars of self-care—a well-rounded way to support your body, mind, and spirit. These pillars aren’t fancy or complicated. They’re simple, doable, and powerful. Let’s dive in.
1. Physical Self-Care: Take Care of Your Body
This is the most obvious kind of self-care, but it’s often overlooked. Physical self-care means taking care of your body so it can take care of you.
Some basics:
- Move your body regularly. Walking, stretching, dancing in your kitchen—it all counts.
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7–9 hours a night.
- Eat foods that fuel you. You don’t need to be perfect—just aim for balance.
- Stay hydrated. Water matters more than we think.
- Keep up with medical care. Go to your checkups and take your medications if prescribed.
Caring for your physical health helps you feel stronger, more energized, and more grounded.
2. Emotional Self-Care: Check In with Your Feelings
We all experience stress, sadness, frustration, and joy. Emotional self-care means giving yourself permission to feel and process those emotions, not stuff them down.
Here are a few ways to practice it:
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Journal your thoughts.
- Say no when you need to.
- Cry if you need to. Laugh as often as you can.
- Seek professional help when emotions feel too heavy to carry alone.
Making space for your emotions isn’t weak—it’s human. And healthy.
3. Mental Self-Care: Stimulate Your Mind
Your brain needs care, too. Mental self-care includes anything that helps you grow, focus, and feel mentally strong.
Try this:
- Read a book or listen to an audiobook.
- Learn something new—maybe a hobby or a skill.
- Take breaks from screens and social media.
- Organize your space or create a to-do list to ease mental clutter.
Giving your brain something positive to chew on helps reduce stress and sharpen your thinking.
4. Spiritual Self-Care: Connect to Something Greater
You don’t need to be religious to practice spiritual self-care. This pillar is about feeling connected—to nature, to your values, or to a higher purpose.
Ways to practice:
- Spend time in nature.
- Meditate or pray.
- Reflect on your values.
- Read something inspiring.
- Practice gratitude.
Spiritual self-care gives you perspective, peace, and a deeper sense of meaning in your life.
5. Social Self-Care: Build Healthy Relationships
Humans are social beings. We all need connection—even if we also enjoy alone time. Social self-care is about spending time with people who lift you up.
Here’s what it might look like:
- Schedule a coffee date or phone call with a friend.
- Join a club, group, or community (online or in person).
- Set boundaries with people who drain you.
- Ask for help when you need it.
Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can change everything.
6. Practical Self-Care: Take Care of Daily Life
This one often gets ignored in self-care lists, but it matters. Practical self-care includes the everyday things that reduce stress and make your life run more smoothly.
Examples:
- Pay your bills on time.
- Keep your home relatively tidy.
- Meal prep to save time and energy during the week.
- Stay on top of appointments and errands.
When your basic needs are met and your life feels organized, you can breathe easier.
7. Recreational Self-Care: Make Time for Fun
Last but definitely not least—fun. Joy is not a luxury. It’s a need.
Recreational self-care means doing things simply because they bring you happiness. Not because they’re productive. Not because you “should.” Just because they make you smile.
Ideas:
- Watch your favorite show guilt-free.
- Go on a weekend adventure.
- Try a craft or creative hobby.
- Play a game. Dance in your living room.
Play is essential. It helps you relax, recharge, and remember who you are.
Self-Care is Not Selfish
Taking care of yourself isn’t about being selfish—it’s about being whole. When you tend to all seven pillars of self-care, you feel more balanced, more alive, and more capable of handling whatever life throws your way.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Just start with one small step today. Maybe drink a little more water. Call a friend. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier. Each small act of care adds up.
You deserve to feel well. You deserve to feel whole. And it starts by making self-care a regular part of your life—not just something you squeeze in when you’re already burned out.
Suzanne Horrocks 