Dear Self, Breathe.

Self-care has become such a buzzword that sometimes it feels like it’s all about face masks and bubble baths. And while I’ll never say no to a good skincare routine, I’ve learned that real self-care goes much deeper. It’s not just about feeling better in the moment—it’s about taking care of yourself in a way that truly supports your healing.

After going through one of the hardest periods in my life, I had to redefine what self-care meant for me. It wasn’t always pretty or easy. Sometimes it was as simple as getting out of bed and drinking water. Other times, it was showing up for myself even when I didn’t feel like it. Over time, I built a routine that helped me feel more grounded, more connected to myself, and, most importantly, more at peace.

Here are the self-care practices that actually made a difference in my healing journey:

1. Writing It Out: Journaling, Notes & Affirmations

I used to keep everything in my head—until I realized how heavy it was to carry it all. Writing became my way of letting go.

• Journaling helped me process emotions I didn’t even know I had. Some days, I wrote pages; other days, just a sentence or two.

• Notes on my phone became my safe space. I wrote down questions that haunted me, and whenever I found an answer, I went back and recorded it. It reminded me that clarity comes with time.

• Daily affirmations helped rewire my thoughts. I used to struggle with believing in them, but over time, the words I wrote became the beliefs I held.

2. Movement: Pilates, Yoga & Walks in Nature

I never thought movement would be such a big part of my healing, but it became my anchor.

• Pilates made me feel strong again, even on the days when I felt weak inside.

• Yoga taught me patience with my body and emotions. Some days, I flowed through poses effortlessly; other days, I just needed to sit in stillness.

• Nature walks helped clear my mind. Whether alone or with someone I trust, being outside reminded me that there’s life beyond my thoughts.

3. Finding Comfort in Hobbies

Filling my time with new hobbies wasn’t just a distraction—it was a way to reconnect with myself.

• Painting became my escape. It was one of the few moments where my mind went quiet.

• Blogging gave me a space to express myself and share my journey.

• Music was my therapy. Some songs made me cry, some made me feel seen, and some reminded me that healing isn’t linear.

4. Setting Boundaries & Protecting My Energy

This one was the hardest but the most necessary.

• I stepped away from things (and people) that triggered pain.

• I stopped forcing myself into spaces that didn’t feel safe.

• I learned that saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s self-care.

5. Leaning on the Right People

I’ve had trust issues since my breakup, but I knew isolating myself wouldn’t help.

• I let myself open up to friends who truly care.

• I made an effort to spend time with family, even when it felt easier to be alone.

• I worked with a therapist, even when it felt uncomfortable at first. Facing my pain head-on was hard, but it was necessary.

Final Thoughts

Self-care isn’t just about doing things that feel good—it’s about doing things that help you heal. Some days, that means meditating and journaling. Other days, it means resting and allowing yourself to simply be. The most important thing I’ve learned? Healing takes time, but every small act of self-care adds up.

If you’re going through a tough time, be gentle with yourself. Try different things. See what works for you. And remember—you’re not alone in this.

What are your go-to self-care practices? Let’s talk in the comments!