Self-care

How to Strategically Approach Self-Care

What is self-care?

Self-care is the proactive practice of maintaining and supporting both mental and physical well-being (CMHA, 2025). It involves intentionally engaging in activities that promote health and enhance overall well-being (CMHA, 2025). These activities can range from simple actions, such as going for a walk or getting to bed at a reasonable hour, to more intentional strategies, such as balancing work-life demands. 

Knowing where to begin with self-care can sometimes feel overwhelming. In honour of International Self-Care Day on July 24th, let's explore how to build a self-care routine that may support your overall health and well-being.

What to consider when starting self-care?

A helpful framework to consider when deciding where to start with self-care is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs suggests that people are naturally motivated to grow and seek positivity, but unmet needs can create barriers to that progress and happiness (Heffner, 2024). Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is often illustrated as a pyramid, with each level representing a category of human needs. The model proposes that more fundamental needs at the base of the pyramid should be met before individuals can effectively focus on higher-level needs related to personal growth and self-fulfillment (Heffner, 2024).

When considering what type of self-care would be most beneficial at any given time, it can be helpful to refer to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Start by working through each level of the hierarchy to identify where your unmet needs begin. Then, choose a self-care activity that supports meeting that specific need, helping you address the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

What does this look like in practice?

Physiological Self-Care Strategies:

• Go for a walk to get fresh air

• Get a water bottle to promote drinking water regularly

• Follow a new recipe to make cooking fun

• Reach out to a local support resource if you are experiencing hardship that impacts your access to basic needs!

Safety Needs:

• Book a doctor's appointment to explore health concerns

• Reach out to WorkBC or set a job application goal

• Pick one small space to clean; maybe one room or one shelf

Love and Belonging:

• Join a recreational sport

• Invite a friend or family member for a walk or coffee

• Attend a social group; Church, local parents group, study group or support group

Esteem:

• Journal

• Make an affirmation board

• Identify five things you are grateful for

Self-actualization: 

• Try a new hobby

• Explore continuing education and training

• Challenge yourself to do something out of your comfort zone safely - eat a meal without being on an electronic device or compliment a stranger

Remember, it is okay to ask for help when taking care of yourself. At any level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, counselling may support your self-care by providing emotional support, helping you develop coping strategies, connecting you with community resources, and assisting you in identifying and meeting your unmet needs.

Written by: Marina Mandziuk, RCC

Date: July 24, 2026

Resources:

Canadian Mental Health Association [CMHA]. (2025, July 8). Self-care simplified: Why it's essential and how to make it happen. https://cmha.ca/news/self-care-simplified-why-its-essential-and-how-to-make-it-happen/ 

Heffner, C. L. (2024). Modernizing maslow's hierarchy through the lens of self-care. AllPsych. https://allpsych.com/modernizing-maslows-hierarchy-through-the-lens-of-self-care/  

Disclaimer: Please note that the resources posted on this website do not substitute professional mental health services. The information posted is for educational purposes only.