Self-Care Sunday: A Simple Guide for National Self-Care Month

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In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

✅ What self care means and what it is not

✅ How to build a Self-Care Sunday routine step by step

✅ Why self-care is important for mental health

✅ How Self-Care Sunday connects to National Self-Care Month in September

🌱 What Self-Care Really Is and What It’s Not

• What self care means: Intentional practices that improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
• What self care is not: It’s not laziness, indulgence, or selfishness.
• What self care looks like: It could mean journaling, therapy, setting boundaries, or even resting when your body needs it.
• What self care should I do? The answer depends on your needs. Start small and be consistent.
• When self care becomes selfish: Self-care is not selfish.

However, it may become unhealthy if it consistently disregards the well-being of others. True self-care creates balance, giving you the energy to care for yourself and show up more fully for the people you love.

📝 How to Do Self-Care Sunday the simple way

Here’s a step-by-step way to make Self-Care Sunday meaningful. If you’re wondering what self care should I do, pick one thing from each part of the day and build from there.

1️⃣ Morning: Reset Your Energy

• Sleep in a little or wake up slow
• Drink water and stretch your body
• Write down one thing you’re grateful for

2️⃣ Midday: Nourish Your Body and Mind

• Enjoy a balanced meal or cook something comforting
• Take a walk in nature or do gentle yoga
• Journal or meditate for 10 minutes

3️⃣ Afternoon: Emotional Recharge

• Call a loved one or spend time with supportive people
• Set aside 30 minutes for a hobby (art, music, reading)
• Declutter a small space for a sense of calm

4️⃣ Evening: Prepare for the Week Ahead

• Plan or meal prep to reduce weekday stress
• Take a warm shower or bath
• Do a calming activity before bed: light reading, stretching, or deep breathing

What Is National Self-Care Month?

September is recognized as National Self-Care Month, a reminder to prioritize health and well-being. Many ask, who self care month? It’s a global health initiative that encourages people to understand, personalize, and practice self-care.

🧘 Which Self-Care Activities Can You Try?

If you’ve asked yourself what self care can I do? or which self care activities really matter? Here are a few ideas:

🧠 Mental self-care

Supports your focus, reduces stress, and keeps your thoughts balanced.

• Attend a therapy session or set aside time for self-reflection
• Practice affirmations to build confidence
• Try guided meditation or mindfulness apps
• Read or learn something new that stimulates your mind

🏃 Physical self-care

Keeps your body energized and directly supports your mental health.

• Go for a walk, hike, or stretch
• Try gentle yoga or a light workout
• Focus on balanced nutrition and hydration
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

💙 Emotional self-care

Helps you process feelings and stay connected to yourself and others.

• Journal your thoughts and emotions
• Write a gratitude list
• Spend time with a loved one or call a friend
• Watch a movie or read something that brings comfort

🕊️ Spiritual self-care

Offers calm, perspective, and meaning in your week.

• Meditate or practice deep breathing
• Spend quiet time outdoors in nature
• Pray or explore your personal faith
• Reflect on your values and what gives you peace

🎨 Creative self-care

Encourages joy, expression, and stress relief.

• Paint, draw, or doodle
• Play or listen to music
• Write stories, poetry, or journal creatively
• Cook or bake something new just for fun

Not sure where to start with self care? Begin with one daily ritual like a short walk, drinking more water, or five minutes of quiet breathing.

❌  ✅ Myths vs.Facts About Self-Care

• Myth 1: Self-care is selfish.
  ✅ Fact: Research shows self-care reduces stress, improves relationships, and allows you to care for others more effectively.

• Myth 2: Self-care means buying products.
  ✅ Fact: While candles and skincare can feel good, self-care is more about sustainable habits like rest, nutrition, and therapy.

• Myth 3: Self-care has to be big and time-consuming.
  ✅ Fact: Even five minutes of mindful breathing, stretching, or saying no to extra obligations counts.

• Myth 4: Everyone’s self-care should look the same.
  ✅ Fact: What works for one person may not work for another. Personalization is key.

❓ FAQs About Self-Care

• Is self-care selfish? No. Self-care may feel selfish at first, especially if you are used to prioritizing everyone else. But the truth is that taking care of yourself creates more energy, patience, and presence for your loved ones. This is why self care is not selfish and why self care isn’t selfish at all.

• Why do I feel guilty when practicing self-care? Many people experience guilt when they first start setting boundaries or making time for themselves. Remind yourself that rest and balance are essential, not luxuries. Try reframing guilt into gratitude: I am giving myself care so I can better support my health, relationships, and future.

• What if I don’t know where to start with self-care? Start small. Choose one thing that makes you feel calm or positive like drinking more water, getting fresh air, or writing in a journal. Over time, small practices add up to lasting change.
• When is self-care day or month celebrated? In September 

• When is national self care day? September 25 in the U.S.

• When is self care Sunday? Any Sunday you choose to dedicate to rest and balance.

• What self care activities should I do? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Think about which self care activities bring you peace, comfort, or energy. Experiment until you find a balance of physical, emotional, and mental practices that feel right.

• Where did self-care come from? Self-care began as a healthcare concept for patients managing chronic illness and stress. Over time, it’s expanded into a holistic approach to living well.

Small Self-Care That Makes a Big Impact

Self-care isn’t always about doing something big like booking a spa day or taking a week-long vacation. Often, it’s about increasing the small things you do for yourself each day that bring peace, calm, or a sense of positivity about yourself.

• Taking five deep breaths before starting work
• Drinking a glass of water when you wake up
• Writing down one thing you’re grateful for
• Stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air
• Saying no to something that drains your energy

These simple acts may seem small, but they build consistency, balance, and resilience which is exactly what self care looks like in daily life.

💡 Why Self-Care Matters

People often ask: why self care is important? or why self care matters? The truth is:

• Why self care is not selfish is that it protects your ability to be present for loved ones.
• Why self care is so important is because it prevents burnout and improves resilience.
• Why self care is important for mental health is because  it reduces anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.

How Therapy Can Support Self-Care

At Mountains Therapy, we help clients explore sustainable ways to practice self-care through approaches like:

• ACT in NJ (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Living by your values.
• CBT in NJ (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Reframing negative self-talk about rest and boundaries.
• DBT in NJ (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Building mindfulness and emotion regulation.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy in NJ: Grounding yourself in the present.
• Narrative Therapy in NJ: Writing a self-care story that feels authentic.

Happy Self-Care Sunday and Self-Care Month

Self-care is not about perfection or consumerism. It’s about showing up for yourself daily in meaningful ways. During National Self-Care Month, reflect on what self care activities support your well-being and which practices truly matter for your mental health. If you’re unsure which self care practices to prioritize, therapy can help you find clarity and balance. Reach out to Mountains Therapy today to build a personalized self-care plan that lasts.

Contact us to find the best therapist in NJ and the best counselor in NJ.