MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal well-being by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.

When you hear the word self-care, what comes to mind?

A bubble bath, maybe with a fancy candle? A massage or trip to the nail bar?

While those things can be lovely, self-care is about a lot more than pampering – it’s about taking care of your whole self in ways that help you thrive, not just survive.

True self-care is often more practical, and less glamorous (and costly), than you might think. It could be going for a brisk walk even when you don’t feel like it, because you know it clears your head and lifts your mood.

Or finally tackling that overflowing junk drawer, because decluttering your space gives you more mental space, too.

Quality time with people who lift you up, sharing a laugh, or just having a conversation over a cuppa, is important for everyone, even those who enjoy being alone – us humans are wired to be part of a community.

Taking time alone to relax, recharge, and just be is also a must, even if you absolutely love being around people!

Don’t forget the basics. Getting enough sleep, drinking water, moving your body regularly, preparing and eating a delicious, nutritious meal – all of these daily actions make a big difference to your wellbeing.

Sometimes, self-care means doing the hard things: setting boundaries, saying no, or asking for help when you need it.

Managing your time and energy is necessary, even if it’s not always comfortable.

So next time you think about self-care, try broadening the picture.

It’s not just about treats (although they’re nice!), it’s about actions that support your physical, mental, and emotional health, in sustainable ways every day, so you can show up for life as your best self.

• www.michellekeenan.com