August

What does self-care really look like?    

When I’m foraging, I lose myself in the moment. The simple act of noticing colours, reaching carefully between the thorns, and tasting the sweetness of a berry brings me back to the present. It’s grounding, it’s mindful, and it replenishes me so I can hold space for others. That’s what self-care can look like, it doesn’t have to be something polished or perfect or expensive, but something that meets us where we are.

Don’t just take my word for the benefits of getting outdoors, research shows that spending time in nature improves mood, reduces anxiety, and helps us recover from stress. Even just 15 minutes outside walking, breathing, and noticing the little things can give our minds the chance to reset. In fact, studies have found that visiting green spaces has saved the NHS millions in mental health support costs each year.

So when we talk about self-care, it isn’t about ticking off a list of things we “should” be doing. It’s about asking: what helps me feel calm, steady, and more like myself? For some, that might be a bath or a book. For others, a walk, time with loved ones, or a creative activity. For me, in this season, it’s gathering blackberries and slowing down enough to taste life’s small sweetness.

If you’re wondering where to start, try stepping outside today, even for a few minutes. Notice the changing season, what you see, hear, and feel. Let yourself be in that moment. That, too, is self-care.