There sure is a lot of buzz out there about self-care: what it is, why we should do it, and a host of ideas for self care practices. Some people find the idea to be cringy!

Self-care is so broad that it encompasses everything from the “treat-your-self” mentality of indulging and pampering yourself with luxury (think back to Parks and Rec), to the more recent holistic and natural approach of “digital detoxes” and reconnecting mind and body.

I decided to asked AI what some of the trending self-care practices are for 2025 and here’s what AI found:

“Key trending self-care practices in 2025 focus on a holistic and intentional approach to well-being, moving from reactive fixes to proactive routines. New trends incorporate technology, sustainability, and data-driven personalization to help individuals manage their mental and physical health.” Some examples of these trending self-care practices include:

• Limiting technology with digital minimalism & analog habits:
  • A digital minimalism approach involves using technology purposefully with practices such as removing distracting apps, silencing nonessential notifications, and creating tech-free periods during meals or before bed.
  • Analog habits include starting and ending your day with intention by replacing screen time with analog activities like journaling, meditation, or reading a physical book. 
• Using technology for more personalized wellness solutions:
  • Wearables, such as smart watches, integrate health monitoring sensors to track and improve long term health.
  • Using AI powered assistants to create personalized nutrition and health recommendations for individualized care.
• Holistic mental and emotional health strategies:
  • Preventative Wellness focuses on living better for longer, not just living longer. This includes being proactive about physical and mental health to prevent burnout and stress.
  • Mindful Movement focuses on the mind-body connection rather than just exercise goals and includes practices such as yoga, dance, or tai chi.
  • Holistic Routines such as journaling, breath-work and gratitude practices.

The reason self-care is heralded as so important is because it is a fundamental practice for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional health. It is not a selfish indulgence. Instead, self-care is a necessary habit that helps you manage daily stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience. It is on-going and preventative.

Taking care of yourself is not just for your benefit either. Prioritizing your well-being allows you to function at your best and better support those around you. It can increase your energy and emotional capacity, allowing you to be more present in your personal and professional relationships.

So, what if we viewed going to therapy as another kind of self-care practice?

What if collectively we celebrated therapy as a fundamental and essential part of maintaining mental and emotional health? What if, instead of the stigma that therapy means there’s something “wrong” with someone, we saw therapy as a sign someone was taking the necessary steps towards continuing their mental well-being?

Therapy isn’t a luxury. Therapy is an essential health care service and can be an critical component to someone’s health, growth and well-being. Therapy is a dedicated time and place for taking care of you. It is showing up for yourself, week after week.

If you are ready to begin prioritizing your mental and emotional health, schedule a free consultation to see if one of our clinicians could be a good fit for joining your network of self-care practices.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #therapy #selfcare #ampersandcounselingcollective #psychotherapy #counseling