Last year, on a sunny evening, two friends and I headed to the beach. We brought paint-by-numbers canvases (yes - don’t laugh), flasks of tea, and plenty of snacks. Painting is not my gift. But we sat overlooking the water, deep in conversation, watching the sun set, and chatting with passers-by who complimented our “masterpieces” - though I’m pretty sure they didn’t look closely enough to see the numbers.

It was simple. No fuss. Just creativity, connection, a bit of nature, and time to just be. And I left feeling so full!

That evening reminded me that self-care doesn’t have to be polished or planned. Sometimes the most refuelling moments are the quiet ones. The small things. The ones that help us slow down, reconnect, and feel more like ourselves again - whether that’s with others, or in our own company.

Life can be full, even when it’s filled with good things. Work, relationships, responsibilities - they all matter. But even the best things can drain us, bit by bit. If everything in your week is taking something from you and nothing is giving back, it’s no wonder if you start to feel stretched, flat, or just worn out.

Self-care isn’t about adding more to your to-do list. It might be five minutes in the morning before the rest of the house stirs. A short walk. A cuppa you don’t rush. Saying no to something that doesn’t sit right. Saying yes to something you’ve been putting off. Resting, without guilt - when you know you need it.

Sometimes self-care looks like holding a boundary. Other times, it’s softening one. It might be listening to music, stretching your body, laughing with someone who gets you, or simply being kind to yourself when the day didn’t go to plan.

We all have needs - emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual. That might mean needing rest, connection, quiet, meaning, or simply space to breathe. Paying attention to those needs isn’t self-indulgent or weak. It’s a wise and caring response to being human. You matter! And tending to yourself helps you keep showing up for the people and parts of life that matter most to you.

What could it look like this week to care for yourself in one small way?