At the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health (TIEMH), we see self-care as a vital component of our overall health and well-being. The National Institute of Mental Health describes self-care as taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health.
This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
We recently asked our team to share what self-care means to them—here’s what they had to say. We hope their responses inspire you to pause and reflect on what hobbies or pastimes bring you the most joy.
What are some ways that you practice self-care in your life?
Nivedhitha Parthasarathy (Nivi), Ph.D., MPH
Research Associate
“The most important practice that has consistently worked for me is setting boundaries. Other than that, recently I have been working out every day, writing gratitude notes, and gardening as part of my self-care routine.”
Mckenzie Bentley
Digital Media Specialist
“As someone who works at a desk and spends most of the day on a computer, I’ve found it really important to find time to unplug from screens and social media. One of my favorite ways to do that is by getting outside with my dogs. I love taking them to the dog park in the evenings, especially around sunset. It’s a peaceful way to unwind and reconnect with the world around me.
I also prioritize doing activities that are hands-on. Whether it’s exercising or getting creative with arts and crafts like painting and scrapbooking, using my hands helps me feel more grounded and balanced. These moments away from the digital world are essential for my well-being.”
Holly Gursslin Beseda, M.Ed, NCC, LPC
Senior Project Coordinator
“I hug. I give myself permission to linger just a little longer in an embrace—to share and receive presence in its simplest, most human form. I take those extra seconds to hold someone I care about, not just for them, but for me too.
I teach my children that hugs help them regulate their emotions, that they’re always welcome in my arms, no matter the reason or time. I remind adults that a hug can be a soft pause in the chaos—a moment to feel, to breathe, to connect.
Through this practice, I care for others and myself. Because hugs don’t just offer comfort—they return it. In giving, I receive.”
Juli Earley, LMSW
Research Associate
“To me, self-care is about finding the areas in my life where I can and need to grow. In the day-in and day-out of life, I find that I adopt habits that need to shift. As I near the age of 50, I am thinking about my longevity and my vitality. I am looking at ways I need to grow my mind, ensure my body is healthy, assure sustainability of my home and finances, and connect to my community.
Working in this field where Recovery is a prime tenet, I find that I sometimes need to implement Recovery in my own life. To me, Recovery is about learning new ways to be and growing into those new ways. My Recovery (self-care) process is continual reflection, planning, and acting. My tools are journals, incense, and time with nature.”
Natalie Fikac, Ed.D.
Senior Administrative Program Coordinator
“I spend time in nature, disconnect from technology, meditate, and practice gratitude.”
How are you practicing self-care this week?
Thanks to Nivi, McKenzie, Holly, Juli, and Natalie for sharing their self-care practices. Life can feel incredibly fast-paced, stressful, and demanding at times. If you’re having trouble establishing a self-care routine, start with something small.
Try adding a 5-minute walk to your day. Spend a little less time on your phone before going to bed. Drink one more glass of water per day. Slowly but surely, you’ll establish a set of practices in your routine.
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