5 Self-Care Practices That Are Helping Me on My Healing Journey

Hey, loves! It’s The Not So Common Gal here, and today I want to talk about the self-care practices that have been crucial to my healing journey. If you’ve been following me, you know the last few years have been challenging, from personal loss and divorce to moments where my mental health was hanging by a thread. I’m not out of the woods yet—there are still hurdles to cross—but these five tools have helped me find my way out of the darkness of depression and into the light of hope and happiness. I’m still on this journey, and I want to share what’s been working for me in the hopes that it might help you, too.

1. Therapy: The Gift of Being Heard

Therapy has been the foundation of my healing. Sometimes, all we need is someone to truly listen, and for me, having a therapist has been a lifeline. It’s not just about venting—it’s about processing my emotions, understanding my patterns, and learning healthier ways to cope. Therapy helped me see that I deserve to be here, just as I am, with all my struggles and imperfections. It’s not a magic fix, but having a professional guide me through the tough emotions has made all the difference in the world.

2. Meditating: Easing My Anxiety, One Breath at a Time

Anxiety has been a constant companion for me, and it often felt like my mind was a hamster wheel of worries I couldn’t get off. That’s where meditation has been life-changing. At first, I struggled with the idea of sitting still—what good could that do? But over time, I learned that meditation isn’t about shutting off your thoughts; it’s about learning to observe them without judgment. Now, when anxiety starts to spiral, I can breathe through it. I’m far from mastering it, but meditation has given me a tool to ground myself, especially in moments when I feel overwhelmed.

3. Writing Affirmations: Speaking Life Into Existence

I used to be my own worst critic, constantly tearing myself down. But that changed when I started writing affirmations every morning. Simple phrases like "I am enough" or "I am capable of handling anything that comes my way" felt awkward at first, but slowly they began to sink in. These affirmations have become a daily practice that helps me shift my mindset, reminding me that I am worthy, no matter what the day throws at me. It’s a practice that helps me hold onto hope when everything else feels uncertain.

4. Creating a Vision Board: Reconnecting with My Artistic Side

Reconnecting with my creativity has been a huge part of my healing. It started with my vision board, which became more than just a collage of dreams—it was a visual reminder of the life I want to create. As I began putting together images and words that represented my goals, I felt a spark of joy I hadn’t felt in a long time. That reconnection to my artistic side didn’t stop there. I’ve since taken up knitting, which has become a new outlet for me to express myself. Whether it's adding to my vision board or working on a knitting project, these creative pursuits remind me that healing is an art form, and I’m allowed to take my time with it.

5. Hiking: Grounding Myself in Nature

Nature has a way of reminding us that we are part of something much bigger. Hiking has become my escape when I need to clear my head and reconnect with the present moment. Whether it's a local trail or a weekend getaway into the mountains, being outdoors has helped me let go of the noise and find some inner peace. With every step I take, I’m reminded that healing is a journey, not a destination. It’s in the moments when I feel most lost that I find myself again, grounded by the earth and my own two feet.

I’m still on this journey, and I know there are days ahead that will be tough. But these five practices—therapy, meditation, affirmations, creative expression, and nature—are the tools that have helped me move forward. They’ve grounded me when I felt lost and brought me moments of peace in the chaos. I’m not fully healed yet, but I’m getting there, one day at a time.

If you’re struggling, I hope you’ll find what works for you. You’re not alone in this, and you deserve to heal, just like I do.

With love,
The Not So Common Gal