Nurturing the Nurturers – 8 Essential Self-care Tips for Natural Therapists

In the complementary therapies industry, practitioners dedicate themselves and their lives to enhancing the wellbeing of their clients. The desire to be of service is often placed above their own their own. However, to offer the best care and maintain a thriving natural therapy practice, therapists must prioritise their own self-care. Just as they advocate for holistic health and balance for their clients, embracing self-care practices is crucial for sustaining their own physical, mental and emotional health.

8 Essential Self-care Tips to Start Implementing Today

1. Create space. This will look different for everyone. You might be lucky enough to have a physical space in your home where you can go and be undisturbed to do whatever it is you’re craving at that time – it might even be your clinic or practice space. Or maybe this could be space in your week — a time during the week that everyone knows is “your time”. It could be as simple as selecting one evening a week where you create boundaries so that you’re not disturbed — an hour to run yourself a hot bath with bubbles and candles, to read a book in bed, attend a class or workshop, or catch up with some friends. Whatever this time looks like for you, own it. Explain how important it is for you to have this time for yourself and notice how you feel once you’ve had this space.
   
   
2. Meditate. There are so many different types of meditation out there. They won’t all work for you, so it’s important to explore different styles and see what suits you best. A walking meditation can be an easy way of bringing yourself into the present moment and begin to settle a busy mind. Focusing your attention on the soles of your feet moving on the ground beneath you, start to notice how the ground feels — you might be walking on hard concrete or soft grass. If you can be barefoot on a surface like grass or sand, this experience will be more grounding and perhaps easier to notice the feelings in your feet.
   
   
3. Tune in to the things that bring you joy. Take time to sit with what you really want to be doing. Tune into the situations that lift you higher, that make you happy, that fill your cup. Say no to the things that don’t and let them go quickly.
   
   
4. Move your body and breathe. Regular exercise releases endorphins so it’s crucial you make time to move your body in a way that makes you feel good. Bend, stretch, dance and get the energy moving around your body. And don’t forget to breathe. It’s that simple. If in doubt, take a long, slow, deep breath through your nose and out of your mouth. Fill your belly with air then slowly release. The Dalai Lama says it takes three breaths to meditate. A few simple, conscious breaths can totally shift you from your mind into your body.
   
   
5. Sleep. The importance of a good night’s sleep is not breaking news. Most healthy adults need between seven and nine hours sleep per night, but for some people getting these hours in is easier said than done. Developing a nightly self-care sleep prep routine can work wonders. Start by enforcing a shutdown time for all devices — phones, laptops and TVs — at least one hour before bedtime. A night-time meditation can help slow down a whirring mind and essential oils such as lavender can help you feel relaxed, making it easier to fall into a slumber and wake feeling rested.
   
   
6. Read a book. Transport yourself to another world, indulge in someone else’s story or listen to an interview with your favourite star. Gifting yourself some time out of your own head and immersing yourself in a story not only is a way of giving your busy mind a break, it might even inspire you. As children, the stories we read help to develop our imagination and teach us important life lessons. As adults, they help us stay connected to stories across the world from other cultures. Fantasy, fiction and biographies can all bring a new perspective into our lives and the act of storytelling takes us somewhere else, even if only for a few hours.
   
   
7. Connect. Spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Connecting with friends increases oxytocin, which is sometimes referred to as the “bonding hormone”. Do you ever notice even when you’re not really in the mood that how seeing a close friend almost always makes you feel better? Even if the conversation doesn’t change the situation, sharing will almost certainly shift your mood. Spending time with loved ones helps with feelings of support and validation; we can create safe spaces for sharing and understanding.

8. Disconnect. Take time away from digital screens and the distractions of everyday life. Even just a few hours away from phone calls, emails, Instagram, Facebook, online shopping, Netflix. It is so important that we take time away from the stimulus created by the digital world. Too much exposure to technology can cause sleeping problems, fluctuate your moods, create low energy levels as well as affect your concentration. Switching off for a few hours, or even a full day if you can manage it and can clear space in your mind, making it easier to relax and find a sense of calm.

These self-care practices not only support personal wellbeing but also enhance professional effectiveness, helping therapists to stay centred, energised and deeply connected to their purpose. By integrating these self-care strategies into their routine, natural therapists can ensure they are operating at their best – both for themselves and their clients.

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Article written by: Kate Duncan, IICT

About the Author:

Kate is Head of Content and Marketing at IICT and has been a prominent voice in the wellness industry for over a decade. Kate’s experience as the editor of two Australian health and wellness magazines offers a wealth of insights into the natural health space, which she now shares with IICT. Kate has extensively studied Yoga, Ayurveda and Massage Therapy. When she’s not working, you’ll find Kate treasuring moments with her son, surfing one of Byron Bay’s beautiful breaks or spending time in nature with her family.