Self-Care Ideas in Austin, Texas
The other day I posted on my social media about how I ended up having a “mental health day”. I didn’t plan in advance for it to be a mental health day, but all of my plans ended up falling under the category of self-care. It was exactly what I needed and left me feeling restored, grounded, and more present. It also reminded me of the importance of being intentional with how I structure my weekends so that I’m not just operating on autopilot or left feeling depleted afterwards. My day of self-care consisted of a yoga class, connecting with therapist friends over coffee, getting a massage, and dinner to catch up with a long-term friend.
As a therapist, it’s pretty common for me to preach about self-care, and it’s definitely something I try to practice regularly. When practicing self-care, it’s important to have a balance in the following areas:
Physical self-care - examples of physical self care include taking a long bath, exercise, going on a walk, getting a massage or acupuncture, drinking enough water, etc. Anything that addresses your physical needs and tends to your body can fall under physical self-care.
Emotional self-care - self-care for your emotional needs can include journaling, talking to a therapist, socializing or processing your feelings with loved ones, listening to music, etc. Any way that helps you process and tend to your emotions can be considered emotional self-care.
Mental - mental self-care can be something that helps you tap into your creativity or intellectual side. This can include reading, learning something new, intellectually stimulating conversations, or even giving your mind a break.
Spiritual - I think of spiritual self-care as a connection to yourself or something “bigger” than you. This can include meditation, prayer (for those that are religious), yoga, mindful walks, etc. Anything that helps you develop a deeper connection to yourself, the world/universe, or others in a spiritual sense can be considered spiritual self-care.
After being in Austin for about a year now, I’ve discovered some self-care routines and practices that I’ve really enjoyed. These are just some ideas that have worked really well for me, and it’s important to find what works best for you when it comes to your self-care routine.
Self-Care Ideas in Austin
Get a massage
Not a unique idea I know, but getting a massage never fails to give me a “reset”. If you struggle with anxiety or stress, it’s likely that you carry a lot of that tension in your body (mine is always held in my neck and shoulders). Our bodies hold onto our emotions, and we need some way to release that physically. I don’t get massages very often (maybe once or twice a year), but when I do, I have loved the milk and honey spa in Austin. It’s definitely a treat, but one that is well worth it. Some people also rave about acupuncture, which I’ve only recently started to incorporate. I’ve been going to Neighborhood Project Acupuncture and so far, have been very impressed.
2. Go to a yoga class
Going to yoga more frequently was one of my intentions for the new year, and I’ve found that going at least once a week really helps me feel more grounded and mindful. I love Black Swan Yoga studio, but there are plenty of other yoga studios all around Austin to check out. If yoga isn’t for you, there are plenty of other exercise classes in Austin (I love solidcore, corepower yoga, motiv fitness, and urban lagree to name a few).
3. Take a book to zilker park or barton springs
One of my favorite things about living in Austin is the amount of outdoor space we have here. I love to take my dog to Zilker Park with a blanket and my kindle (even better at sunset), or head to barton springs for an afternoon of swimming, reading, and relaxing (especially when it’s hot during the summertime). It can also be a great way to catch up with friends while being outdoors.
4. connect with a friend over dinner
When thinking about self-care, socializing and connecting with others is so important to our mental health. With loneliness being at an all time high, we need social interaction with others regularly. I try to make it a priority to connect with friends, family, and colleagues frequently, and hold myself accountable by making reservations in advance to have on my calendar. There are so many great restaurants in Austin that require a reservation in advance, so this is also a great way to be able to check out some of the best spots.
5. Hike around the greenbelt or go paddle boarding
If the weather is nice, a hike around the greenbelt or paddle boarding around lady bird lake is a great way to enjoy the outdoor scenery in Austin. One of the main reasons I moved to Austin (from Houston) was because of the outdoor space. Having access to more nature, trails, and a lake has definitely improved my quality of life and is one of the best ways to appreciate what Austin has to offer!
These are just a few ways I’ve practiced self-care and taken care of my mental health while living in Austin. And just a reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be about the “big” things — sometimes it’s as simple as enjoying your morning cup of coffee, simplifying your life, taking a break from social media, or phoning a friend.
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t need to be complicated; it can be as simple as taking just 30 minutes or an hour to do something that brings you joy or puts you at ease. Sometimes it might be intentionality around a whole day or even weekend, and other times it’s those subtle moments in your day where you give yourself permission to pause and slow down. Regardless, it’s about tending to what you need so you can feel restored afterwards.
Online Therapy in Austin, Houston, and throughout Texas
If you are looking for a therapist in Austin, Houston, or anywhere in Texas, feel free to explore my website to see if we might be a good fit to work together. My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and grounded in humanistic and existential philosophy. I work with young professional women navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, and life transitions.
Please note: this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for mental health therapy.
