When it comes to self-care, there’s no universal formula that fits everyone. At its core, self-care is the intentional practice of taking time and actions to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s about tuning in to your needs—whether that means setting boundaries to protect your energy, engaging in activities that bring you joy, or simply allowing yourself moments of rest and reflection. Self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent; it’s an essential foundation for overall well-being and resilience.

As a therapist, I’ve seen firsthand that the most meaningful and sustainable wellness practices come from discovering what truly resonates with you—your personality, your lifestyle, and your needs. When self-care aligns with who you are, it becomes less of a chore and more of a natural, nourishing part of your life.

To make it a bit more lighthearted, I’ve come up with five “wellness personalities” to help you discover your go-to style for feeling your best. These different categories are designed to help you reflect on your natural self-care preferences and identify the kinds of activities that help you feel more balanced and energized.

Take a few moments to read through each one and see which resonates with you—or maybe you’ll find that you relate to a mix. The goal is to inspire you to approach self-care in a way that feels authentic and personal.

1. The Creative Calmer

*Photo by* *Mathilde Langevin* on *Unsplash*

You thrive on self-expression and need space to decompress.

Loves: Journaling, painting, curating music playlists, DIY anything
Struggles with: Structure and following rigid routines
Try this: Set aside 30 minutes each week to create with zero expectations. Whether it’s writing poetry, sketching, or building Pinterest boards, the goal is to express, not impress.
Set aside 30 minutes a few times a week for creative projects—whether it’s writing in a journal, doodling, or building Pinterest boards. Don’t aim for perfection; the goal is to express yourself, not to impress anybody else.

2. The Nature Nurturer

Outdoors is your therapy.

Loves: Forest walks, beach days, gardening, hiking
Struggles with: Being indoors for too long or too much screen time
Try this: Combine your love for nature with mindfulness. Try a mindful walk in a park (no phone!), tend to a plant, or sit outside and journal. Even a few minutes outside can recharge you.

3. The Active Aligner

You regulate emotions best through physical activity.

Loves: Dance, yoga, running, hiking, spontaneous kitchen workouts
Struggles with: Stillness or slowing down
Try this: Mix movement with mindfulness. Think walking meditations, yoga flow with a calming playlist, or stretching as part of your bedtime routine.

4. The Mindful Minimalist

Less is more in your world.

Loves: Decluttering, slow mornings, minimal decor, intentional rituals
Struggles with: Overcommitment, sensory overload
Try this: Choose 3 small non-negotiable daily habits that support your well-being, like a morning tea ritual, 5 minutes of deep breathing, or a digital detox before bedtime. Keep your environment tidy and avoid multitasking to stay focused and calm.

5. The Social Soother

Connection fuels your wellbeing.

Loves: Heartfelt convos, group workouts, friend check-ins, shared meals
Struggles with: Isolation or too much solo time
Try this: Schedule regular check-ins with a friend or family member, join a group class or club, or even send a voice note to someone to share how you’re doing. Small moments of connection can have a big impact.

So, What’s Your Type?

Maybe you’re one type, or a blend of a few, or perhaps you find that you move between them depending on the day or season of life. This list is meant to be a gentle prompt to help you nnotice what kinds of self-care feel most natural and nourishing to you.

As you explore your unique style, consider the four pillars of self-care as a helpful guide: setting healthy boundaries to protect your energy, allowing yourself rest without guilt, making intentional choices that align with your values, and finding pleasure in the little moments that bring you joy. When your self-care honors these pillars, it becomes a sustainable and fulfilling practice that supports your whole wellbeing.

When you choose self-care that resonates with you, it’s less about obligation and more about genuine care. There’s no right or wrong way to care for yourself—only what feels authentic and kind to you. Remember, self-care evolves as you do, so give yourself space to explore and adapt.

Which Self-Care Personality Are You?