Taking Care of Ourselves, Together: The Power of Self-Care and Collective Care

In life’s demands—work, family, social responsibilities—it’s easy to forget the importance of caring for ourselves. Self-care has become a buzzword, often associated with spa days or solo retreats. While those moments of rest can be valuable, self-care is much more than a treat—it’s an act of survival, resistance, and healing.

But we don’t live in isolation. Just as tending to our own needs is essential, so is caring for one another. That’s where collective care comes in.

Taking Care of Ourselves, Together: The Power of Self-Care and Collective Care - AE Therapy, Angelica Esposito | EMDR Burlington

What is Self-Care, Really?

Self-care is the ongoing practice of recognizing and honouring our own emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. It might look like setting boundaries, seeking therapy, taking a break when overwhelmed, saying no without guilt, or simply allowing yourself to rest. For some, it’s carving out a quiet moment in the day. For others, it’s connecting with joy, movement, or meaning.

Especially for those of us navigating systems of oppression or carrying intergenerational wounds, self-care is not indulgent—it’s essential. It’s how we preserve our energy, reclaim our worth, and show up for life with presence.

The Role of Collective Care

While self-care is personal, collective care is relational. It’s the recognition that our well-being is interconnected. It happens when we check in on a friend, advocate for a colleague, cook a meal for a neighbour, or offer to listen without fixing. Collective care asks: How can we support each other, especially when one of us is struggling?

This care is often practiced in marginalized communities out of necessity—but it’s something we can all intentionally cultivate.

In a world that often pushes individualism, collective care reminds us that healing can be communal. That we don’t have to go through things alone. That leaning on others—and being leaned on—is part of what makes us human.

Bridging the Two

Self-care and collective care aren’t opposites—they strengthen each other. When we tend to ourselves, we have more capacity to show up for others. And when we’re held by our communities, it becomes easier to rest, heal, and grow.

As a therapist, I often witness how transformative it can be when someone realizes they are not a burden, but rather a part of a system of mutual support. I also see how hard it can be to reach out. That’s why I encourage clients to take small steps: ask for help, offer help, and notice how that exchange feels.

A Gentle Invitation

Whether you’re navigating stress, healing from trauma, or simply trying to get through the week, know that caring for yourself is valid, and caring for others matters too.

So today, ask yourself:

• What do I need in this moment?

• Who can I lean on?

• Who might need me to check in?

Together, we can create spaces—big or small—where care flows both ways.