Unique Self-Care Ideas for After Therapy & Between Sessions

IntroductionTherapy sessions can be an exhausting experience. Sometimes an intense therapy session can really take its toll on us, both mentally and...

Coping Skills
June 26, 2025

Introduction

Therapy sessions can be an exhausting experience. Sometimes an intense therapy session can really take its toll on us, both mentally and physically. That's why it's important to practice self-care after a therapy session and in between sessions to help you recharge and maintain your mental well-being. Practicing effective self-care after therapy sessions is an important skill to develop. Here are some ideas for self-care activities that you can incorporate into your routine.

1). Create a Sensory Box

Assemble a box filled with items that engage all five senses, such as scented candles, textured fabrics, a playlist of favorite songs, flavorful snacks, and visually soothing images.

  • Scented candles
  • Textured fabrics
  • Playlist of favorite songs
  • Flavorful snacks
  • Visually soothing images

Use this box whenever you need grounding or comfort.

2). Compose Personal Mantras

Write personalized, positive affirmations or mantras on index cards.

  • "I am strong and capable"
  • "This too shall pass"
  • "I deserve peace and happiness"

Keep them in a small notebook or jar, and read them to yourself during moments of stress or self-doubt.


3). Design a Vision Board

Gather magazines, photos, and other visual materials to create a vision board that represents your goals and aspirations.

  • Magazine cutouts
  • Photos
  • Inspirational quotes

Place it somewhere you can see daily to keep you motivated and focused.

4). Set Up a "Calm Corner"

Designate a small space in your home as a retreat corner. Decorate it with calming colors, comfortable seating, plants, and objects that bring you peace.

  • Calming colors
  • Comfortable seating
  • Plants
  • Objects that bring you peace

Use this space for meditation, reading, or simply unwinding.

5). Engage in Creative Journaling

Instead of writing, use drawing, painting, or collages to express your thoughts and emotions.

  • Sketch your feelings
  • Paint abstract art
  • Create a collage of inspiring images

This can be a therapeutic way to explore feelings without the constraints of words.

6). Practice Mindful Cooking

Choose recipes that require focus and attention.

  • Try a new recipe
  • Focus on each step and ingredient
  • Enjoy the process and the meal

The process of cooking can become a meditative activity, helping you stay present while creating something nourishing.

7). Digital Detox Day

Schedule a regular day where you unplug from all digital devices.

  • Go for a hike
  • Read physical books
  • Spend time gardening

Use this time to connect with nature, read physical books, or engage in hobbies that don't involve screens.

8). DIY Aromatherapy

Create your own essential oil blends tailored to your current emotional needs.

  • Lavender for relaxation
  • Peppermint for energy
  • Chamomile for calmness

Use these blends in diffusers, bath salts, or personal roll-ons to enhance your mood and well-being.


9). Learn a New Craft

Take up a craft that you've never tried before, such as pottery, woodworking, or quilting.

  • Pottery
  • Woodworking
  • Quilting

The process of learning and creating something new can be incredibly fulfilling and distracting from daily stressors.

10). Build a Playlist for Different Moods

Curate several playlists specifically designed for different emotional states, such as relaxation, motivation, or sadness.

  • Relaxation playlist
  • Motivation playlist
  • Comfort playlist

Use these playlists to help manage your mood as needed.

11). Volunteer for a Cause You Believe In

Find a local organization or cause you are passionate about and dedicate some time to volunteer work.

  • Animal shelters
  • Community centers
  • Environmental groups

Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, easing your own struggles.

12). Plan a Solo Retreat

Once in a while, plan a solo retreat for yourself. This could be a weekend getaway to a nearby town or a camping trip.

  • Weekend getaway to a nearby town
  • Camping trip
  • Staycation with planned activities

Use this time to reflect, relax, and recharge away from your usual environment.

13). Personal Growth Workshops

Enroll in workshops or online courses that focus on personal growth areas such as resilience, creativity, or emotional intelligence.

  • Resilience workshops
  • Creativity classes
  • Emotional intelligence courses

This can provide new tools and insights to support your therapeutic journey.

14). Create a "Joy Jar"

Whenever something good happens or you feel grateful, write it down on a slip of paper and place it in a jar.

  • "Got a compliment from a friend"
  • "Finished a challenging project"
  • "Enjoyed a beautiful sunset"

When feeling low, read through the notes to remind yourself of positive experiences and feelings. Implementing some of these unique self-care practices into your post-therapy routine can enhance your therapeutic process and help manage therapy hangovers. Continue working on finding what works best for you. It could be a relaxing activity like mindful cooking or a grounding practice like using a sensory box. You can support your nervous system and maintain the benefits of your therapy sessions.

Conclusion

Taking care of yourself between therapy sessions is crucial for maintaining progress and managing any lingering effects of an intense session or a difficult therapy session. Whether you're dealing with childhood trauma or simply feeling the aftermath of a tough session, these self-care ideas can help you stay grounded and focused on the present moment. Creating a sensory box, practicing deep breathing, and setting up a calm corner in your therapy room are all excellent ways to find comfort and peace. Spending a few moments each day engaging in these activities can make a significant difference as you prepare for your next session at your therapist's office. If you are seeking therapy in Colorado, Overcomers Counseling is here for you. Learn more about our therapy for grief in Colorado Springs.

Author

Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions

Questions about Coping Skills

How long does a life coaching engagement typically last?

The length of a life coaching engagement varies depending on the needs and goals of the client.

Some clients may only need a few sessions to achieve their desired outcome, while others may benefit from longer-term, ongoing coaching.

What is a life coaching course?

A life coaching course is an online program that helps individuals achieve their personal and professional goals through structured guidance and advice. It offers tools and strategies to help you identify areas of improvement, set clear objectives, and build a personalized plan for success.

When should I seek professional help for my emotional overwhelm?

If your feelings of emotional overwhelm persist despite your efforts to cope, or if they begin to negatively impact your daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health professional such as a therapist or counselor.

Potential Consequences if Someone Doesn't Address Their Emotional Overwhelm

  • Increased risk of mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression
  • Strained relationships due to poor emotional regulation and communication
  • Reduced productivity and job satisfaction as a result of chronic stress
  • Lower overall well-being and life satisfaction

How can I alter a situation to cope with stress?

A very common source of stress, fear, and anxiety is when a person feels like they can do nothing to improve a situation. While some situations simply cannot be changed, others can, so in these situations, be willing to compromise, manage your time better, and express your feelings to others instead of holding them in.

Do I need prior experience in order to take a life coaching course?

No prior experience is required in order to take part in a life coaching course offered by Overcome With Us. All courses are designed for beginners or those looking for refresher courses that focus on different aspects of personal growth and development.

How can I manage my time more effectively to reduce emotional overwhelm?

Prioritize your tasks by importance and deadline, break large projects into smaller steps, and create a realistic daily schedule that includes time for self-care and relaxation. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help when needed.

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