How Our Maryland Therapists Relieve Stress in Their Own Lives
This might be a surprise to some, but therapists also feel stressed out and need a breather sometimes. To learn more about how our team at LifeSpring takes care of their own mental health, I asked them to share their favorite ways to unwind and small daily rituals that help them reset after a long day. Here is what some of them had to say!
“What are your go to strategies for relieving stress in your own life?”
Stress is something that everyone goes through, even therapists! When we asked our LifeSpring clinicians about their go-to stress relief strategies, we saw a few common answers. Many of them mentioned the importance of movement and exercise, spending time in nature or with loved ones, exploring creative outlets, and intentional rest. Others found peace through mindfulness, journaling, prayers, or simply allowing themselves to slow down without feeling guilty. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to de-stress! Every therapist has their own small, meaningful habits that help them feel grounded again. Here is what they had to say.
“For me, the best stress relief usually comes from simple things like getting outside, moving my body, or just putting my phone down for a while. But the biggest help has been giving myself permission to rest without guilt.”
“Reading and more reading! Talking to my support system, specifically my very close friends always helps.”
“Making sure I balance my work with my personal life.”
“Sitting outside on my porch, taking a walk, spending time with my family, friends, and dogs.”
“Exercise/workout, being in nature, making art, allowing time for good sleep.”
David Cloutier, Masters-Level Counseling Intern
“I like to take some time every week to plan my week ahead. This way, I know that I can enjoy the fun or informal parts of my life without having to stress that I'll get everything done!”
Jackson Borchers, Masters-Level Counseling Intern
“Taking time off, balancing needs with family, work, and hobbies/interests, time to myself, doing something just for fun, and sweet treats!”
“Lots of breathing, making sure I don't overcommit myself to things, sitting on my porch, prayer, prioritizing sleep, and play.”
“I love listening to music that matches my mood, especially with lyrics that resonate with what I'm going through at the moment. I also really enjoy journaling and writing out my thoughts so that I can get them out of my head and reflect back on the words I'm using and the feelings I have. Also, rewatching some of my favorite television shows helps me immerse myself and distract from some of the negativity that can persist with particularly difficult stress.”
“Exercising, listening to music, talking to friends or family, hugs from friends or family, playing with my nieces and nephews.”
“I like to go to the gym everyday to ease stress and decompress for the day.”
“What is one small daily habit or ritual that helps you reset after a stressful day?”
When asked about their small daily rituals that help them unwind, our therapists shared simple but meaningful habits. Many of our clinicians focused on mind-body relaxation, such as deep breathing, guided meditation, or body scans before bed. Others have end of day rituals, such as washing their face, taking a shower, and packing up their workspace to symbolically “close out” the day. A few clinicians mentioned spiritual and sensory practices, such as evening prayer, or listening to music. Having moments of rest and connection like going on evening walks or spending time with pets is a reminder that self-care doesn’t need to be complicated, just intentional. Here is what they had to say.
“I listen to a guided body scan (which is a mindfulness practice where you gently bring awareness to each part of your body) before bed, sometimes I fall asleep before it ends because I am so relaxed!”
“Prayer at the end of the day allows for reflection.”
“Deep breathing with intention for a few minutes.”
“Taking a shower to metaphorically ‘wash away’ the stress from the day to allow for greater mindfulness and intention after the work day.”
“Being outside under trees.”
David Cloutier, Masters-Level Counseling Intern
“Listening to music while I brush my teeth and get ready for bed. It helps me escape for a moment and enjoy something different.”
Jackson Borchers, Masters-Level Counseling Intern
“Packing up my work space each day. Sounds silly but closing and putting away my laptop after each day helps me start the next day fresh!”
“My evening self-care routine! It's very rare that I ever miss a day of evening self-care (which consists of oral hygiene, taking my vitamins, skin care, and devotions), and it always helps me feel a little better after a long day.”
“I always wash my face at the end of the day just before bed to physically and mentally ‘cleanse’ myself of any bad thoughts and give myself a refresh before my head hits the pillow.”
“Sticking to my sleep hygiene.”
“Taking a good 10 minute walk at night.”
Hearing about how our therapists care for their own well-being reminds us that managing stress doesn’t require a complex, multi-layered solution, but it is often found in the small and consistent moments where we allow ourselves to pause, breathe, and rest. Whether you take a quiet walk, journal, or end the day with a mindful ritual, these simple practices can help build resilience and balance on days that feel unbalanced.
At LifeSpring, we hope these insights into what our clinicians do inspire you to explore what brings you calm and we hope we were able to remind you that caring for your mental health is an everyday practice, not a luxury.
Are you a Maryland-based mental health provider who loves doing therapy?
Want to learn more about work life here at LifeSpring Counseling Services?
Check out our Full-Time Therapy positions for Licensed Counselors and Social Workers
Also check out our 3-year residency program for new graduates and newly licensed LGPCs and LMSWs
Are you a Maryland resident looking to start online or in-person therapy?
If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting as a specialized service, and Brainspotting can be done online, too!
Here’s how you can get started! Online and in-person counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and grief and loss aren’t the only services offered at our Maryland office.
The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
Written by: Rictika Dhakal, Towson University Undergraduate Intern, with inspiration from our therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services in Maryland.
