Wellness & Self-Care Glossary
This glossary provides simple, non-medical explanations of common terms used in self-care and wellness contexts. These definitions are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical or professional advice.
Aromatherapy
The practice of using scents, typically from essential oils or other aromatic substances, to support relaxation and create a calming atmosphere. Aromatherapy focuses on the sensory experience and atmosphere creation rather than medical treatment.
Atmosphere
The overall feeling or mood of a space, created through elements like lighting, scents, textures, sounds, and temperature. In self-care contexts, creating a calming atmosphere helps support relaxation.
Bath Ritual
An intentional, repeated practice centered around taking a bath. Bath rituals are often associated with creating atmosphere, warmth, and a sense of sanctuary.
Breathwork
Intentional breathing practices that focus on the rhythm, depth, and pace of breath. Simple breathwork can help support relaxation and present-moment awareness.
Calm Corner
A designated space in your home set aside for moments of relaxation and quiet. A calm corner typically includes comfortable seating, soft lighting, and items that help create a peaceful atmosphere.
Diffuser
A device used to disperse scents into the air, typically using water and essential oils. Diffusers can help create a calming atmosphere through gentle aromatherapy.
Essential Oils
Concentrated aromatic extracts from plants. Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy and should be used with care, with attention to safety considerations for dilution and application.
Grounding
Practices that many people find help them feel more connected to the present moment and their physical surroundings. Grounding is often associated with noticing sensations and being present with what is already there.
Intention
A conscious purpose or focus for a practice or ritual. Setting an intention helps bring awareness and purpose to self-care activities.
Mindfulness
The practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity, without judgment. Mindfulness can be practiced through simple awareness exercises, breathing, or everyday activities.
Ritual
An intentional, repeated practice that holds personal meaning. In self-care contexts, rituals are structured activities that help create calm, comfort, or a sense of routine.
Self-Care
Intentional practices and activities that support your well-being, comfort, and sense of calm. Self-care is personal and can include physical, emotional, and mental practices that feel supportive.
Sensory Relaxation
Relaxation practices that engage one or more of the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) to create a calming experience. Sensory relaxation focuses on the present-moment experience of sensations.
Slow Living
A philosophy and approach to life that emphasizes intentionality, presence, and quality over speed and quantity. Slow living involves creating space for reflection, rest, and meaningful experiences.
Spa Atmosphere
The calming, peaceful environment typically associated with spas, characterized by soft lighting, gentle scents, comfortable temperatures, and a sense of tranquility. Many people find that bringing these qualities into their home can help create a similar atmosphere.
Wind-Down
A period of transition from active or busy states to more restful ones. Wind-down practices help the body and mind shift from alertness to relaxation, often practiced in the evening.
Wellness
A broad concept referring to overall well-being and the active pursuit of practices that support health and quality of life. Wellness encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions.
Meditation
A practice of focused attention or open awareness, often involving sitting quietly and observing thoughts, breath, or sensations. Meditation can support relaxation and present-moment awareness.
Body Scan
A mindfulness practice that involves systematically bringing attention to different parts of the body, noticing sensations without judgment. Body scans can support relaxation and body awareness.
Progressive Relaxation
A relaxation technique that involves tensing and then releasing different muscle groups in sequence. This practice can help increase awareness of tension and support physical relaxation.
Visualization
A practice of creating mental images or scenarios that support relaxation or positive feelings. Visualization can involve imagining peaceful places, calming scenes, or desired states of being.
Affirmation
A positive statement or phrase used to support a desired mindset or feeling. Affirmations are often repeated during self-care practices to reinforce intentions or positive self-talk.
Gratitude Practice
An intentional practice of noticing and acknowledging things for which you feel grateful. Gratitude practices can be simple reflections or written exercises that support positive perspective.
Journaling
The practice of writing down thoughts, feelings, experiences, or reflections. Journaling can support self-awareness, emotional processing, and intentional reflection.
Stretching
Gentle movements that lengthen muscles and support flexibility. In self-care contexts, stretching is often practiced slowly and mindfully to support relaxation and body awareness.
Yoga
A practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and sometimes meditation. In self-care contexts, gentle yoga focuses on comfort, flexibility, and present-moment awareness rather than athletic achievement.
Tai Chi
A gentle movement practice involving slow, flowing sequences of movements. Tai chi emphasizes balance, coordination, and mindful movement, making it accessible for relaxation and stress support.
Acupressure
A practice of applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body. In self-care contexts, acupressure is used for relaxation and comfort, not medical treatment.
Massage
The practice of manipulating soft tissues of the body through touch, pressure, and movement. Self-massage or gentle massage can support relaxation and physical comfort.
Dry Brushing
A practice of gently brushing the skin with a dry brush, typically before bathing. Dry brushing is used for exfoliation and sensory stimulation, not medical treatment.
Facial Steam
A practice of exposing the face to warm, moist air, often infused with gentle scents. Facial steams can support relaxation and skin comfort through warmth and gentle cleansing.
Foot Soak
A practice of soaking the feet in warm water, sometimes with added salts or gentle scents. Foot soaks can support relaxation and provide comfort through warmth and gentle care.
Herbal Tea
Beverages made from steeping herbs, flowers, or other plant materials in hot water. Herbal teas are often used in self-care for their warmth, aroma, and the ritual of preparation and consumption.
Candlelight
The soft, warm light produced by candles. Candlelight is commonly used in self-care practices to create a calming atmosphere and support relaxation through gentle, flickering illumination.
Ambient Lighting
Soft, indirect lighting that creates a gentle, overall illumination in a space. Ambient lighting helps set a calming mood and supports relaxation by reducing harsh contrasts and bright glare.
White Noise
A consistent, steady sound that masks other noises and can support relaxation or focus. White noise machines or apps produce sounds like rain, ocean waves, or static to create a calming auditory environment.
Nature Sounds
Recordings or real sounds from nature, such as rain, birds, ocean waves, or wind. Nature sounds are often used in relaxation practices to create a calming, peaceful atmosphere.
Weighted Blanket
A blanket filled with materials that add weight, typically used for comfort and a sense of security. Weighted blankets can provide gentle pressure that some people find calming.
Texture
The feel or surface quality of materials. In self-care, paying attention to textures—like soft fabrics, smooth stones, or warm water—can enhance sensory relaxation experiences.
Temperature Therapy
The use of heat or cold to support comfort and relaxation. This might include warm baths, cool compresses, or alternating temperatures, always practiced safely and comfortably.
Hydrotherapy
The use of water for comfort and relaxation, typically through baths, showers, or water-based practices. Hydrotherapy focuses on the sensory and relaxing properties of water.
Circadian Rhythm
The body's natural 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and other biological processes. Understanding circadian rhythms can help inform timing of self-care practices, especially around sleep.
Sleep Hygiene
Practices and habits that support healthy sleep patterns. Sleep hygiene includes factors like bedtime routines, environment setup, and timing of activities that affect rest.
Bedtime Ritual
A consistent sequence of calming activities performed before sleep. Bedtime rituals help signal to the body and mind that it's time to rest and can support better sleep quality.
Digital Detox
Intentional periods of reducing or eliminating use of digital devices, typically to support relaxation, presence, and reduced stimulation. Digital detoxes can be brief (evening) or extended periods.
Boundaries
Personal limits and guidelines that many people find help protect their time, energy, and well-being. Boundaries are often associated with creating space for rest and restoration in self-care contexts.
Self-Compassion
The practice of treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and care, especially during difficult times. Self-compassion involves acknowledging your humanity and offering yourself the same support you might give to others.
Burnout
A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion often resulting from prolonged stress or overwork. Self-care practices can support recovery from burnout, though professional support may also be needed.
Stress Management
Techniques and practices used to cope with and reduce stress. Stress management includes various self-care practices, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments that support resilience.
Resilience
The ability to adapt, recover, and maintain well-being in the face of challenges or stress. Self-care practices can support resilience by providing tools for coping and restoration.
Balance
A state of equilibrium between different aspects of life, such as work and rest, activity and relaxation, or giving and receiving. Self-care practices can help create and maintain balance.
Rest
Periods of physical, mental, and emotional recovery. Rest is an essential component of self-care and can take many forms, from sleep to quiet activities that allow for restoration.
Restoration
The process of recovering energy, well-being, and a sense of balance. Restoration practices are self-care activities specifically focused on renewal and recovery.
Important Note
This glossary provides educational definitions only. These terms are not intended as medical or professional advice. If you have health concerns or questions about specific practices, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider. For more information, see our Disclaimer.