How to Reset and Recharge: The Simple Practices That Make a Difference

When I first talked to Stephen, the question that immediately came to mind was: How do you set mental boundaries with your clients and recharge yourself?

The Weight of Caring

Growing up in a family that worked in social care, supporting people with neurodivergent and mental health conditions was just a natural part of my life. Volunteering, being there for others, and accompanying them through their challenges wasn’t something I had to think about—it was just what we did. I was constantly surrounded by people who were struggling in different ways, and that exposure shaped how I see the world.

Because of that, I’ve come to realize how important it is to maintain a healthy mental boundary—especially for those who dedicate their time and energy to supporting others. The work requires deep emotional and mental investment, and without boundaries, it can be draining.

The Therapist’s Balancing Act

Of course, everyone has their own way of coping, but I wondered what ways therapists focus on to restore their energy after sessions. I asked this question to Stephen, who has been in psychotherapy for over 20 years. How does a therapist balance work and personal life? How does a therapist recharge after hours of therapy sessions?

And with his focus on couples therapy, I imagined the challenge was even greater. Unlike a one-on-one session, couples therapy involves two people, each with their own emotions, perspectives, and struggles, while the therapist has to navigate it all—holding space, guiding the conversation, and helping them find clarity. It’s not just about providing therapy; it’s about managing the energy in the room, constantly calibrating between two different individuals.

So I asked him. And his answer? It guided me to have more clarity on the small but powerful ways we can regain balance in our lives.

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“How do you set mental boundaries with your clients and recharge yourself?”

Cleo: Isn’t being a therapist emotionally and mentally draining from time to time?

Therapist: Of course.

Cleo: How do you manage it? How do you set boundaries?

Therapist: First of all, before becoming a therapist, I did a lot of therapy myself so that I could provide healthy therapy for others. By the way, therapy is for everyone—not just for people with specific conditions. With the right support, therapy can help us become better versions of ourselves.

Cleo: Yes, absolutely.

Therapist: Now, I work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. I take Mondays and Fridays off to give myself time to recharge. After finishing my therapy sessions with clients, I make sure to fully wrap up my day.

Cleo: How do you spend your time outside of therapy sessions? How do you recharge?

Therapist: There are three key elements: creativity, spirituality, and community.

First, tapping into creativity—finding something you enjoy and that allows you to express yourself outside of work.
Second, connecting with spirituality. It doesn’t have to be religious—just something that helps you feel spiritually connected.
Lastly, building a sense of community—surrounding yourself with people who give you a sense of belonging.

Cleo: So tapping into these three areas helps us restore and reconnect? May I ask how you incorporate them into your daily life? First of all, what creative activities do you do?

Therapist: For me, music is my creative outlet. I write songs, play the guitar, and perform with a band—it’s how I stay connected to my creativity.

Cleo: How about spirituality? How do you tap into it?

Therapist: Nature is my source of spirituality. I go on walks—especially in nature.

Cleo: And community?

Therapist: I spend quality time with friends and family.

Cleo: But it’s important to spend time with the right people—those who give you a sense of safety and healthy connection, right?

Therapist: Haha, yes, of course.

The Power of Simple Practices

Creativity, spirituality, and community—these three areas help us reset and recalibrate when life feels overwhelming. Think of them as the foundation for a healthy coping mechanism.

The beauty of these practices is in their simplicity. Yet, we often overlook the simplest things, searching for something bigger, more magical—some instant fix to relieve stress—when, in reality, the answer is often right in front of us.

After the conversation, I found myself reflecting on my own life. Do I give myself enough space for creativity? Do I have a spiritual practice that keeps me grounded? Am I surrounded by a community that truly nourishes me? His words stayed with me, making me more mindful of how I take care of my emotional and mental well-being.

When I think about the activities that truly help me unwind and recharge, they all fall into one of these three categories. As I reflect on my creativity, spirituality, and community, I realize that I have a diverse list of activities that energize me. I’ve noticed that the activities I choose often depend on the situation and the type of energy I need.

Paying attention to these patterns has helped me be more intentional about how I restore my energy. Now, I invite you to reflect on your own.

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Now, let’s take a moment to reflect

“What about you? How do you tap into creativity, spirituality, and community in your life?”

Cleo Cho