More Than Therapy: Everyday Practices That Support Healing and Reduce Stress

By Jaimie Hutchison, MA, LPC – Team Hutch Counseling

A couple enjoys a sunny day kayaking together on a tranquil lake, both wearing life vests and sharing a joyful moment.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe in the power of therapy. I’ve witnessed its ability to help people process, heal, and grow. But I also recognize something just as important: therapy isn’t the right fit for everyone—or for every season of life. And that’s okay.

Healing doesn’t begin and end in a counseling session. It can also be found in small, everyday practices that support your wellbeing. Whether you’re currently in therapy, thinking about it, or exploring other ways to care for yourself, there are many meaningful, accessible ways to reduce stress and support healing.

Here are a few practices I often return to in my own life and work:

1. Time in Nature

There’s something uniquely grounding about being outdoors. A walk in the woods, standing barefoot in the grass, sitting near water, or just watching the clouds can help regulate your nervous system and bring a sense of calm.

Even a few minutes outside each day can lower stress levels, improve mood, and help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you.

2. Movement and Exercise

Movement helps us move through stress. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, stretching before bed, walking, biking, or yoga—physical activity helps release built-up tension and regulate stress hormones.

You don’t need to follow a formal routine. What matters is tuning in to what feels good and sustainable in your body right now.

3. Meaningful Social Connection

Healing happens in relationship. Supportive social connections—whether with trusted friends, family, community groups, or even pets—can be profoundly soothing.

Not all connection is helpful, though. Pay attention to who helps you feel safe, seen, and energized. These relationships can be a source of comfort and strength, especially when you’re navigating stress or change.

4. Rest and Sleep

We live in a culture that often glorifies productivity and “pushing through.” But our bodies and minds need rest. Sleep and downtime are not luxuries—they’re essential for healing, emotional regulation, and overall health.

Protecting your sleep schedule, setting boundaries around your energy, and giving yourself permission to truly rest are powerful steps toward wellbeing.

5. Creativity and Play

Creative expression can be a deeply healing outlet. Journaling, painting, singing, baking, building, crafting, or even coloring can help us process emotions, regulate our nervous systems, and reconnect with joy.

You don’t have to be an artist to benefit. Creativity is about expression, not perfection. Play and creative exploration allow us to access parts of ourselves that may not always be reachable through words alone.

I’m currently pursuing an Expressive Arts Therapy certification so I can intentionally bring these tools into my counseling work. Expressive arts can offer gentle, nonverbal ways to explore feelings, tell our stories, and support healing—especially for those navigating trauma or deep emotional pain.

6. Mindfulness and Breath

Mindfulness simply means paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. It can be practiced through breathwork, grounding exercises, meditation, or even mindful walking or eating.

When we slow down and notice what’s happening right now, we create space to respond to stress more intentionally, rather than react out of habit. Even one deep breath can serve as a powerful reset.

Final Thoughts

Therapy is a meaningful tool—but it’s not the only one. And healing isn’t linear. It’s layered, unique, and influenced by what’s accessible, supportive, and nourishing to you in this season of life.

Whether you find comfort in nature, expression through art, connection with others, or a few extra minutes of rest, each of these practices holds value. Small steps count. Permission to care for yourself—exactly as you are—is where healing often begins.

If therapy or expressive arts support feels like the right next step, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Learn more about my practice and upcoming group offerings at www.teamhutchcounseling.com or follow Team Hutch Counseling on Facebook for insights, resources, and updates.