Sometimes we are so busy doing ALL the things and taking care of others that we forget how important it is to prioritize our own self care. Thankfully, September is National Self Care Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting the importance of prioritizing mental, emotional and physical well being.  

Sometimes self care means forgetting about everything and getting lost in a relaxing, inspiring movie. So, take the time to find a quiet place and enjoy these tales of retreat, transformation, healing, mental healthcare and more. There’s nothing like watching an inspirational movie to help us remember how amazing WE are. 

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

After losing his job and wife, and spending time in a mental institution, Pat (Bradley Cooper) ends up living with his parents and struggling to rebuild his life. Things get complicated when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who offers to help him reconnect with his wife, if he does something very important for her. This inspiring film showcases the journey of two individuals coping with mental health challenges. Through its authentic portrayal of bipolar disorder and depression, the movie emphasizes the importance of seeking support, finding resilience and discovering silver linings in life’s challenges.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) was convinced she had everything she wanted in life: a home, a husband and a successful career. Now, newly divorced and facing a turning point, she finds that she is confused about what is important to her. The story follows Liz as she embarks on a year-long journey across Italy, India and Bali after realizing her seemingly perfect life feels empty. The film explores themes of identity, love and the search for balance in a chaotic world. This movie has resonated with many viewers, especially women, who are on their own paths of self discovery and healing. 

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he secretly solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by a professor (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help him achieve his potential. However, when Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, the professor makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will agree to get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). By delving into the life of a troubled genius grappling with his past traumas, this film highlights the transformative power of therapy and human connection. It emphasizes the significance of confronting one’s demons and embracing vulnerability to nurture personal growth and healing. The film stresses that trauma doesn’t define a person.

The King’s Speech (2010)

England’s Prince Albert (Colin Firth) must ascend the throne as King George VI, but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) hires Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the two men, as Logue uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence. This historical drama illustrates the journey of overcoming communication barriers and self doubt. Through perseverance and the guidance of a supportive therapist, the king learns to find his voice and assert his leadership, inspiring audiences to confront their own insecurities.

Inside Out (2015)

This animated masterpiece offers a poignant exploration of emotions and mental well being through the lens of a young girl named Riley. By personifying emotions and depicting their intricate interplay, the movie encourages viewers to embrace their feelings, cultivate emotional intelligence and navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and authenticity.

Wild (2014) 

Driven to the edge by the loss of her beloved mother (Laura Dern), the dissolution of her marriage and a headlong dive into self destructive behavior, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) decides to end her downward spiral and put her life back together. With no outdoors experience, a heavy backpack and not much else to draw from but her own will, Cheryl sets out alone to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the country’s longest and toughest through-trails. “Wild” can be a powerful and inspiring film about resilience and self care, showcasing a woman’s journey to overcome personal tragedy and rebuild her life through a challenging solo hike. The film highlights the potential of nature and solitude for emotional healing and self discovery.

Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

Socially awkward Muriel Heslop’s (Toni Collette) greatest desire is to get married. Due to her oppressive politician father (Bill Hunter), Muriel has never even been on a date. After being snubbed by her phony, two faced friends, Muriel runs into fellow outcast Rhonda Epinstalk (Rachel Griffiths), and the two move from their small Australian town to the big city of Sydney, where Muriel changes her name and begins redesigning her life to match her fantasies. “Muriel’s Wedding” offers a profound and insightful exploration of Muriel’s journey toward self discovery, self acceptance and, ultimately, self love. The movie highlights the importance of internal self worth and genuine connection over superficial achievements or external validation. Muriel’s journey demonstrates that true self care involves building confidence from within, cultivating meaningful relationships and rejecting harmful external messages

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Five high school students from all different walks of life endure a Saturday detention at school under the watchful eye of the vice principal. The group includes rebel John, princess Claire, outcast Allison, brainy Brian and Andrew, the jock. Each has a chance to tell his or her story, which allows the others to view them differently and break down stereotypes. “The Breakfast Club” resonates with audiences because it explores universal themes of identity, belonging and the struggles of self discovery during adolescence. The film can prompt viewers to reflect on their own experiences with self acceptance, social pressures and the importance of connecting with others on a deeper level.