Mental Health Reset: Safety and Self-Care Tips for Au Pairs

At AuPairCare, we care deeply about your safety, well-being, and overall experience as an au pair. That includes prioritizing your mental health because when you take care of yourself emotionally, you’re more equipped to thrive in your cultural exchange journey, build strong bonds with your host family, and create unforgettable memories.

Living abroad and caring for children is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming at times. You're adjusting to a new country, culture, and daily routine. That’s why self-care isn’t selfish it’s essential.

‍Mental Health Trends in 2025 Every Au Pair Should Know

Supporting your emotional well-being has never been easier, thanks to the rise of modern, accessible tools. Here are a few mental health and self-care trends popular among young adults and exchange participants this year:

• Digital tools for emotional support: Apps like Joon, Insight Timer, and MindShift CBT offer free mindfulness, mood tracking, and guided breathing- perfect for au pairs on the go.
• Mindful tech use: More young people are embracing digital detoxes and setting screen-time boundaries to protect their peace.
• Financial wellness = self-care: Learning how to budget and manage money helps reduce stress and build confidence during your program year.
• Community-based wellness: Joining support groups or planning outings with other au pairs can combat loneliness and boost your mood.
• Alternative therapies: Breathwork, journaling, sound baths, and even tarot cards are gaining popularity as grounding tools for young adults. ‍

Try our 30-Day Self-Care Challenge ‍

Small steps can lead to big changes. Download our 30-DaySelf-Care Challenge to explore easy, low-pressure ways to care for your mind and body. Some examples include:

• Take a 10-minute walk outside
• Dance to your favorite playlist
• Journal what you’re grateful for
• Call a friend or family member
• Try a breathing exercise before bed

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Why Mental Health is Part of Staying Safe

Safety isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, too. When you’re emotionally overwhelmed, it can affect your decision-making, communication, and overall happiness. Regular self-care helps you:

• Stay calm in high-stress situations
• Communicate more openly with your host family
• Feel confident, grounded, and independent
• Know when to ask for help—and feel okay doing so

 Quick Self-Care Tips for Au Pairs

• Carve out 5 minutes daily just for you
• Talk to your Area Director or host family if you're feeling stressed
• Learn the signs of burnout: constant tiredness, irritability, or withdrawal
• Don’t wait- ask for help early. You’re not alone
• Celebrate the small wins: navigating the train system, making a new friend, or trying a new food!

‍You Matter

Taking care of your mental health allows you to show up fully for your host family and yourself. This month, we invite you to pick one self-care activity and give it a try. Remember: your well-being matters. You are not alone. And your journey toward mental wellness starts with just one step.

For more practical tools to support your mental health journey as an au pair, visit the websites below.

• Joon – A mental health support app designed for young adults, offering personalized  routines, goal tracking, and emotional wellness tips.
• Insight Timer – A free meditation and mindfulness app with thousands of guided sessions, sleep tools, and daily calm practices.
• MindShift CBT – A science-backed app using cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage anxiety, track moods, and reduce stress.
• Investopedia – Budgeting and Savings – A beginner-friendly guide to financial wellness that includes budgeting tools and tips for reducing money-related stress.
• To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) – A nonprofit organization offering free mental health resources, support networks, and educational content tailored for young people.