In today’s fast-paced world, we hear a lot about the importance of “self-care.” Often, the recommendations focus on things like massages, manicures, and mimosas, essentially equating consumerism to caring for yourself. While these activities can be enjoyable and bring comfort, genuine self-care encompasses so much more than spa days and junk food. Let’s take a journey through the evolution of self-care, reconnect with its true essence, and explore how a more holistic approach can elevate our overall well-being — without the need to shop for expensive, fleeting pleasures.
Self-Care Through the Ages
Self-care has deep roots and has been practiced across cultures for centuries. Ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and numerous Eastern cultures understood the importance of nurturing one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Traditional practices like meditation, yoga, and communal bathing aimed to promote balance and harmony in everyday life. Revisiting the authentic foundations of self-care can help us unlock its full potential and guide us toward practices that are more in tune with our individual needs and values.
#SelfCare: A Double-Edged Sword
The rise of social media and consumer culture has changed our perception of self-care. Influencers and marketing campaigns often present self-care as an indulgent “treat-yo’self” experience, leading us to believe that our burnout will be solved with material possessions and instant gratification. Unfortunately, this mindset might leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled in the long run, like eating junk food instead of a healthy meal. It’s essential for us to recognize the impact of these influences on our self-care habits, challenge the consumer-driven narrative, and strive for a more meaningful, sustainable approach that focuses on long-term well-being, both for ourselves and for our communities.
Embracing Discomfort for Growth
Sure, we all appreciate a day of bubble baths, Netflix binge-watching, and devouring a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, but that’s not the only (or even the most important) aspect of self-care. True self-care sometimes involves discomfort, because personal growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. This might include pushing through a challenging workout, tackling difficult emotions through journaling or therapy, or setting boundaries and saying “no” when necessary.
While there’s certainly room for indulgences (you can pry bottomless mimosas at brunch out of my cold, dead hands), a balanced approach to self-care also incorporates discipline and personal growth.
Decluttering Self-Care: Marie Kondo Style
It’s time to Marie Kondo our self-care, keeping what genuinely nurtures our bodies and souls, and discarding what only serves consumerism. Instead of resorting to online shopping for a fleeting dopamine rush, concentrate on accessible and sustainable habits like prioritizing sleep, practicing mindfulness and meditation, cultivating meaningful relationships, and pursuing creative hobbies.
By decluttering our self-care routines, we make room for activities that genuinely contribute to our overall well-being, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
The Power of Community Care
As we reconnect with the true essence of self-care, it’s vital to recognize the value of community care in nurturing our overall well-being. Community care emphasizes supporting and caring for one another within our social circles and communities, highlighting our collective responsibility to ensure everyone’s well-being, particularly for those who may struggle to practice self-care on their own. By integrating community care with self-care, we can create a more robust, holistic approach to maintaining our well-being and fostering stronger connections with those around us.
Community care has the potential to establish a support system that extends beyond individual efforts. When we engage in community care, we contribute to a collective sense of well-being that benefits everyone involved. Community care can look like preparing meals for a struggling friend, offering emotional support during challenging times, organizing or participating in community wellness events, or volunteering at local organizations or initiatives.
By participating in community care, we not only strengthen our relationships but also create a more nurturing and supportive environment for all members of our community.
Self-Care + Community Care = A Recipe for Success
While self-care centers on meeting our individual needs, community care reminds us of the importance of interconnectedness and mutual support. By blending self-care and community care, we can develop a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses both personal growth and collective responsibility. This integration encourages us to seek and provide support within our social circles and communities, foster empathy and understanding for others’ needs and struggles, and cultivate a sense of belonging and connection with those around us.
Building a Stronger, More Resilient Community
Investing in both self-care and community care contributes to a more resilient and supportive environment that benefits everyone involved. The benefits of this more holistic approach include strengthened relationships and social connections, improved mental health and emotional well-being for all community members, greater resilience in the face of challenges and adversity, and a more supportive, inclusive, and compassionate community.
Bottom line? Self-care is more than just bubble baths and Netflix marathons, and it doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. By revisiting the roots of self-care, embracing a more holistic approach, and integrating community care, we can level up our well-being practices, nurture our physical, mental, and emotional health, and foster stronger connections with those around us. It’s time for us to redefine self-care and community care, creating a practice that genuinely supports our well-being and the well-being of our communities in this ever-evolving world.
Kae Burdo
Kae Burdo is a queer and poly Oklahoma-based freelance writer and digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in alternative sexuality and relationship education and advocacy. Their passions include travel, sour beers, international politics, the vast range of human sexuality, cross-stitching, intersectional feminism, and technology and startups. Follow them on twitter @kaeburdo.
