What even is self-care?

In today’s fast-paced world, “self-care” has become a buzzword. It’s on everyone’s lips, splashed across Instagram feeds, and the subject of countless articles. But what does self-care actually mean? Is it a spa day? A Netflix binge? An intricate skincare routine? The answer is more nuanced than a single bubble bath might suggest.

As someone living with fibromyalgia, I’ve often encountered this term in ways that left me frustrated. On bad health days, when I share my struggles with others, the response is often, “You need to practice some self-care.” In the past, I’ve wanted to scream back, “What even is self-care?”, “Do you even understand what I’m going through?” or “Are you just saying this because you don’t know what else to say?”

These moments have left me feeling unheard and misunderstood. The suggestion to “just self-care” can feel dismissive, as if my challenges are being reduced to a superficial fix. This isn’t limited to chronic health issues—it’s a universal experience that can leave anyone feeling isolated and vulnerable when they’re in need of real empathy and understanding.

Defining Self-Care

At its core, self-care refers to any activity that helps you maintain or improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. What’s important to understand is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Self-care is deeply personal and varies from person to person. For some, it might mean a quiet moment with a cup of tea; for others, it’s an intense workout to clear their head.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” This definition highlights that self-care is not mere indulgence—it’s about sustainability, resilience, and taking proactive steps to nurture your well-being.

The Many Dimensions of Self-Care

Self-care manifests in various ways and understanding its dimensions can help us incorporate it into our lives more effectively.

1. Physical Self-Care:

Activities that support your physical health form the foundation of self-care. This includes regular exercise, nutritious meals, proper sleep, and staying hydrated. Listening to your body’s signals, attending medical checkups, or simply taking a break when needed are all vital.

2. Emotional Self-Care:

This involves acknowledging, processing, and honouring your feelings. Managing stress, practicing mindfulness, journaling, or seeking therapy when necessary are all forms of emotional self-care that can foster resilience and inner peace.

3. Mental Self-Care:

Stimulating your mind with activities like reading, solving puzzles, or learning new skills helps keep your brain sharp and engaged. Mental self-care also involves setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and avoiding burnout by prioritizing your mental health.

4. Social Self-Care:

Human connection is essential to our well-being. Spending time with loved ones, maintaining friendships, or participating in community activities nurtures relationships and provides emotional support.

5. Spiritual Self-Care:

For some, this dimension involves connecting with personal values, beliefs, or a higher purpose. Whether through meditation, prayer, spending time in nature, or engaging in spiritual practices, this aspect can bring a sense of fulfilment and grounding.

6. Practical Self-Care:

Managing everyday tasks and responsibilities is a vital form of self-care. Organizing your living space, handling finances effectively, or delegating tasks can reduce stress and create a sense of control over your life.

7. Professional Self-Care:

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance, setting career goals, and pursuing professional development opportunities are all part of this dimension. Taking breaks and setting boundaries in the workplace also fall under professional self-care.

Challenges with Self-Care Advice

Despite its importance, self-care is often oversimplified or misrepresented. Generic advice like “just take a bath” or “treat yourself” can feel tone-deaf, especially when someone is grappling with deeper struggles. Offering such suggestions without understanding the individual’s circumstances can come across as dismissive and unhelpful.

Real self-care involves a holistic and intentional approach tailored to individual needs. It’s not about doing what’s trendy or convenient; it’s about identifying and prioritizing actions that genuinely support your well-being.

Conclusion

Self-care is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond indulgent moments. It’s about taking deliberate steps to nurture your physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, practical, and professional health. By understanding its diverse dimensions and personalizing its practice, we can cultivate resilience, maintain health, and improve our overall quality of life.

Let’s move beyond superficial suggestions and foster a deeper understanding of what self-care truly means—not just for ourselves but for others too. Sometimes, offering empathy and support is the best form of care we can provide.

Reference

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/self-care-health interventions?utm_source=chatgpt.com