Why We Should Care about Self-Care

Self-care has been on the rise over the last few decades, but despite its popularity, many people still struggle to grasp its meaning, usefulness, and importance. The clichéd image of indulging oneself in a spa day may be just what one needs for a healthy reset, while to others, a trip to the spa may leave one overwhelmed and financially set back. Because self-care is so loosely defined, this can unfortunately lead to neutral or even negative experiences when attempting to attain serenity. Some folks feel shame in their self-care rituals, deeming their go-to activities as "vices". Given it is important to realistically label how valuable an activity is in one's life, overthinking vices and self-care often leads to self-harm. Acknowledging what our bodies and minds are craving is a skill, and while some of us are certainly more in tune with it than others, it is an invaluable asset to live long, enduring, impactful lives. As a certified and practicing massage therapist myself, I admit to partaking in the more stereotypical forms of self-care such as yoga, meditation, and receiving massages for my body's wants and needs. Given how much they benefit my mental, spiritual, and physical wellness, it is admittedly disappointing to know how negatively these activities are viewed by many. This detachment from "mainstream" self-care is unfortunately the end of the road for many who don't find themselves in the pigeonhole of popular wellness. For many who succumb to negative feelings of self-care rituals, prior to accepting defeat from self-care activities, it may be worth switching the timing, the environment, or even the activities themselves with more realistic, suitable habits that fit one's wants and needs. A gentle reminder that self-care should never be something forced, since it is the tool utilized to give one the energy to push through difficult tasks.