“Self-care” is a very popular topic on social media these days. The term is defined as “the process of taking care of oneself with behaviors that promote health and active management of illness when it occurs”. This definition seems pretty obvious to me. Of course, we have to take care of ourselves, we need to for survival. But, I think the term self-care has taken on a new meaning since the rise of self-care trends on TikTok. I have noticed a huge increase in the number of self-care videos I see on my “for you page.” I see these routines becoming more and more intricate, complex, and expensive.
There is something good to be said about self-care. But, it’s not that it has to be the most expensive and time-consuming part of your day. Instead, practicing basic survival-level care in a mindful way can do so much for you and how you view yourself. A big example for me is this: sometimes at the end of the day I am so tired I don’t even want to sit up straight, never mind do a full shower, skincare, and hair routine. Seeing those things as something that I have to do makes me want to avoid them even more. So, I see them as something I will do out of love for myself. I may be tired, but I deserve to feel clean and pampered. I may not feel like putting effort into what I wear, but I, as a person I love, deserve to look and feel my best. I may not feel like doing my school work, but I deserve to have the good grades I want.
I have this mindset about treating myself as well. If I am questioning spending six dollars on a latte, I remember that I know that I have the money and I know how happy a good coffee from a cute shop makes me feel; I deserve it!
What I want people to get out of this article is that self-care doesn’t always mean purchasing the most elaborate skincare routine that you won’t even see a difference in your complexion from. It can simply mean acknowledging that you are someone that deserves and needs to be cared for. If you are contemplating doing something you know you like to do and you know makes you feel good, do it. I feel like this mindset as viewing self-care as a form of self-love more than anything else has improved the relationship I have with myself a lot. I treat myself with respect by making sure I am well cared for. The next time you consider the relationship you have with self-care, remember that just acting from a place of self-love is one of the best things you could do for yourself.
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