In the last episode of “Four Weeks of Rebirth,” I will share my thoughts on Self-Care. Self-care is a big buzzword out there, and we see that upon closer inspection, many of those who promote it tend just to promote decadence. While self-care is essential for promoting overall well-being and mental health, the term has sometimes been misused or misinterpreted in ways that can encourage dangerous behaviours that cause harm to one’s well-being.

Some people who claim to practice self-care are often just being hedonistic, using the idea of self-care as an excuse for excessive indulgence or instant gratification. They might prioritise their desires at the expense of their responsibilities or the well-being of others, claiming it's an act of self-care when it's self-indulgence. A behaviour that eventually harms the doer, too. 

I allow myself many indulgent behaviours, like my artistic expression and creativity. My art can be a form of escapism too, and being one who has a rich internal life, I can find myself isolated from everyone if I am not careful. If I don’t do regular checks and consciously strive for balance, I can take “self-care” too far!

While taking breaks and relaxing are essential components of self-care, they can be abused when they become ways to escape from real-life problems, commitments or responsibilities. Constantly avoiding challenges or difficult emotions in the name of self-care can hinder personal growth and problem-solving. Escapism is not necessarily self-care. 

Self-care commercialisation has led to the idea that buying products or services is the primary way to care for oneself. This can encourage excessive spending and materialism as a form of self-care rather than focusing on more meaningful and sustainable self-care practices that may be more lasting, beneficial, and cost less. You don’t have to travel across the world to practice self-care, and you don’t have to buy anything to honour yourself, but you can if it is within your means and doesn’t harm you, your security or the world around you.

Some individuals may use self-care to pursue a perfect physical appearance or lifestyle. The pressure to constantly improve oneself, driven by the idea of self-care, can lead to unrealistic expectations and negative self-image. It can lead to mental health problems instead of fostering a healthy state of mind, as one learns that satisfaction and satiety are temporary and perfection is elusive.

Self-care should include both alone time and social connection. However, it can be abused when it becomes an excuse to isolate oneself from others to the extent that it leads to feelings of loneliness, further exacerbating mental health issues. It is essential to disconnect from toxic individuals, but excessive isolation is unhealthy. Regular connection with others is vital for balance. 

Social media and the tendency to compare oneself to others have sometimes turned self-care into a performance. People may engage in self-care activities solely to showcase them online rather than genuinely benefiting from the practice. Self-care practices should fulfil and balance you even when no one is watching. There is nothing wrong with sharing your joy with the world as long as it benefits your well-being.

While self-care is valuable, it's not a substitute for professional mental and physical health support when needed. Some individuals may use self-care to avoid seeking therapy or other necessary treatments for psychological and physical health issues. A massage can only do so much when your body hurts. It's essential to recognise that self-care should be a balanced and holistic approach to well-being, incorporating physical, emotional, and mental health needs. It should not be used as an excuse for self-neglect or neglecting your responsibilities.

Additionally, self-care should be tailored to individual needs and should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Seeking guidance from health professionals can help individuals develop a healthy and effective self-care routine that is not only backed by science but comes with the support of experts in physiology, biology and psychology.

This marks the end of the “Four Weeks of Rebirth”. I hope it’s been helpful.

To Health, Balance and Joy!

Tanya

xo