Beyond the Trend: Making Self-Care Meaningful for You

Is Self-Care Just a Trend? How to Make Self-Care Meaningful in Your Life

In our fast-paced world, “self-care” has become ubiquitous. You’ve likely encountered this phrase while browsing websites, shopping for personal products, or in conversations with friends. But with self-care encompassing virtually any personal activity, how do you define it in a way that truly aligns with your unique lifestyle, values, and temperament?

While self-care is indeed a broad concept, you can engage in whatever self-care activities make the most sense for your individual needs.

Regardless of how you define self-care, it’s never selfish or indulgent: rather, self-care is an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate, allowing you to show up as the best version of yourself in all areas of life.

Today, we’re looking beyond the surface-level understanding of self-care as a marketing buzzword that appears in wellness articles and on product packaging. Instead, we’ll explore the deeper history of self-care and how you can redefine it to genuinely support your mental health and relationships.

What does self-care really mean?

Generally speaking, self-care encompasses any personal activity required for wellbeing that someone can manage independently, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). That said, your version of self-care might involve others. For example, to nurture your emotional health after a difficult day, you might call a friend for support.

Beyond basic acts like eating, dressing, and personal hygiene, common forms of self-care include:

• Reading a book
• Practicing mindfulness meditation
• Preparing a special meal for yourself and/or loved ones
• Exercising or playing sports
• Seeking therapy
• Spending time in nature
• Journaling and creating art

These suggestions represent just a small fraction of possible self-care activities. Caring for yourself doesn’t need to be complicated or elaborate. Every act counts, whether you’re simply going to bed 15 minutes earlier or staying hydrated throughout the day.

Do articles about self-care actually help?

If you’re reading this, perhaps you’ve already encountered numerous articles about self-care. As the saying goes: knowledge is power.

Understanding self-care conceptually

Before developing a personalized approach to self-care, many find it helpful to deepen their understanding of the various definitions and history behind this concept. Self-care may be trending now, but it’s not new—there are years of research, writing, and debate informing our current understanding.

The impact of reading about self-care

By exploring articles and learning about both the science and industry of self-care, you can develop informed opinions about what this concept means to you personally, and how we might work toward making meaningful self-care accessible to everyone.

The historical roots of self-care

Historically, people have always practiced self-care, especially before modern medicine became widespread. Individuals took responsibility for their own healthcare and that of their families since medical professionals weren’t always readily available.

In healthcare settings, doctors originally used the term “self-care” to describe patients who actively participated in their own care through nutrition, exercise, and other healthy habits. Over time, health professionals themselves were encouraged to practice self-care; during the COVID-19 pandemic, this became particularly relevant for reducing burnout among healthcare workers.

In response to inequities in the healthcare system, leaders of major social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, worked to reclaim and redefine self-care. They emphasized its importance as both a political act and a personal defense against ongoing discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors.

In recent years, self-care remains highly relevant and debated. Due to racism, economic inequality, sexism, and other social issues, not everyone has equal access to the same forms and quality of self-care. Self-care products have become part of a lucrative industry, and not everyone has the means to participate—but activists, therapists, and mental health advocates continue working to make meaningful self-care more accessible to diverse populations.

Why self-care matters

As noted earlier, self-care has become such a common term that it can be difficult to articulate what it actually means and why it matters.

Ultimately, the meaning varies individually but generally encompasses any act of self-compassion. Research indicates that these acts are important for both mental and physical health, as well as relationships. By “refilling” your metaphorical cup, you become better equipped to care for others and contribute positively to your community.

How self-care affects your mind and body

Regularly caring for yourself yields long-term benefits for both mind and body. Some of the greatest benefits of self-care include:

• Increased productivity
• Higher energy levels
• Greater self-confidence
• Reduced risk of serious health conditions
• Lower stress levels
• Improved symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Increased resilience to changes and setbacks
• Better relationships and stronger social connections

By taking even small amounts of time to reset, recharge, and connect with others, you become better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

Making self-care work for you

To incorporate more meaningful self-care into your life, start by acknowledging that it comes in many forms and doesn’t need to be complicated. You should never feel pressured to create a rigid or “perfect” self-care plan—there’s no such thing!

Instead, mental health experts suggest viewing self-care from a broader perspective. Here are some tips to help define self-care in a way that suits your schedule, values, and personality.

1. Discover your personal definition of wellness

To establish a sustainable self-care routine, consider the eight dimensions of wellness identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:

• Emotional
• Spiritual
• Intellectual
• Physical
• Environmental
• Financial
• Occupational
• Social

When choosing self-care activities, look for ones that fulfill one or more of these dimensions. For some people, spiritual activities like meditation or prayer might feel more enriching than physical activities like sports or walking—and that’s perfectly valid! Depending on your values and current circumstances, you might find that certain dimensions require more attention than others.

2. Focus on quality over quantity

With self-care, every moment matters. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of meditation before work, or five minutes reading before bed, any activity that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit contributes to your wellbeing.

Many find it helpful to schedule self-care in their calendars, just as they would for work meetings or appointments. Some practices, like guided meditation, journaling, or enjoying a cup of tea, may take only minutes; others, like a nature walk or relaxing bath, might span longer periods.

Examine your schedule and challenge yourself to prioritize quality self-care time. For additional accountability, consider participating in group activities, like a yoga class or coffee date with a friend.

3. Include others in your self-care journey

Other people can serve as accountability partners in your self-care routine, but often, social interaction itself is a powerful form of self-care.

Numerous studies highlight the role of healthy relationships in promoting a long, satisfying life. Over time, lack of social connections and prolonged social isolation are linked to negative mental and physical health outcomes. Therefore, incorporating meaningful social interactions into your self-care routine can bolster your emotional resilience and sense of belonging.

Whether it’s sharing your experiences with a trusted friend, joining a community group, or engaging in collaborative hobbies, nurturing these connections is a vital aspect of holistic wellness. Remember, self-care is not always about solitude; sometimes, caring for yourself means allowing others to support and uplift you.

In conclusion, self-care is far more than a passing trend or a set of marketed products—it is an essential, multifaceted practice that supports your holistic wellbeing. By embracing a personalized, flexible approach that values your unique needs and life circumstances, you can cultivate sustainable habits that enhance your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Ultimately, meaningful self-care empowers you to live more fully, build stronger relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and compassion. Make self-care a priority—not because it’s popular, but because you deserve it.