Self-Care is More Than Just a Bubble Bath

Self-Care has undoubtedly become a ‘buzz’ word in our culture. It ranges from taking time for meditative practices to taking a bubble bath. But what does self-care really mean?

Self-Care Roots

Before medical care was available to most factions of society, many people relied on their own knowledge of plants and herbs to create a system of medical care. This “self-care” was critical in a time when only wealthy people were able to afford medical care from physicians and hospitals.

In the late 19^th century/early 20^th century medical care from physicians began to become more available as medical research led to more life-saving practices and procedures. This led to many leaving their care in the hands of their physicians and leaving behind their self-care practices.

Many sources root our modern conception of self-care practices to the 1950s with the Black Panther Party and black feminist writers. It was their solution to create a place where they were able to obtain actual healthcare when a system of racial bias and racism was failing them. They were taking their health into their own hands by creating free clinics not just for physical care but also mental care.

This activism in the 1950s brought light to the connection between taking care of one’s self and how it affects a person mentally, emotionally, and physically and empowered people to be an advocate for their health and wellbeing. It was a radical idea that the common stressed out and overscheduled way of living wasn’t the way to live a life.

Self-Care Today

Today we have access to copious amounts of information and technology and are demanding to know more about what being healthy really means. People are taking their health and wellbeing into their own hands and creating practices of self-care once again.

This is not to say we don’t need traditional medical care to stay healthy. What it means is that we take our health seriously and express our needs to our physicians.

Many people have lots of stress in their life juggling work, family, and all the things. More and more people are returning to the radical idea that living a stressful and over-scheduled life in not sustainable and are looking for ways to cope and take care of themselves.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care has become a nuanced word in popular culture with many meanings depending on where you look or who you ask. It can range from taking time for meditative practices to jumping in a bubble bath.

In my opinion, self-care is knowing when your body, mind, and/or spirit need a little attention and care, and incorporating practicing to support and nourish all aspects of your being in a sustainable way. This means having established tools in your life that you can rely on to support you when you need them, but are also a regular part of your life so they are consistently practiced building resiliency.

When we take time to care for ourselves, we allow ourselves to be inspired by life and we began to invoke positive change for ourselves, the ones we love, and society as a whole.

Don’t Be a Jerk

While it is important to advocate for your needs, let’s not forget that we are part of a greater whole and what is good for us may not be good for someone else. Additionally, it is a delicate balance of putting our own needs above someone else’s, so always move through life with kindness. Find ways where your needs and the needs of others can coincide peacefully. Feel the difference between being selfish through self-indulgence, and setting appropriate boundaries to protect your health and safety.

But hey, sometimes a little self-indulgence can be an act of self care, like having that chocolate dessert when your out to dinner on a special occasion. It’s finding the balance of creating joy for yourself without creating harm for another.

Suggestions for Self-Care

• Talk to a therapist or counselor
• Visit your primary care physician for regular check-ups
• See your dentist every six months
• Have a regular meditation or mindfulness practice
• Move your body through exercise, yoga, walking, dance, etc
• Create a morning and a bedtime routine to start and end your day with ease
• Take time to learn how to cook for yourself, grab a cookbook to start
• Plan activities that are fun for you into your schedule
• Take a class to learn something you’ve been interested in trying
• Get out in nature, bask in the sun, walk barefoot in the grass
• Begin to separate from people who drain you emotionally
• Learn what boundaries are important to you and how to sustain them
• Keep a journal
• Have quiet time for yourself without technology
• Get together with friends or loved ones rather than isolate
• Reach out for help when you are struggling

The Bottom Line

Self-care isn’t a straight path and can mean different things to different people based on their needs. Notice the things in your life that drain you and/or create undue stress. Find ways to support your self to get through stress you can’t control, and to build boundaries to drop the things you can.

Source – https://www.thebristorian.co.uk/blackhistorymonth/blackpantherpartyandselfcare

 

Suggestions in this article are not meant to be a diagnosis or cure for any health concerns. If you are feeling unwell, please contact your medical provider.