Self Care - More Than A Spa Day

What do you envision when you hear the phrase, ‘self-care’? You may picture a beach vacation, reading a book by the ocean; later, you will get a massage and facial, and watch a favorite movie on Netflix while you are wrapped in a warm robe and drinking matcha tea. Ahhhhh… Self-care is self-compassion, so, it translates into something different to each of us. Simply put, self-care is caring for yourself; it’s nourishing for body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

The World Health Organization defines ‘self-care’ as, “The ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider” (qtd. in https://www.selfcarefederation.org/what-is-self-care). Notice that, in this definition, there is no mention of vacations or spa days in this definition. So, what is your interpretation of self-care?

For me, self-care includes choice, responsibility, and delight. I have the choice to put my lifestyle, healthcare, and preferences first. We’ve all heard flight attendants remind us, in case of a cabin pressure problem that causes the masked small bags of air to pop down, to put on our own mask first before helping others with putting on theirs. Self-care, is not selfish; it’s taking care of myself so I can be available to others as appropriate. I choose to be active physically, to work out at least four times a week. I choose a lifestyle that eliminates alcohol and tobacco consumption. I choose self-awareness to know when I need to engage with others and when I need to be alone. I choose to eliminate negative voices that surround me, such as the constant availability of the news. I choose to learn new things.

Self-care, for me, is being responsible for my own well-being. I’m responsible for getting regular check ups with my doctor, for meditating every day, for keeping my mind, body, and emotions sharpened and grounded, for moving in ways that keep me strong, for honoring my spirituality, for being around people I enjoy, for my own happiness.

And, self-care includes ensuring my delight in life. When I spend time with my daughter or with friends, go on a vacation, read for pleasure, I am delighted. It is always for self-care that I travel; it delights my spirit. When I get my nails done, it’s a luxury I enjoy because it gives me beautiful hands and gives me quiet time while the nail tech does the work.

What is self-care to you?

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