This word is everywhere, in magazines, TV, and social media, but many people ignore what it means. So, what is self-care? What to do to practice it? Calypso Cavallo tells you everything you need to know.
What is selfcare?
You can find anything and everything under the hashtag #selfcare on social media. From motivational quotes to beauty products and food. It is confusing for many people who wonder what self-care is.
So, what is self-care? Actually, self-care is just taking care of yourself, and you can do it in various ways. The first self-care tips were given by your parents when they taught you how to wash your hands, brush your teeth, and shower. Hygiene is the first self-care “level.”
But self-care is not just physical; it is also about taking care of your mental health. Self-care’s purpose is to feel good in both your body and soul.
What is self-care, and what is not self-care?
However, self-care is never self-destructing. It is the exact opposite of self-harming or self-sabotaging behaviors many people have. Drinking alcohol is not self-care, smoking is not self-care, and abusing substances is not self-care. Cult-like “spiritualities” are not self-care.
Self-care is good for you, but it is not magical; it does replace a health care or mental health care provider if needed.
How to practice self-care?
What is self-care? Now we know, let’s look at how to practice it. There are many ways to practice self-care.
A self-care activity is an activity that is good for your mind and body and makes you feel good. Taking a walk around your neighborhood is self-care, cooking a good and healthy meal is self-care, meditating is self-care…
Here are a few ideas to practice self-care in your daily life. Remember that self-care activities are not meant to be Instagramable and should make you feel good and relaxed. What works for one person is totally dull for another, so look for activities that you genuinely enjoy rather than going for the “trendy” ones.
- Skincare routine
A good skincare routine is good for your skin, of course, but it is also crucial for your mental health. Several studies surprisingly found that people who wash their faces in the morning tend to make healthier choices throughout the day. You can check our full article about what skincare products you need!
- Sport
Everyone knows that being active is healthy and makes you feel good (thanks to the boosted endorphin production).
What if you hate sport? First, ask yourself why you do not like to do sport. Because of crappy PE sessions at school, when you had to run around a field under the rain at 8 AM? Because you do not feel good with your body? Because you lack stamina?
There are a lot of different ways to be active. You do not like to run? Sign up for a Zumba or martial art class to do sport and have fun! You are self-conscious? You can do plenty of workout sessions on YouTube at home until you realize that most people going to the gym do not look like models, and there is nothing wrong with your body! Lack stamina? Start taking a night (or morning) walk around your block every day. Day after day, you will walk faster and further.
- Relaxing moments
Self-care is also taking time for you. Most people have a hectic schedule and hardly take time for themselves regularly. Practicing self-care is doing an activity you enjoy that makes you feel good, both physically and mentally. Taking a fancy bath, using a sheet mask, reading, writing, or drawing is an excellent way to relieve the pressure from stress and recenter on yourself.