She Strengthens

Rethinking Self-Care: Beyond Luxurious Bubble Baths

Self-care has become a buzzword, often associated with indulgent treats and superficial activities. But what if we told you that true self-care is about making intentional choices that nourish your overall well-being?

Debunking the Myth

The concept of self-care has been hijacked by marketers, promising quick fixes and instant gratification. But the reality is that self-care is a deeply personal and ongoing process. It’s about investing time and effort into understanding your needs and making conscious choices to prioritize your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

A Personal Journey

As a stressed-out college student, I thought I was practicing self-care by partying with friends and buying expensive treats. But I soon realized that these activities were leaving me feeling guilty and unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I took the time to reflect on my actual needs and wants that I began to make meaningful changes to my self-care routine.

Getting Real

I scoured online resources, talked to friends, and tried out new activities to find what truly worked for me. I learned that my needs and wants are constantly evolving, and that my self-care plan needed to adapt to these changes. I made the time to edit my plan, dropping rituals that no longer served me and incorporating new ones that brought me joy.

A Flexible Approach

The key to effective self-care is flexibility. Our needs change from season to season, month to month, and week to week. A rigid self-care plan can become a chore, rather than a helpful tool. By acknowledging that our needs are fluid, we can open ourselves up to trying new activities, reflecting on their impact, and integrating them into our routine.

Letting Go

It’s okay to let go of a ritual that no longer serves you. Maybe you felt pressure to participate in a popular practice, but it just doesn’t resonate with you. That’s okay. A healthy habit can start out strong, but become ineffective when circumstances change.

Seasonal Reflections

I like to reassess my self-care plan at the beginning of each season. With fall upon us, I’ve made changes to prioritize my sleep routine, purposeful friend time, and dropped my gym membership in favor of walking around my neighborhood. I’ve also added a new ritual – reading before bed – to help me wind down.

Quick Fixes vs. Long-Term Results

While indulging in small pleasures like bath bombs or lattes can provide temporary relief, it’s essential to build a sturdy foundation of self-care practices that produce long-lasting results. This includes activities like therapy, quality friendships, and ample rest.

Reclaiming Self-Care

Your self-care plan doesn’t have to feel stale. You can reboot it at any time by asking yourself three simple questions: what’s working, what’s not, and what would you like to try? By doing so, you can add depth to your self-care routine and make it a true reflection of your needs and wants.

Permission to Prioritize

I give you permission to give yourself permission to reclaim your self-care. It may take some effort and uncomfortable reflection, but the payoff is worth it. By prioritizing your well-being, you can live a more prosperous and fulfilling life.