She Strengthens

The True Meaning of Self-Care: Beyond Beauty and Grooming

As I sat on my couch, feeling overwhelmed by life, I found myself scrolling through Groupon, credit card in hand, tempted by the promise of relaxation and rejuvenation. Before I knew it, I had spent nearly $200 on a chocolate mask facial, teeth whitening session, and a 60-minute body scrub. But was this really self-care, or just a form of indulgence?

Auntie Audre’s Wisdom

Audre Lorde, the renowned black lesbian feminist poet, once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Her words resonate deeply, encouraging women to prioritize their mental and physical health, especially in times of social unrest. But I believe Lorde’s vision of self-care went beyond the superficial, focusing instead on empowering marginalized communities to reclaim their place in society.

Clinical Self-Care

According to GoodTherapy.org, self-care from a clinical perspective involves taking actions to achieve optimal physical and mental health. This includes attending to daily living tasks, such as eating properly and exercising regularly, as well as cultivating emotional wellness through meditation, journaling, and seeking support from friends or therapists. The beauty of clinical self-care lies in its accessibility – it requires little to no financial investment.

The Motivation Behind Self-Care

The key difference between self-care from a business perspective and a mental health perspective lies in motivation. Therapists aim to promote emotional and mental well-being, while companies seek to create loyal customers. When we prioritize self-care for the sake of appearances, we risk undermining our long-term financial stability and overall well-being.

Beyond Expensive Treatments

The ultimate goal of self-care is to achieve peace of mind, boost self-esteem, and reduce anxiety. But going into debt to fund expensive self-care habits is counterproductive. Instead, we can focus on identifying activities that make our self-care plans effective, sustainable, and financially smart.

Functional, Fun, and Financially Savvy Self-Care

Here are some alternative self-care practices that won’t break the bank:

• Declutter your living and work spaces to clear your mind
• Outsource tasks that drain your energy and resources
• Limit social media use to reduce emotional distractions
• Create your own DIY beauty routines
• Engage in creative activities like adult coloring books
• Take time to connect with friends and loved ones
• Watch inspiring videos or TED Talks
• Sit with your emotions and honor them

A Lesson Learned

It’s been four weeks since my Groupon frenzy, and I’ve only used one of my self-care deals. In hindsight, I realize I didn’t need to spend $200 to practice self-care. By prioritizing financial responsibility and emotional awareness, I can cultivate a more authentic, sustainable approach to self-care – one that nourishes my spirit and my savings account.