Deconstructing Self-Care
“Rest is Resistance”- Tricia Hersey
The term “self-care” has become a persistent discussion point in pop culture, particularly since the pandemic uprooted our prior reality in 2020. When we discuss self-care, some people will assume this looks like spa days, vacations, long weekend get-a-ways, or luxurious experiences. Although these may be options for self-care, sustainable self-care as a practice is so much more.
Since the start of the pandemic, self-care as a concept has somewhat shifted to a more accessible and consistent practice of mindfulness, small tasks of self-love, engagement in hobbies/activities, and getting our basic needs met. We have been told over and over again the importance of prioritizing our mental, physical, and spiritual health.
However, what happens when that is in direct conflict with the demands being placed on us due to capitalism and ‘grind culture’? We have come to accept self-care as a necessity, but also often perceive it as a reward for hard work.
But, if we wait to engage in self-care when we burn out, how beneficial is it? What happens if we are not “burnt out”, rather, what if we are constantly burning because the demands and expectations placed upon us are unreasonable and unsustainable?
Self-care is not a reward, quite simply it’s innate for our survival.
One way to combat internalized capitalism regarding self-care is to acknowledge these acts/tasks/needs as self-preservation. Self- preservation can be defined as “a natural or instinctive tendency to act so as to preserve one’s own existence.”
As we make our transition into Autumn, we are faced with an unrelenting shift back into busier schedules, more demanding responsibilities to work/others/life, longer days, and cooler weather. How do we better prepare to take care of ourselves?
First, there are no ‘quick fixes’ to deprogramming internalized grind culture. Slowing down is a practice, not a switch flip. Second, there is no “right” way to ingrain self-care practices. The internet offers hundreds of worthwhile options and suggests care practices to utilize for differing schedules, demands, responsibilities, and financial means. Lastly, we can be mindful that there is a major difference between stretching ourselves and overextending ourselves.
My hope is reading this post allowed for a moment of reflection in that self-care is not a reward for work you have done, it is necessary for your basic survival. You are worth so much more than your productivity. You as a human being deserve rest, joy, relief, softness, and compassion, simply because of your humanhood. You deserve to slow down. Self-care is self-preservation.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde
Interested in working with Kelsey? Connect with her at kelseyschroeder@roomtobreathechicago.com