Examining “Self-Care”

Self-care seems to be a bit of a buzz-term these days, especially among those in the helping professions. In and of itself, the term seems pretty straightforward: by practicing self-care, we’re taking care of ourselves. However, I think a distinction needs to be made between self-care activities that are truly enjoyable, and self-care activities that are widely considered to be “good for you,” but don’t necessarily provide that needed mental respite from the daily stresses of life.

This distinction was illuminated for me after a recent conversation with a friend/colleague, who asked me if “going to the gym to lift weights” was really self-care. I responded that of course it was, because I was doing something that was “good for me.” But, after some reflection, I realized that while lifting weights is good for my physical self, it isn’t an activity I necessarily enjoy. While I usually feel great after a trip to the gym, I don’t always enjoy the actual time spent there. It doesn’t offer me that mental break that I often feel I need. And while there are many merits to physical exercise (both physical and mental), I realized that for me, lifting weights might not be the best form of self-care. In contrast, after spending much of a recent weekend lost in a novel, I realized that reading a good book provides me substantially more of a mental vacation than going to the gym ever could. The lesson? Going to the gym is definitely an excellent activity for caring for myself and keeping my body healthy, but if I’m feeling rundown and in need of restoration, it may not be my best option.

A Google search of “self-care” activities can turn up a number of activities that are widely considered healthy. Still, when it comes down to it, self-care is unique to the individual. I encourage you to consider what your most pure form of self-care is, and to evaluate which of your self-care activities can offer you that true escape.