Redefining Self-Care: A Focus on Mental Health and Well-being
When we hear the term “self-care,” we often visualize luxurious spas, scented candles, herbal teas, and getaway vacations.
Yet, these are merely materialistic aspects. True self-care, in its authentic form, is about sustaining our ability to bring about change and be transformative in our lives.
Today, many of us live in a perpetual state of survival, hyper-vigilance, and anxiety. Our hectic routines and the constant hustle and bustle of life leave us little room to breathe, let alone care for ourselves.
This makes us perceive self-care as an extravagant luxury, a treat we can only afford after reaching certain financial milestones.
Yet, what we often overlook is that self-care is not about affluence but about survival.
Living in survival mode, as a Nigerian in the eastern part might, involves facing daily hardships and stressful situations. Yet, even amidst these challenges, self-care is not only attainable but essential.
Sadly, we’ve strayed far from the real concept of self-care, primarily influenced by white media’s portrayal.
Their reality is not universally applicable. Personal self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it might involve returning to their roots, to the serenity of nature, while for others, it could mean a long, worry-free run or a quiet space for themselves.
The truth is, true self-care goes beyond escaping to an island or splurging on extravagant spas. It’s about knowing and taking care of our bodies, minds, and overall well-being on a regular basis. It involves regular exercise to build a strong mind and body, cultivating habits that calm the mind, eating healthy food, and taking silent moments to recenter ourselves.
Furthermore, self-care is about compassion, kindness, and self-forgiveness.
It’s about recognizing when you’re hurting, and giving yourself permission to take a step back. It’s about understanding that it’s okay to falter, to fail, and to be imperfect.
Crucially, self-care is not about overindulging in material goods or escaping from reality temporarily.
It’s about preserving our body and mind, and improving the quality of our life rather than just existing and surviving.
We must reach a state where we consider our health and physical capabilities before making decisions, and where we take care of others without sacrificing our own well-being.
The key takeaway is that self-care is not a one-off task or an afterthought; it’s an everyday criterion. It’s about being proactive and taking small but significant steps towards ensuring our mental and physical health.
As we prioritize self-care, we learn to see our strengths and embrace our true selves rather than conforming to societal expectations.
let’s redefine self-care.
Let’s focus on cultivating awareness, building resilience, and fostering self-compassion. Above all, let’s remember that self-care is essential, not a luxury, and it begins with us.
Our mental health and well-being depend on it.
