The importance of self-care for your mental health
What is holistic health anyway? Think time and space, not a manicure and pedicure
Text: Sam Y
Social media is flooded with #selfcare content including luxury hotel stays, opulent spa treatments and people laying down somewhere exotic on curated feeds. It’s good for me! I deserve it! Because I’m worth it! scream the accompanying captions. But while self-care is obviously a good thing, its link to opulence, expense and superficial acts of gratification mean that the idea of self-care is being taken somewhat out of context.
Self-care is an important aspect of holistic health. It isn’t achieved through means of self-centredness and narcissism, but involves a thorough look at our psyche, brain and body. In other words, it’s a lifestyle. “People who genuinely practise self-care, take care of their physical health through exercise and eating healthy food, not for the purpose of falling under the socially constructed boxes of beauty, but for the nourishment of our bodies and brains,” says Maria Micha, psychologist, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist at Maria Micha Counselling Center.
Superficial spending
“A lot of people feel that self-care is the act of going to the hairdressers’, getting their nails done or buying themselves an expensive car or watch, however these are actually just rewards,” Maria continues, stating that if self-care is limited to acts of rewarding ourselves with expensive items, then we're only superficially taking care of ourselves (or just trying to impress other people with our looks and spending power –– ouch).
“When we get stuck in those social constructs, and we try to fit into the models that societies and social media have created for us, we usually don't do ourselves any favours. Comparisons hurt our souls and our spirits, and take away from our individuality and uniqueness.”
So how can we do self-care the right way? By focusing on creating time and space for our real needs. There’s nothing wrong with splurging on luxurious things –– these are excellent goals to have that make life pleasant. However, self-care also needs to include relaxation, nutritious food, and meaningful relationships with family, partners, children and even colleagues. “Self-care is the perpetual process of feeling good and healthy on all levels; emotional, physical, and mental,” Maria says.
Right here, right now
She suggests ensuring ample time for yourself to enjoy the little things and seizing the moment right now instead of putting it off. Do you want to go for a walk in the park? Travel to another part of your city? Visit a friend for dinner and drinks? Dance alone in your home to your favourite playlist? Do it today! “We often give up on ourselves and we keep delaying gratification and pleasure. Our minds and bodies need to know that they're prioritised. They need to know that we will take care of ourselves. And when we keep saying we're going create space for ourselves only tomorrow, or next month, or after this huge project, (or once the borders are open again), then our subconscious mind loses faith in us,” Maria explains.
Hence, bring joy in your life, right here, right here, right now. “If you're busy at work, find another way to bring pleasure into work life. Maybe you can listen to some meditative music as you go, do a short burst of quick exercise, leave the screen regularly to boost your focus, and most importantly, communicate with the people you love,” Maria suggests. “These acts, more than anything, are what self-care is about.”
