The recent challenges to both our physical and emotional health have raised the concept of self-care to the forefront. Everyone from doctors to spiritual leaders are emphasizing the importance of self-care, but as yet I have not seen a definition for it. What exactly IS self-care, and how do we know where the line is between self-care and plain old indulgence?
Complicating the issue further is the quarantine, where most of us are staying in our homes, with no familiar routines or jobs to give structure to our days. In these conditions, does self-care look like sitting around in your jammies all day watching tv? Or is it getting dressed and creating your own form and function for the day?
This feels like new and somewhat confusing ground, at least to me. Recently this clarification came to mind, and it provides a simple way to assess whether our choices are nurturing, helpful, and true self-care, or are they less-than-helpful indulgences.
Self-care – An activity that enhances and promotes overall wellbeing
Indulgence – An activity that gives into desires, that may or may not enhance or promote wellbeing
This framework is helpful because it recognizes that the same activity that is true self-care one day, might be less-healthy indulgence another day.
For example – if you’ve not been feeling well physically, spending the day lounging, while reading and watching tv would be considered self-care. However, if you’re physically well and have already spent 2 days this week lounging around, self-care might look like getting dressed, taking a walk outside, doing a yoga series, or going through the mail.
This is a personal determination to be made, and it requires a high degree of honesty. I know that a second round of dark chocolate and walnuts would be fun and comforting to enjoy, but when I get honest with myself, I know that it is indulgence, not self-care. Rats.
If you would like support in dealing with issues around self-care or any other topic that influences your quality of life, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a coaching session. It would be my pleasure to assist you.
