We are living in a time where overconsumption and consumerism has easily equated self care to buying the latest gadgets, trendy clothing, and other non-essential items. Yes, a little retail therapy can provide an instant gratification that lasts just as long as a TikTok video. But genuine self care is nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing and this cannot be achieved by acquiring more stuff.
Retail therapy provides the illusion of self care. It’s touted as a quick fix to stress or anxiety when in actuality it leads to more stress and anxiety. Once the instant gratification wears off, the process of finding the next thing to buy to give us that high begins. When true self care is figuring out why the material needs are there to provide happiness. Find out how to be happy without. Retail therapy provides you with debt, empty happiness, and too much meaningless stuff taking up space. The debt, mental and emotional clutter from the stuff, counteract the intended purpose. Your peace has been shattered by stuff.
”Buying things you don’t need and can’t afford isn’t self care.”
True self care is about the simple things in life. Focus on your diet, strengthen your muscles, getting outside, laughing more, getting your check ups done, and healing your insecurities by going to the source of them. Healing whatever pain and trauma you may have to ensure you are better for the relationships you have in life. True self care is being financially informed, aware of your spending habits, and making good choices. You can practice great self care by creating an environment of calm and peace. Keeping your mind and physical space decluttered.
Yes, taking a bath or shower is an instant mood booster. But you don’t need an overly priced body wash to take your daily shower. Purchasing a new gym outfit isn’t going to help you shed the pounds faster. Find something in your closet that’s old and can get sweaty. A $40 water bottle is unnecessary. As long as you wash and moisturize you don’t need a 20 step skin care routine. Take it from a self proclaimed beauty junkie. In fact, the more simple my routine became the better my skin health became. 3 SELF CARE MOMENTS FROM LAST WEEK
Self care is free. Self care is simple. Self care is finding a deeper connection with yourself. As you prepare for the warmer months focus on having experiences and not things. Get outside. Enjoy nature, music, people, food, and good conversation. When you go home be grateful for the moments, and prepare to do it all over again.
RosalynLynn
Be you so you can be free.