Self-Care Sunday: What is Self-Care?

The term self-care seems to have taken over social media over the past few years. This buzzword is easy to find, from product packaging to social media influencers touting the need for this thing called self-care. But what is it and why has it spread like the floating island of plastic trash in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

If you were to ask me five years ago about self-care, I would not have an inkling about what it is, what it entails, and why I should practice it on a regular basis. I was attending graduate school and working as a freelance writer, hustling for as much work as possible. I had no time to even think about such a thing as self-care. Little did I know at that time, but in a few years, self-care would be an integral part of my life.

These days, self-care happens each day, in different ways. Being kind to yourself counts as self-care. Treating your body with the care and respect it deserves and needs counts as self-care. Relaxing in a warm Epsom salt bath counts as self-care. Tending to your mental and physical health counts as self-care.


Living with chronic conditions can make us feel worn out, both mentally and physically. We’re often in pain, to a degree at which it makes it difficult to pay attention to our personal needs. That makes self-care all that more important for spoonies. Listen to your body.
Do you feel like you want to get out of your skin? It could be anxiety. Journal, soak, and rest. Self-care.