We all have an idea of what self-care is. Many of us take self-care days, watch the comforting “Treat Yo-self” scene from “Parks and Recreation,” take a break from the ever-growing pile of homework to watch Vine compilations or just take a nap. As the idea of taking care of yourself becomes more mainstream, this begs the questions — what is self-care? What is the point? And why is it essential?
Self-care is a radical act of resistance. It is imperative to recognize that self-care is inherently connected with race, class, gender and sexuality. As Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” According to a study by The American Psychological Association, people of color experience emotional and psychological stress caused by systematic oppressions that eventually lead to mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression at a higher rate than Caucasian Americans. The same study shows that LGBTQ+ people have a higher chance of mental illnesses. Some may then argue that the act of caring for one’s self is denying the oppressor, oppressions and perpetrators who have inflicted pain. However, self-care (or compassion) is not accessible to everyone — we must acknowledge that self-care days, manicures or getting your fave Starbucks drink are simply not an accessible reality to all people. Those who work full-time to support their family don’t have the time and can’t afford to take a day off to watch Netflix; manicures are not affordable to all, and a quiet, scenic park in which to hike is not always nearby.
Those who are affected by systematic oppressions, such as racism, sexism, homophobia or xenophobia, are often living in poverty. According to the 2014 Kids Count Data Center study, “(In the U.S.) 39 percent of African-American children and adolescents and 33 percent of Latino children and adolescents are living in poverty, which is more than double the 14 percent poverty rate for non-Latino, White, and Asian children and adolescents.” This statistic makes it clear that a connection can be found between race, class, gender and sexuality and access to self-care.
It is also essential to recognize that self-care has moved away from reflection and soul-searching, and has moved towards compulsive consumerism (such as buying face masks from Lush or subscribing to Hulu for relaxation purposes).
So, what does this mean for stressed, sleep-deprived, dehydrated, overworked students like us? Self-care doesn’t have to be what we’ve been told it is by the greater American culture. If the goal of self-care is long-term happiness or self-love, it might not always be achievable via a quick-fix of Instagramming that new pumpkin spice bath bomb. For many people, the advertised means of self-care are not reachable or they might not work. Self-compassion might entail drinking enough water today, mapping your body with things you love about it or want to learn to love, turning your phone off for the morning, exercising with a friend, meditating on what you are thankful for — or it might just be Instagramming that new pumpkin spice bath bomb. But first, slow down. Evaluate what your goal is. Maybe even write it down while watching a Vine compilation and sipping on Starbucks. This topic is more complex than what can be analyzed in 500 words. But look inside yourself — you might just have every tool you need to care for your mind and body.
Evan White a Contributing Writer for the Voice, can be reached for comment at EWhite18@wooster.edu.