What is Self-Care?
Self-Care (noun, verb)
Pronunciation: /ˈselfˌker/
Definition
Noun: Self-care is a way of living that prioritizes the mind, body, and spirit, fostering balance, resilience, and overall well-being. It encompasses intentional practices that nurture mental, emotional, and physical health.
Verb: Self-caring is the act of making aligned choices and engaging in intentional actions that sustain well-being, rather than simply doing more. It is about honoring personal needs, setting boundaries, and embracing practices that restore energy and vitality.
Background & Origins
Originally, self-care was a doctor’s order—a prescribed set of actions individuals were encouraged to take before seeking medical intervention. Rooted in ancient healing traditions, self-care emphasized the body's natural ability to heal when supported by holistic practices. These practices included:
Nature Therapy – Spending time outdoors for grounding, fresh air, and connection with natural rhythms.
Water Healing – Hydration, baths, and natural water sources for cleansing and renewal.
Rest & Restoration – Prioritizing sleep, stillness, and relaxation for recovery.
Herbal & Nutritional Medicine – Using whole, high-vibrational foods and medicinal herbs to nourish the body and support mental and emotional well-being.
Love & Giving – Acts of kindness, gratitude, and connection as medicine for the soul.
Movement – Engaging in physical activity to maintain vitality and energy flow.
Prayer & Meditation – Cultivating inner peace through mindfulness, reflection, and spiritual practices.
The philosophy of self-care dates back to Socrates in ancient Greece, who taught that caring for the self was essential to living a just and virtuous life. He believed that self-inquiry, discipline, and personal well-being were necessary for an individual to contribute meaningfully to society. This idea became the foundation for later philosophical and medical approaches to well-being.
Centuries later, self-care took on a new meaning in the fight for social justice. During the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panther Party recognized self-care as a revolutionary act. For Black communities denied access to basic healthcare, self-care became a means of survival, resistance, and empowerment. The Panthers established community-led wellness programs, including free medical clinics, nutrition programs, and mental health initiatives, reinforcing that self-care was not just an individual responsibility but a collective one.
Before modern pharmaceuticals, self-care was the foundation of health—an approach that recognized the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and environment. While today’s wellness industry has expanded the concept, true self-care remains deeply rooted in the wisdom of nature, intentional living, and the alignment of daily habits with overall well-being.
True Self-Care vs. Modern Wellness Trends
In contrast to modern diet and exercise programs, which often emphasize restriction, quick fixes, or aesthetic goals, true self-care is a sustainable practice rooted in nourishment, alignment, and intuitive well-being.
Diet Culture vs. Self-Care: Modern diets often focus on calorie counting, deprivation, and short-term results, whereas self-care encourages eating in a way that fuels the body, supports mental clarity, and sustains long-term health. Historically, food was seen as medicine, and self-care meant consuming high-vibrational foods that nurtured both the body and the mind.
Exercise vs. Movement: Modern fitness programs often emphasize intensity, performance, and external appearance. True self-care recognizes movement as a gift to the body, focusing on joy, longevity, and intuitive movement rather than punishment or obligation.
By reframing self-care as a lifelong investment rather than a momentary indulgence, we return to its original purpose: a path to sustained health, vitality, and inner peace.
Self-Care Today
In modern times, self-care has often been commercialized, focusing on consumer-driven wellness trends. Indulgent activities like manicures or shopping, while enjoyable, do not fully align with the core definition of self-care—they are momentary pleasures rather than long-term investments in well-being. However, at its core, self-care remains a holistic practice of self-preservation, alignment, and empowerment—one that bridges ancient wisdom, medical tradition, and personal well-being.