Let’s Begin at the Beginning: What is Self-Care, Explore Some History, and Examine Why Self-Care Matters.
By Dr. Deb Majewski, EdD, LCPC
What is Self-Care?
We love the idea of self-care. It brings forth images of spa days, practicing deep breathing, sitting cross legged while watching a beautiful sunset, or journaling. These are of course, all great avenues to achieve self-care, but possessing useful and accurate information can take you further than you may
have imagined in applying this valuable and necessary concept to your life.
Self-care comes from the concept of wellness which is defined as “the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal.” Wellness can perhaps best be understood if separated into various areas of our lives including but not limited to our social lives, our spiritual selves, our financial
and/or occupational situations, our relationship with the environment, our emotional state, our physical selves, our sense of personal identity and how that relates to others around us, and our sense of self-worth.
A Little History
Throughout history, “care of the self” can be found as early as in the writings of Socrates where he speaks about the difference between a focus on the accumulation of wealth at the expense of wisdom, truth, and the care of the soul. These thoughts have been challenged by others throughout history as
acts of self-interest, egoistic, and highly suspect. In the Laches by Socrates, he illustrates two fathers attempting to encourage their children to care for themselves and how this task is impossible if the fathers do not first care for themselves.
In more current times a lot of questionable self-care advice abounded such as the recommendation after receiving an electrical shock to apply a mustard plaster over the heart and offer “strong black coffee,” or to offer an alcoholic beverage as treatment for a bite from a rabid dog.
In the 1950’s the medical community began drawing attention to self-care by encouraging patients to engage in individualized practices to strengthen their own physical health and well-being. These strategies focused on proper nutrition, exercise, and personal grooming, all of which were recognized
to show increases in feelings of self-worth.
The movement continued In the 1960’s with the civil rights movement as a core part of community care in large part due to the Black Panther Party. Members of the Black Panther Party who were known for promotion of social justice and equality, encouraged what was then a radical idea of using self-care as a means to fight against systemic racism. They believed that holistic well-being of the black community, including child and medical care, access to financial information, and adequate food security were essential in achieving parity with white communities and negating the effects of white control and oppression. They ultimately developed a 10-Point Program in 1966 that they encouraged people to follow.
The attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 brought attention to the effects of PTSD and trauma and caused more focus on self-reflection. Social media and other forms of online contact have made it possible for otherwise sidelined groups such as the LGBTQ+ community, Women, and People of Color to create space to find community where than can support each other and discover the benefits of self-care.
Why It Matters
So, you may be wondering what the big deal is. Why do I need self-care? I like to think of it like a bank account. If you keep making withdrawals and never make deposits, what’s going to happen? Right! You will overdraw the account, and it will be shut down. You cannot continue to do, and do, and give, and give, without putting some gas back in your engine. So many of my colleagues, clients and students are worn out because they put themselves on the backburner. Sound familiar?
– Self-care matters for the following reasons:
– Helps manage stress
– Lowers risk of illness
– Increases energy
– Boosts positive feelings and motivation
– Increases self-esteem
– Serves as a commitment to yourself
In upcoming posts, we will explore the various areas of self-care in depth, some barriers to self-care, and a lot of ideas for how you can incorporate self-care into your life.
-Dr. Deb
Next post: We will begin to explore aspects of the Creative Self and look at how and what we think impacts every aspect of our life and how self-care can make a difference. See you soon!!
References
Brubaker, M. D., & Sweeney, T. J. (2022). Wellness and wellness counseling: History, status, and future. Counselor Education and Supervision, 61, 25–37. https://doi.org/10.1002/ceas.12222
Clarfield, M. (1997). Self-help medical advice was popular in the 1930’s, too. Canadian Medical Association, 157, 1272-3.
Groves, O. The powerful history of self-care, and how to honor it. https://www.silkandsonder.com/blogs/news/the-origin-of-self-care-the-fascinating-history-and- 3-hugeways-it-can-help-you-right-now. Retrieved 2/24/2024.
Harris, A. A history of self-care.
https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2017/04/the_history_of_self_care.html#:~:text=Self%2Dcare%20was%20%E2%80%9Ca%20claiming,American%20fitness%20culture%2C%20told%20me. Retrieved 2/23/2024.
Myers, J. E. & Sweeney, T. J. (2005a). The indivisible self: An evidence-based model of wellness. The Journal of Individual Psychology 61(3), 269-279.
Pearson, R. A history of radical Black self-care and the impact of the Black Panther Party. https://thegrio.com/2021/02/25/history-of-radical-black-self-care/ Retrieved 2/24/2024.