When some people think of self-care, they think of the gentrification of this topic: bubble baths, skincare routines, getting your nails done, or a new hairstyle. And yes, self-care can absolutely be this but it isn’t to me. 

Self-care is defined as taking steps to tend to your physical and emotional health needs to the best of your ability. 

To me, self-care is getting out of bed in the morning, going to work, changing your clothes, taking a shower, even at your worst. And even though these are mundane tasks to the average human being, for many they’re not, including me. 

Many people struggle with these tasks every day of their life, who I identify with immensely. 

For those who struggle to put themselves first, self-care seems selfish and self-centered when it is the exact opposite of that. 

Self-care is self-preservation, and without it, you wouldn’t be able to take care of those around you, much less yourself. 

And the fact is, without self-care your quality of life. Over time without self-care, many people can experience things, such as burnout, Psychology Today found. 

Burnout is defined as a state of chronic stress, which is increased when there is difficulty in coping. Through this difficulty, a human’s natural idealism, energy, pleasure, and self-efficiency. 

Along with this, according to PsychCentral, lack of self-care can lead to reduced work performance, which is something that may even hold you back from participating in self-care-like habits.  

Self-care can make you a better human all around. Instead of lashing out at yourself, and maybe even others, when faced with stress, you can participate in self-care, whatever your definition of self-care is. 

In my life, self-care has truly made me a better person. I know now when I am in need of a break by taking a look at my thoughts and actions towards others and myself. 

Without self-care in my life, the fact is that I wouldn’t be here, especially since my self-care includes going to therapy and taking my medications. 

And so, I urge you to take care of your mind and body no matter what, doing what you need and love. Self-care doesn’t have to seem like a core or a burden on your existence, it can be something invigorating.