Has the #SelfCare Trend Made Self-Care Too Hard for Regular Women?
Who wouldn’t want the freedom to reclaim their time, say no when needed, and prioritise their own well-being? It’s a logical choice, especially in today’s fast-paced environment where many of us frequently feel overwhelmed, to find solace in self-care. When self-care first gained popularity, it was quite groundbreaking. (However, it's not entirely new—Ancient Greek philosophers were already exploring self-care concepts over 3,000 years ago.) These days, the term “self-care” is ubiquitous, with over 200 million Google search results.
For women, self-care has evolved into more than just looking after oneself; it has become a symbol of empowerment and personal agency, a way to assert one’s needs. For women, it represented a temporary escape from the contradictory messages of “you deserve this” while simultaneously undermining their worth. Self-care allowed women to take their own needs and desires seriously.
Yet, over time, this initial empowerment has shifted. Self-care has transformed into #selfcare—a hashtag often associated with flawless images of mental clarity. This trend has set an unrealistic standard, making it seem like self-care is only attainable for those who can maintain such ideals. Consider influencers with perfectly styled hair and toned physiques, practicing yoga or meditating against the backdrop of exotic vacations. This idealised #selfcare model, while visually appealing, has created a “pink paywall” that makes self-care seem like a luxury only accessible to those who can afford it. Ordinary women may struggle to relate to these idealised portrayals, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Keeping up with these “Instagrammable” standards is simply out of reach for most.
In reality, self-care isn't about indulgent bubble baths or manicures. It's often less glamorous and more challenging than that. True self-care is about tending to your needs in ways that resonate with you, even if they don’t match the polished #selfcare image.
Self-care isn’t the privilege of the affluent. It can mean finishing a book you’ve enjoyed or being okay with not having read one in years. It might involve treating yourself to a massage or simply managing your day with baby spit and dry shampoo without feeling you’ve failed at femininity.
Self-care is about self-preservation, not about meeting external expectations. The notion that self-care requires buying into a specific image or standard is problematic. Authentic self-care is about discovering what helps you maintain balance and contentment, not about conforming to someone else’s standards or seeking validation. It’s about making choices that support your well-being in a way that feels true to you, rather than how it looks on social media. Genuine self-care prioritises personal fulfilment over public perception and underscores the importance of self-preservation amidst unrealistic expectations.
