Self-Care Isn’t Pretty — And That’s Exactly Why We Need It
Every year on July 24, the world observes International Self-Care Day — a day that’s meant to remind us that taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a daily responsibility.
But let’s get one thing straight: self-care isn’t always candlelit baths, 10-step skincare routines, or green smoothies. In fact, sometimes it’s the complete opposite.
It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. And it often looks nothing like Instagram.
Self-Care Is Saying “I’m Not Okay” — And Actually Sitting With It
We’ve all seen the aesthetic posts. A girl in a silk robe sipping tea. A perfectly curated “me time” flat lay. But that version of self-care feels more like performance than healing.
True self-care might look like finally booking that therapy session. Or admitting to your best friend that you’re not coping. Or canceling plans not because you’re busy, but because you’re emotionally drained and running on fumes.
And that’s okay.
Self-care is also waking up and realizing that maybe your life looks nothing like you imagined—and choosing to show up anyway.
Self-Care as Resistance (Yes, Really)
For marginalized communities—especially those juggling caregiving, discrimination, or generational expectations—self-care isn’t just helpful. It’s revolutionary.
Audre Lorde said it best: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.”
When you’re expected to always give more, do more, and be more, choosing rest, therapy, boundaries, or saying “no” is an act of resistance. It’s a refusal to break under systems that don’t account for your exhaustion.
The Unseen Forms of Self-Care No One Talks About
Let’s normalize these less photogenic, deeply healing versions of self-care:
- Taking your meds consistently (even when you don’t feel like it).
- Muting a group chat because your brain needs quiet.
- Not replying instantly without guilt.
- Cleaning your room not because it’s fun, but because it makes your brain feel less foggy.
- Letting yourself grieve things you thought you were over.
This version of self-care? It’s raw. It’s vulnerable. But it’s real.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis
We often treat self-care like a fire extinguisher—only to be used in case of emergency. But by then, we’re already on the edge. Self-care works best when it’s preventive, not reactive.
International Self-Care Day is your reminder to stop glamorizing productivity over peace. To stop waiting for a breakdown before you reach out. To stop thinking you need to “earn” your rest.
You are allowed to take care of yourself before things fall apart.
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