What does self care mean to you? No doubt this term has been used to exhaustion (some might say), especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. But that doesn’t change its impact because it is what it is and it’s important. Right?

There are some arguments claiming that the self care industry is a ruse that’s feeding off women’s insecurities. Some say that it’s nothing short of the cosmetics phenomenon of the mid-century and the proof is in the marketing – you don’t see self care marketed to men… Although, I’m not too sure about that as demonstrated by the catalogs sent to my husband with designer flannel shirts, bougie slippers, and prestigious shaving collections. Oh, and fancy camping equipment.

Which brings me back to my original question: What does self care mean to you?

Do you identify lash extensions, manicures, and spray tan as self care? Or is your personal definition more about spending decent money on a daily greens drink, deep tissue massage, or high quality hemp salt for your tub soak? Or is your selfcare about spending time with friends and family, going for a hike, or traveling? Or a combination of all of the above?

My next question: Considering your response to the first question, at what age is it appropriate to commit to selfcare? Weird question, I know, but don’t you think selfcare should be in the mix at every age? So if a 6 year old girl were to consider her needs for self care so that she can thrive, what might that look like? 

When my daughter was 9 years old she started becoming self conscious about her eyebrows. As a 90’s kid, I totally understand the allure of the tweezers… Even though today’s look calls for full eyebrows, somehow the Frida Kahlo trend never took and that’s where she was focusing. 

We had a really great conversation about the things that are important and the things that are not. She was able to tell me, without question, the things that are important, and they did not include tweezing. With this she thought I was going to say that she shouldn’t do something about her eyebrows. 

Instead I told her that I would show her how to properly tweeze because it was clearly something that would make her feel better – even though in the whole scheme of things she knew it really was not important. 

Self care, I believe, IS important. What’s more important is that we be able to identify beyond a doubt the things/habits/experiences that we need to thrive. Not the things we enjoy, like having shapely eyebrows. But things we need to live optimally, like quality sleep, travel, downtime, exercise, all the things that come with recovery, and yes – a bit of pampering 🙂

So without thinking of the latest claim to self-care – What things/habits/experiences are important for you to thrive? I would love to know more about your self care regimen! If you would like to share, please email me at marketing@boutiquefitness

xoLara