If finding time for “self-care” was a challenge before the pandemic, it now seems almost impossible. The days when parents could depend on relatives to babysit their sick children are long gone. Many small businesses are shutting down due to staffing shortages, while others require employees to work excessive hours just to keep up. Family members are facing delayed healthcare, and medical professionals are overwhelmed and exhausted.
In the midst of this chaos, we hear the familiar refrain: “Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Your mental health is important!” As if we weren’t already aware; as if time is merely a concept, and COVID has somehow vanished.
We are stretched to our limits. The challenges posed by the pandemic have created a relentless cycle of trying to catch up. What once felt like a minor inconvenience has turned into a significant hurdle. Concern over our children’s health when they return to school has intensified. The toll of COVID exposure is draining families in every conceivable way. For many, finding time for basic necessities has become an overwhelming task, let alone the luxuries of “self-care.”
We all understand the importance of prioritizing ourselves. We are mature enough to recognize what needs to get done, and yes, we deserve to nurture ourselves — we know this. However, perhaps the best approach is to discard the traditional concept of self-care altogether. What may be feasible for one person might be utterly unattainable for another, leading to unrealistic expectations.
These well-intentioned ideas about what self-care should entail only deepen the divide between the affluent and the less fortunate, the healthy and the ill. Historically, the term “self-care” was introduced in the 1950s within the medical community to promote basic dignity in patients through simple acts like personal grooming and exercise. It wasn’t until around 2015 that it entered mainstream dialogue, adopting an entirely new connotation.
In the wake of the pandemic, the concept has lost its allure, reminding us instead to cherish the small, everyday moments. Whether it’s savoring a cup of tea or enjoying a quiet moment on the porch during a rainstorm, these simple pleasures can bring comfort. Yet, the harsh reality is that self-care remains a privilege that many cannot access when trapped in the very circumstances that drained them initially.
I’m not merely referring to financial constraints. While many can afford a tea bag or spare a few seconds for deep breaths, I’m talking about the lack of available resources, the absence of support, and a mental burden that feels insurmountable. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychiatrist and contributor to The Huffington Post, remarked in an interview, “Self-care now feels like the catch-all solution for the mounting pressures and responsibilities related to our mental health, rather than relying on a supportive social framework.”
I’m not suggesting we abandon all self-care practices. If you’ve discovered activities that bring you joy, by all means, embrace them. I appreciate feeling good about myself, just like anyone else. However, for some, self-care may feel like just another task on an already overwhelming to-do list — one more thing to add to the guilt of not accomplishing.
Every morning, we awake with a set of expectations, and by nightfall, many of those remain unmet. Each day, the cycle repeats until it becomes a daunting weight. Some of us are at the brink, unable to take on another obligation or “friendly” reminder to make time for ourselves.
Even when we do manage to carve out moments for ourselves, it often feels insufficient. We’re learning that self-care isn’t a cure-all. What we truly seek is inner peace, and we tend to grasp at anything that might bring us closer to it. Ironically, in our pursuit of self-care, we might be steering ourselves away from the tranquility we desire.
Peace isn’t a checklist item; it’s a state of being. It’s a choice, not a reward. Finding peace in the midst of a pandemic is a significant challenge, as our lives can often feel chaotic. Perhaps, the best care we can offer ourselves right now is simply doing our best in the face of adversity.
For more insights on navigating these tough times, check out this previous blog post. Additionally, for more information on family planning, visit this resource. If you’re interested in exploring expert advice on matters related to personal health, this site is a valuable resource.
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In summary, the pandemic has shattered the illusion of self-care, revealing that what works for one may not work for all. The pursuit of peace and well-being is complex and requires more than just individual effort. In these trying times, we must recognize that simply doing our best is a form of self-care in itself.