A Road Map to Self-Care in an Uncaring World

Self-care isn’t about relaxing. It’s about taking care of yourself: mind, body, and soul.

Photo by Ava Sol on Unsplash

I Can’t Self-Care

I’m not proud of it — the first items on my to-do list every day are:

Eat 3 meals
Shower
Brush teeth

But that’s how it is. As a 27 year old, I’m proud to say I finally do in fact eat three meals most days. I also shower and brush my teeth most days. I couldn’t say that for most of the last few years, unfortunately.

But that’s not self-care. That’s basic Keep This Flesh Suit Alive 101. And I’ve just now mastered it. Over a quarter of the way into my life.

I don’t know how to admit it, other than just blurting it: I can’t self-care.

I’ve read a million articles and infographics and listicles and Facebook posts and Tumblr reblogs and Instagram captions that tell me to hop into the tub with a candle lit and some soothing music or to write in my little journal or to drink some chamomile tea or water my succulents or take a walk or… any number of things I would love to do if I enjoyed my company when I was sad.

But when I’m down, like way down below normal state almost tipping into Total Panic Meltdown, I cannot even…