Self care has been a mega buzzword of 2020. We hear it all the time but the term isn’t new — we’ve just lost sight of its meaning. To truly understand “self care,” we must honor and educate on its origins. Our modern-day relationship with self care dates back to the 80’s with Audre Lorde, a Black feminist, activist and writer.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Lorde (A Burst of Light: and Other Essays)
Lorde discussed self care as a form of self-preservation. It was about taking care of oneself in a world that’s designed by those who view you as less than. This made her self care a radical and political act, as a queer Black feminist. Over the last few decades, the idea of wellness and me-time evolved, especially in recent years. It’s now celebrated and encouraged as time to better yourself: mind and body, whatever that may be. Ultimately, self care is rooted in politics. To help us know our #bluming community better, 2000 of you shared what self care means to you. Here’s what you said:
40% scored the importance of self care as 10/10, with an average score of 8.8
In a dream world, we’d all be keeping our self care in check at a high 10 — but the reality is, it’s difficult to do. Instead of building up pressure to self care, try shifting your mindset into making it more enjoyable and achievable, less of an escape and more as a pause to be present. Perhaps a goal to help you bump your self care score into the high average, is giving yourself time to reflect on why self care may (or may not) be important to you.
90% of you shared that you (already) do or try to prioritize self care, while 53% feel pressure to practice it
With importance comes priority. Feeling the importance of self care may be loading on some pressure, especially if you’re lacking the understanding of your “why." Turn some app notifications off, follow inspo IG accounts (we’re loving @lisaoliveratherapy), surround yourself with people who practice self care in different ways so you can see what practices suit you best! When we turn things into habits, like a morning meditation or 30 min YouTube workout, they start to feel easier and more natural.
83% shared that gratitude is a part of their self care (or that you’d like it to be)
We’re right there with ya! Gratitude is simple, yet makes the world of a difference to your overall well being. Showing thanks to your health, your home and your loved ones can bring greater life satisfaction. It’s free to do, whether it’s feeling grateful internally or showing it externally through a simple text message or extra quality time. Inspire friends to practice gratitude as well!
66% said they meditate for their self care or would like it to be — the first step to getting started!
You can learn more about the different forms of meditation here to figure out which technique may be most effective for you and your needs.
54% said journaling is part of their self care routine or that they want it to be
Can we make 90’s diaries cool again (key and lock included)? Journaling holds a safe space for your thoughts and emotions. Followed by reflection, this can help you sort out your mental storm. Bonus: journals are like time machines ;)
Did you know? Love languages also apply to self care! Here’s how you’re showing yourself love:
- 51% Quality time: with myself or loved ones
- 16% Acts of services: asking what my body needs and serving those around you
- 12% Words of affirmation: thru books, podcasts, phone call / FT
- 11% Physical touch: reconnecting with my body thru movement
- 10% Gifts: retail therapy, surprising friends with deliveries!
Some couldn’t decide on one because they’re all of the above, raising a great point! Sometimes we lean on different self care love languages depending on our needs in a specific time or day. Figuring out your love language can help bring you one step closer to a more fulfilled self care practice! Allow this to evolve and change over time.
83% said they’re practicing the same amount of self care or more, compared to last year
With all the unforeseen events that we continue to go through together worldwide (hi #2020), self care has become more desirable in maintaining self-sustainability. Kudos to you for making more me-time!
68% said the biggest challenge when practicing self care has to do with time
Head to our Instagram and follow our #SelfCareRecipes Campaign for more *free* resources and tips on how to overcome that hurdle.
Finally, we asked 2000 you to define self care, each in your own ways. Here's what some of you said:
Since the 80’s, the idea of self care has evolved into products and practices. As a brand in this growing space, we acknowledge the privilege that comes with access to modern day “self care.” We commit to continuing our mission to make periods and self care easier and healthier for all people, through accessible clean products and free educational resources.
With COVID-19, BLM and civil rights movements around the world, our team is driven more than ever to support our community in understanding, exploring and evolving their relationship with self care in all that we do. We honor its origins as Audre Lorde’s definition of self care, not as self-indulgence but as self-preservation, continues to hold its truth and value in society today. We’re guided and grounded back to our “why” in self care during these global pandemics, and hope you are too. Join us in sharing your relationship with self care and your fave practices on Instagram @blume! What can we do to support your self care journey as it evolves?
“In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.” - Audre Lorde
