Self-care isn't as hard as social media makes it.

Hey! This is my second blog, so sorry if its written awkwardly :]

Anyways, as someone who has struggled with taking care of myself for most of my teenage years, and who at one point fell for the internet propaganda of 13-step skincare, I wanted to share my thoughts on this.

So, I'm sure that anyone who's ever been on the internet is extremely familiar with images like this: Perfectly curated setup, cute set of pajamas, seemingly endless steps, "aesthetic" products, all with pastel colored containers, neatly cared for nails tapping at everything before using it.

This is the image that the Internet presents us with, and therefore the first thing we think of, when we say "self-care".

Now, the first thing I'd like to point out is that self-care is usually automatically equated with showering and skincare routines, as that's the kind of thing that people enjoy watching, and a very easy way to market products, but it's not all there is to it.

Self-care is pretty much anything that you do, to yourself and for yourself, that makes you feel relaxed, taken care of, and like you're pampering yourself. For me, for example, cleaning my room feels like self-care. I'm a very messy person, sometimes too busy to keep my things organized, so tidying my stuff and lighting a scented candle feels like I'm giving myself a better environment to spend my time in. 

It can be anything: taking a walk, listening to music, making art, even just taking a little bit of time out of your day to relax. 

Most of these things aren't pushed forward by the media, because it's hard to sell products with them. Not impossible, but definitely harder. 

Another thing I'd like to point out, is how influencers make it seem like self-care needs to be "aesthetic". 

I mean, have you ever seen an influencer doing their shower routine, eating their healthy food, or going on their walks in anything other than a perfectly-matched, pastel colored outfit and a slickback bun?

It always looks pretty. It's always appealing, soft, put-together.

Self care, however, doesn't HAVE to be that. Even unconventional activities can be self-care, like doing things to let out your anger or your stress.

A violently painted art piece made to externalize rage, is still self care. Hell, I go to punk concerts as self-care. Jumping into moshpits makes me feel alive, and happy, and I let out all the tension that I've been holding in... it counts as self-care. 

Dressing in a way YOU like, that makes YOU feel confident, and going to do something YOU enjoy, is self care.

Self-care is whatever you want it to be, and honestly, the less you think about how it looks, the better it is for you.

It's not important that it be daily, or weekly, or in any way scheduled. You do it when you have the energy, when you feel like you need to give yourself some attention, whenever you want. There are no absolutes.

Now, having given my opinion, I'll share what I personally like to do as self-care. Many of these are very conventional, but I still want to share. :)

The first, and most conventional, is obviously a good shower.

I absolutely HATE feeling greasy, so washing my hair, exfoliating thoroughly, using a hair mask and some body lotion always make me feel instantly better and less gross.

I already mentioned cleaning my room, which is usually done when I have to study, read, or do some sort of project. It helps me concentrate, since clutter is distracting. (ironic, for someone whos room generally looks like a raccoon den...)

The third is using my punching bag. 

I've had anger issues for years, at this point, and having something to take it out on always makes me feel calmer, and releases the endorphins you get when you do a good workout. Sometimes I'm not even angry, it just feels nice to hit something really hard.

This one will make me sound like a wellness guru or whatever, but journalling is a big one for me. Writing things down, even just how my day went, makes me feel more accomplished, and it's super relaxing, especially when done with a cup of tea or, in the summer, ice water.

Like I said before, going to concerts. Not exactly relaxing, but it's one of my absolute favorite things to do, and it makes me feel more like myself, every time. 

On that same subject, doing my makeup especially nice, putting on a cool outfit, and asking my boyfriend or my friends to hang out. It makes me feel like me, and reminds me that there are people who like me and value my presence. Video calls do that too, but they're less fun :P

Lastly, having some good, satisfying food. I'm a huge foodie, so I'll go to my local Chinese restaurant, which is fairly cheap too, and just stuff my face. This works with making myself food, as well, or just having some really nice ice cream. 

Well, that's it! I hope you enjoyed this blog, have a good day! <3

(i got all the pictures off Brave browser, i do NOT know how to take professional pictures lol)