Self-care is an often misused term. We can appreciate the intention of associating caring for oneself as simply doing a face mask, it's not as simple as that. Treating yourself to skincare and good food is a start, but self-care needs to be holistic. It needs to be sustainable and include solutions that support mental health and overall wellbeing.

There are many ways we can look after ourselves and these are never going to be exactly the same for everyone. Especially in a capitalist society where our identities and worth are heavily based on how hard we're working, big or small. It can be difficult to prioritise our wellbeing needs when there's always a birthday to attend, a deadline to meet, a floor to be mopped ...  but that doesn't mean we should give it a shot regardless.

Ultimately, self-care extends beyond a night of extra good skincare and a glass of wine (though both effective to an extent). Sometimes it looks like boundary setting. Sometimes it looks like taking a break from the news cycle - even if we do acknowledge its a privilege to do so. Below, we're listing some of the forgotten elements of self-care and reminding you that it's okay to put yourself first, even if others don't always understand.

Prioritise rest

If there is one thing we know for absolute certain, it's that rest and sleep are some of the most effective ways to heal the body and support mental health. Prioritising and normalising rest in a world that fetishises 'hustling' can feel like a guilty pleasure at first, reserved for lazy people.

We're here to tell you that not only is that absolutely not true but considering sleep improves brain function. You're actually just prioritising an activity (and necessity) that can aid in productivity and time optimisation. Next time you feel like spending the weekend at home doing the bare minimum, not working out, or simply getting to bed earlier, make some guilt-free room for the opportunity.

Take a break from media

Sometimes you truly do need to put down your phone or change the channel.

Personally, I've long held the belief that disengaging from the news cycle is a privilege. People who don't watch or care about the news are those who know they will not be affected or impacted by current events. But we cannot misconstrue this to support staying "perpetually online" - and viewing doom scrolling as healthy.

Staying informed is important. Understanding the issues that effect others outside yourself is important. But sometimes self-care looks like taking a break from the news cycle, putting down your phone and turning off your television. Humans were not designed to be bombarded with this volume of information. And consuming every bit of horrible news you see is not healthy.

If there is a day where you mentally cannot engage, you need to allow yourself the grace to switch off. You cannot be the best version or the most active version of yourself if you're burnt out and in an unhealthy headspace.

If you need to rewatch a Disney movie instead of reading the Associated Press today, that's okay.

Have a routine

You have likely heard this one before, but at risk of sounding like a broken record (with anxiety), having a fairly solid routine can alleviate a lot of anxiety from daily life. Waking up at 6am to go for a run and making it back in time to make a green smoothie is not realistic for everyone - and should not be held up as the poster for wellness. But waking up at an average time, making coffee and doing five minutes of basic stretching is enough.

Give yourself and 20 extra minutes in the morning before you jump straight onto the computer. Any kind of routine you can build will give you a structure and help your days feel less chaotic.

Setting boundaries

Perhaps the most difficult, but the most rewarding. Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable and unpleasant at first, especially with loved ones. But it is one of the most tangible forms of self-care. Ultimately, it comes down to simply advocating for your needs.

When setting boundaries (personally or with relationships), remember that although it may initially feel like a big deal, the more you practice casual boundary-setting, the more relaxed it will become. It can feel as though you are imposing a kind of restriction or punishment in your relationship, when really it's just about communicating things that make you uncomfortable or upset. You are simply inviting that person to understand you better and strengthen your relationship.

Be wary of those who do not react to boundary setting with grace or worse, meet your voiced needs with upset or dismissal. These are usually the people most keen to violate your boundaries. There are countless resources on the internet about setting boundaries effectively, like this boundary setting guide, if you're keen to start somewhere.