Self-Care: Clout Chasing or a Lifestyle?

Self-Care: Clout Chasing or a Lifestyle?

In today's digital age, self-care has become a trend—often more about aesthetics and social validation than personal growth and well-being. As someone who actively participates in daily self-care rituals, it’s frustrating to see how many people engage in these activities not for themselves but for the approval of others, particularly strangers on the internet.

Yes, you should start that business.
Yes, you should read that book.
Yes, you should go to that Pilates class.
Yes, you should upgrade your wardrobe.

But the real question is: Are you doing these things because they genuinely serve you, or because they make you look good in the eyes of others?

Self-care is meant to be an intimate and personal journey—a way to nurture your mind, body, and soul. However, in a world driven by social media, many people engage in self-care for external validation rather than personal fulfillment. Posting a well-curated morning routine, showing off a "new mindset" through aesthetic posts, or flaunting an expensive wellness habit often holds more value than the actual act of self-improvement.

This leads to a bigger issue: the loss of authenticity. When people participate in self-care solely for attention, they reduce it to a performative act rather than a meaningful practice. This creates a cycle where others feel pressured to mimic these behaviors—not because they resonate with them, but because they want to fit into an idealized version of self-care that is rewarded by likes, comments, and engagement.

Knowing yourself in a world that thrives on imitation is a challenge. Individuality is often overlooked in favor of trends, and when you genuinely invest in yourself, people may copy your habits, assuming your personality is just another trend to be recycled. But true self-care isn’t about following the crowd or proving something to the world—it’s about choosing yourself, prioritizing your well-being, and making decisions that align with your true desires.

Authentic Self-Care Rituals That Actually Matter

If self-care is truly for you, it should feel nourishing, grounding, and deeply personal—not performative. Here are some authentic self-care rituals that don’t require an audience:

• Journaling – Writing down your thoughts, emotions, and goals for self-reflection and clarity.
• Spending time in nature – Going for walks, sitting in the sun, or simply breathing in fresh air to reset your mind.
• Digital detoxing – Taking intentional breaks from social media to reconnect with yourself.
• Setting boundaries – Saying no when necessary and protecting your peace from people, environments, and habits that drain you.
• Practicing mindfulness – Meditating, deep breathing, or simply being present in the moment.
• Taking care of your body – Moving in ways that feel good (not just trendy workouts), eating nourishing foods, and prioritizing rest.
• Engaging in creative hobbies – Painting, writing, cooking, or anything that allows you to express yourself without external validation.
• Spending quality time alone – Learning to enjoy your own company without the need for distraction or approval.

Self-care is a personal journey, not a social performance. So before engaging in any self-care practice, ask yourself: Am I doing this for me, or for them? The answer will define whether self-care is truly your lifestyle or just another trend you're chasing.