The Evolution Of Self-Care

What Is Self-Care

The term self-care is one that I have dissected and explored. It has gained immense popularity in recent years and has roots deeply embedded in our history.

The concept of self-care can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where individuals recognized the importance of caring for oneself in order to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

From ancient healing practices to the modern-day self-care movement, the evolution of self-care has been shaped by cultural shifts, changing societal norms, and a growing awareness of the importance of prioritizing our own needs.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating journey of self-care, from its humble beginnings to its current prominence as an essential practice for achieving balance, self-empowerment, and overall wellness in our fast-paced and demanding world.

Let us embark on this journey of discovery and delve into the fascinating evolution of self-care.

The History Of Self-Care

The origin of Self-Care can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where individuals recognized the significance of caring for oneself in order to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

In ancient Greece, for instance, the concept of "eudaimonia" emphasized the pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life through self-care practices.

Similarly, ancient Chinese and Indian cultures valued self-care as an integral part of holistic healing traditions such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

These ancient wisdoms laid the foundation for self-care as we know it today. Over time, societal changes, cultural shifts, and a growing awareness of the importance of prioritizing our own needs have fueled the evolution of self-care into a modern-day movement.

In The Beginning

The Bible offers valuable insights and teachings on the importance of self-care. It provides numerous examples of how individuals, including Jesus himself, prioritized various aspects of self-care.

Jesus, in his earthly ministry, demonstrated the significance of rest, meditation, prayer, social connection, and attending to financial needs.

Throughout the Gospels, there are instances where Jesus intentionally withdrew from the crowds to find solitude and time for prayer.

In Mark 1:35, it is mentioned that Jesus woke up early in the morning and went to a solitary place to pray. This shows his recognition of the need for spiritual rejuvenation and communion with God.

Jesus also valued rest and relaxation. In Mark 6:31, Jesus invites his disciples to come away with him to a quiet place and rest.

This highlights the importance of physical rest and rejuvenation, acknowledging that taking time to recharge is essential for overall well-being.

Moreover, Jesus demonstrated a commitment to social connection and care. He surrounded himself with a community of disciples, engaging in fellowship and shared experiences.

He showed compassion and empathy towards others, healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, and offering guidance to those in need.

This emphasis on social connection highlights the significance of nurturing relationships and caring for others as part of self-care.

Additionally, Jesus addressed the practical aspect of financial needs. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches about the importance of trusting God for provision and not being overly anxious about material concerns.

This encourages individuals to prioritize financial responsibility while relying on faith and trust in God's provision, reducing unnecessary stress and worry.

Overall, the Bible presents a holistic view of self-care, encompassing spiritual, physical, emotional, relational, and practical aspects.

It teaches us the value of rest, prayer, meditation, social connection, and responsible stewardship of our resources.

By following these teachings, we can find balance, nourishment, and inner peace, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Ancient Times

In ancient Greece, the philosopher Socrates is often credited with laying the foundation for the self-care movement, emphasizing the importance of attending to one's well-being.

Throughout history, various cultures and societies have recognized the significance of self-care practices in promoting physical, mental, and emotional health.

These ancient origins remind us that self-care is not a newfangled trend, but rather a timeless and fundamental aspect of human experience.

As we explore the evolution of self-care, it becomes evident that it has always been an essential part of our journey towards well-being and fulfillment.

The Medical Theory

The Western theory of self-care, popularized by theorists like Dorothea Orem, primarily focuses on the medical aspects of caring for oneself.

Orem's model explores the utilization of professional care and the reliance on available resources to meet one's self-care needs.

According to this perspective, there are limitations to self-care when its possibilities have been exhausted, thus legitimizing the need for professional intervention.

Within Orem's model, deficits in self-care are viewed as shaping the role of a nurse or caregiver.

Orem's theory of self-care consists of two distinct phases: the investigative and decision-making phase, and the production phase.

In the initial phase, individuals engage in the process of gathering information, making decisions, and setting goals related to their self-care.

The production phase involves the actual implementation of self-care activities to maintain or restore health.

While Orem's theory primarily focuses on the physical and medical aspects of care, it also acknowledges the importance of others and communal support in the practice of self-care.

This recognition highlights a shift towards a more communal form of self-care, recognizing the value of interpersonal relationships and collective support systems.

Interestingly, the notion of communal care and support in self-care has been pioneered by the Black feminist community as a means of preserving their well-being and resisting oppression.

Black feminists have long understood the significance of coming together, supporting one another, and creating spaces that prioritize self-care within the context of systemic challenges and social injustice.

Their approach to self-care expands beyond the physical and medical aspects, embracing the spiritual, emotional, and radical political resistance dimensions.

By acknowledging the contributions of the Black feminist community, we recognize the broader scope of self-care that encompasses not only the individual but also the collective well-being.

This perspective challenges the traditional Western model and encourages a more holistic approach to self-care that integrates the spiritual, communal, and political dimensions.

While the Western theory of self-care, exemplified by Orem's model, primarily focuses on the medical facet, it also acknowledges the importance of communal support in the practice of self-care.

However, the pioneering efforts of the Black feminist community have shed light on the need for a more holistic and inclusive approach to self-care, one that encompasses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and political dimensions.

By embracing this broader perspective, we can deepen our understanding of self-care and its potential for personal and collective transformation.

The Movement

Self-care has a profound connection to the Black feminist movement, with roots deeply intertwined in the experiences of civil rights activists and influential figures such as Audre Lorde.

In the face of systemic oppression and the challenges posed by the civil rights movement, self-care emerged as a vital tool for black woman to preserve their identities, energizing themselves, while safeguarding and restoring their mental well-being.

During this pivotal era, black women recognized the importance of prioritizing self-care as a means of resistance and self-preservation.

Audre Lorde, a prominent civil rights activist and poet, emphasized the necessity of self-care as a form of political warfare.

Lorde believed that caring for oneself was an act of defiance against the oppressive systems that sought to diminish the voices and experiences of marginalized communities.

For black feminists, self-care entailed nurturing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in order to sustain their activism and preserve their mental health.

It served as a means of reclaiming their identities and asserting their worth in a society that often dismissed or undermined their experiences.

By engaging in self-care practices, black feminists were able to refuel their energy, find solace, and maintain their resilience in the face of adversity.

This act of self-preservation not only protected their well-being but also allowed them to continue advocating for social justice and challenging oppressive systems.

The recognition of self-care as an integral part of the Black feminist movement highlights the intersectionality of self-care and activism.

It showcases how self-care can be a powerful tool for marginalized communities to reclaim their power, prioritize their well-being, and sustain their fight for social change.

Today, the legacy of Black feminist self-care continues to inspire and guide individuals in their journey towards self-empowerment and collective liberation.

It serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of self-care in fostering resilience and empowerment.

7 Pillars Of Self-Care

The concept of self-care has evolved over time, giving rise to various frameworks and models that guide individuals in nurturing their well-being.

One such framework is the "7 Pillars of Self-Care," which provides a comprehensive approach to holistic self-care.

The origins of this framework can be traced back to ancient wisdom and practices that recognized the interconnectedness of different facets of well-being.

The 7 Pillars of Self-Care encompass seven key areas: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and professional self-care.

Each pillar represents a vital aspect of overall well-being and emphasizes the importance of nurturing and maintaining balance in these areas.

By addressing each pillar, individuals can cultivate a more holistic and sustainable self-care practice that supports their health, happiness, and fulfillment.

This framework has gained popularity in recent years as people recognize the need for a multi-dimensional approach to self-care that goes beyond surface-level activities and encompasses all aspects of their lives.

The 8 Areas Of Self Care

The concept of self-care has expanded to include a variety of dimensions, leading to the identification of eight types of self-care.

These types encompass different aspects of our well-being and highlight the multifaceted nature of self-care.

The origins of this concept can be traced to the growing recognition that self-care involves more than just physical activities.

It emerged as a response to the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses various dimensions of our lives.

The eight types of self-care include physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, financial, and occupational self-care.

Each type emphasizes a different aspect of our overall well-being and highlights the importance of nurturing and maintaining balance in those areas.

Enlarging The Concept

This concept has gained prominence in recent years as individuals seek to prioritize their self-care and create a more holistic approach to well-being. It also added an additional idea to the overall blueprint.

It added the financial concept because work, money, and career have become more of a priority and pain point in everyday life. These later additions simply reveal how complex self-care is.

By understanding and practicing these different types of self-care, we can cultivate a more comprehensive and fulfilling self-care routine that supports our overall health and happiness.

The 10 Types Of Self-Care

The concept of self-care has continued to evolve, leading to the identification of ten types of self-care. These additional types were introduced to provide a more comprehensive understanding and practice of self-care.

While the eight types of self-care cover various dimensions of well-being, the inclusion of two additional types offers a more holistic approach.

The ten types of self-care are physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, financial, occupational, recreational, mental

By incorporating these additional types, we embrace a more inclusive and diverse perspective on self-care, acknowledging the importance of engaging all aspects of our being and honoring our unique identities.

This expanded framework empowers individuals to explore and prioritize a broader range of self-care practices, ultimately promoting a more balanced and fulfilling life.

It Keeps Getting Bigger

As I embarked on my own journey of self-care and began to make it a priority, I realized that being aware of the areas of self-care were really beneficial.

However in my own research I also discovered that their two areas that were not included butvpkayed a big role in my on my own journey.

As I began to study self-care even further I began to fall madly in love with the truth that I could truly design my own life if I used these principles as my foundation.

My life began to change as I began to make self-care a priority. I realized if you compartmentalize each area and do the inner work then life would have clarity and balance.

I began to share these concepts and received so much positive insight that I launched my Podcast Self-Care With Li.

Self-Care with Li is a self-care movement for all who desire to improve and recreate their lives. It's for both men and women who want to enjoy life and love themselves and others in the process.

I offer tips and strategies to help bring clarity and balance to this journey we call life.

Why Blocks

During my personal journey of self-care, I realized that there were two important areas that were missing.

If I'm going to adopt self-care as a lifestyle, I want it to encompass every aspect of modern-day life.

That's why I named it "The 12 Building Blocks Of Self-Care", as it represents the comprehensive nature of self-care.

Building blocks are used for stacking and constructing, just like our self-care journey.

We stack and build our lives on these blocks to help us uncover our true authentic selves.

The two additional blocks I've identified are rooted in our current culture and the diverse relationships that have become an integral part of our lives.

I believe it's crucial to acknowledge and prioritize these areas in today's society. As we add each block, self-care becomes a beautiful tapestry that serves as the foundation of our lives.

Here at Self-Care with Li, we embrace these ideas and aim to cultivate a community of individuals who strive to live life to the fullest by working hard and loving even harder. When we prioritize self-love, everything else naturally falls into place.

The 12 Building Blocks Of Self-Care Defined

Mental Self-Care

Mental self-care refers to practices and activities that promote emotional well-being, cognitive health, and psychological resilience.

It involves nurturing one's mental health through strategies such as therapy, mindfulness, self-reflection, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation to the mind.

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care involves prioritizing and nurturing the body's physical well-being. It encompasses practices such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, practicing good hygiene, attending medical check-ups, and engaging in activities that promote physical relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall health.

Spiritual Self-Care

Spiritual self-care focuses on nurturing the inner spirit and cultivating a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.

It involves engaging in practices such as meditation, prayer, reflection, spending time in nature, engaging in meaningful rituals, and exploring beliefs and values to promote inner peace, purpose, and spiritual growth.

Emotional Self-Care

Emotional self-care involves tending to and managing one's emotions, fostering emotional well-being, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.

It includes practices such as expressing feelings, setting boundaries, seeking support, and engaging in activities that inspire self-compassion, emotional balance, and self-love.

Environmental Self-Care

Environmental self-care involves creating and maintaining a nurturing and harmonious physical environment that supports well-being. This includes decluttering, organizing, and creating spaces that promote relaxation and productivity.

Spatial self-care, on the other hand, focuses on the intentional use of physical spaces to enhance well-being, such as creating designated areas for specific activities or incorporating elements that bring a sense of calm and inspiration, like plants or natural lighting.

Both types of self-care recognize the impact of our surroundings on our mental and emotional state and aim to optimize our environment for optimal well-being.

Recreational Self-Care

Recreational self-care involves engaging in activities purely for enjoyment and relaxation, without any particular goal or purpose.

It includes hobbies, leisure activities, and pursuits that bring joy, fun, and a sense of rejuvenation to one's life.

Financial Self-Care

Financial self-care involves managing and prioritizing one's financial well-being. It includes budgeting, saving, and making informed decisions to ensure financial stability, reduce stress, and achieve long-term financial goals.

Social Self-Care

Social self-care involves nurturing and maintaining healthy relationships and connections with others. It includes setting boundaries, engaging in meaningful interactions, seeking support, and fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Intellectual Self-Care

Intellectual self-care involves engaging in activities that stimulate and challenge the mind. It includes reading, learning new skills, engaging in critical thinking, pursuing intellectual interests, and seeking opportunities for personal growth and intellectual fulfillment.

Professional Self-Care

Professional self-care refers to strategies and practices aimed at maintaining and enhancing one's well-being in the workplace.

It involves setting boundaries, managing workload, seeking professional development, and prioritizing self-care amidst professional responsibilities.

Cultural Self-Care

Cultural self-care embraces the nurturing and celebration of one's cultural heritage, encompassing arts, fashion, food, entertainment, music, legacy, heritage, and urban life.

It involves engaging with and appreciating diverse cultural expressions, participating in cultural events, exploring traditional arts and crafts, connecting with ancestral traditions, and immersing oneself in cultural experiences that foster a sense of identity, belonging, and pride in one's heritage.

It recognizes the importance of cultural connections and the preservation of cultural legacies for personal well-being and collective enrichment.

Relational Self-Care

Relational self-care emphasizes nurturing and maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships with friends, family, and intimate partners.

It involves effective communication, active listening, expressing empathy, setting boundaries, prioritizing quality time, and practicing acts of kindness and support.

Relational self-care recognizes the significance of cultivating strong connections, fostering emotional intimacy, and creating a supportive network of loved ones that contribute to our overall well-being and sense of belonging.

Final Thoughts

The concept of self-care has undergone a remarkable evolution, expanding from a focus on the medical facet to encompass various dimensions of well-being.

I have explored the development of different frameworks such as the Western theory of self-care, the 7 Pillars of Self-Care, and the 10 types of self-care.

These frameworks emerged to provide a more comprehensive understanding of self-care, acknowledging the importance of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, environmental, financial, occupational, sensory, and cultural well-being.

The additions to the concept of self-care were made to ensure a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of our lives.

The recognition of mental self-care acknowledges the significance of emotional well-being and cognitive health.

The inclusion of physical self-care emphasizes the importance of nurturing the body's physical well-being. Spiritual self-care highlights the need for inner peace and connection to something greater.

Environmental and spatial self-care recognize the impact of our surroundings on our well-being. Recreational self-care reminds us to engage in activities purely for enjoyment and relaxation.

Financial self-care emphasizes the management of financial well-being. Relational self-care underscores the importance of nurturing healthy and fulfilling relationships and cultural self-care places value on understanding diversity and personal heritage.

Through this exploration, it is evident that self-care has evolved from a singular focus on physical health to a more comprehensive and holistic approach. It recognizes that our well-being is interconnected and requires attention in various areas of our lives.

By embracing this expanded understanding of self-care, I can cultivate a more balanced, fulfilling, and resilient life, prioritizing my overall well-being and finding harmony in all aspects of my existence.

With Love & Wellness

From Virginia Beach

Li ❤️

"Breathe In Breathe Out"