What is "self-care"?

Since the pandemic, there has been an explosion in the use of the phrase "self-care", particularly on social media - but what does the phrase mean? And how can we apply utilise it to our benefit?

The term self-care was first popularised in 2019. It is used to describe a holistic approach to health and wellbeing through small and sometimes regular activities that nurture our sense of Self.

It's popularity rose in the previous decade as a result of burnout related to work, family responsibilities, and pressure to conform to societal expectations. As a younger generation pushed back against increasing demands placed on their time, finances and energy, they came to realise that it was necessary to find ways to manage their stress and life pressure. This is when social media influencers started talking about the things they did to support their wellbeing, frequently supported by companies wanting their health and wellbeing products to be advertised.

But before we dismiss self-care as a marketing hype, let's look at what it means in principle and how the title is really putting a spotlight on a commonsense approach.

Self-care is about taking responsibility for yourself, something that you would expect to learn through adolescence. It includes how to wash clothes, prepare food, source a income, save money, spend wisely and handle relationships. It is wisdom on how to be an independent/interdependent adult so you will experience success later in life.

People have been doing self-care for years. A hot bath after work, social drinks with friends, a picnic in the countryside, or the indulgence of owning a pet - all of these could be considered self-care practises if the underlying reason they are done is to improve mood and wellbeing. As our disposable income has increased, self-care has come to include elaborate beauty regimes, learning a musical instrument, taking part in sporting events, exotic spa holidays or even the purchase of an exciting motor car.

At it's core however, self-care is very simple - it's about taking care of yourself. It extends beyond the basic feeding, water, clothing and sourcing supplies for yourself to include purpose, meaning and connection. In the world where it is easy to be pulled off track by the desires of others, self-care could be considered a radical act of self-empowerment to follow your own path and your own goals and objectives.

This means that self-care can also include ending relationships that take more from you than they give, finding yourself new employment because you no longer enjoy what you are doing, speaking your truth even when it's unpopular and asking for help when you aren't able to support yourself.

Make evident

One of the skills that is important to learn in life for reliable success is how to manifest. Manifest means "to make evident" as in to bring into reality. We are constantly manifesting, but if not consciously done it could be that we're very good at manifesting what we don't want, rather than what we do.

That's because what we think about, we bring about. The metaphorical seeds that we plant mentally will be the harvest that we later reap. Therefore, if we plant seeds of joy, health, abundance, connection, love and prosperity, these are the experiences that we will receive. If we plant seeds of anger, hatred, bitterness, resentment and lack, these are the experiences we will have.

The same can be said for physical things. If we desire a new car, for example, it is helpful to become clear on what success looks like for us. For some, any kind of new car will be fine. For others, their heart may be set on a particular type of car because this is what will suit their requirements or simply brings them joy. Having a clear vision of what we would like helps us to spot opportunities that will take us closer to our goal. Feeling the feelings of already having the item that we want also helps draw the experience to us in a smooth a pleasurable way.

Such an approach is absolutely critical when we are at our lowest. For example, if we had a serious health condition, feeling the feelings of vibrancy health and wellness puts us in the optimal emotional environmental state for repair work to happen. Worrying and fretting about the illness we have adds to our body's burden and blocks improvement taking place.

The process of making Vision Board, a pictorial representation of your heart's greatest desire, is an excellent way to get clarity on your dreams and spend time visualising success. Miracles happen when we get clear on our dreams and take aligned action to make them happen. This might include putting savings aside, making enquiries or simply living in faith rather than fear.

On Sunday 25th January 2026, I have teamed up with Katharine Jennings Fine Art Studio and Coffee House to provide a one-day Vision Board Workshop. In it we'll be exploring your heart's greatest desire and the things that make you feel joyful. You'll be given permission (not that you need it) to indulge in getting clear on what is important to you and what success would bring you. You'll see how getting clear on what you want helps the manifestation process and how the universe aligns to help once it knows your dreams. You'll also create a pictorial representation of your dreams that you can take home and work with on a daily basis.

I have done many vision boards in my lifetime, each of which have been successful. I know from first-hand experience that these can be a wonderful tool in clearly moving your dreams forward. I'll also take time in the workshop to address limiting beliefs, a common saboteur of success.

Along with fantastic art supplies, coffee and excellent company you'll have a wonderful day of visioning, crafting, mindfulness and connection. A booking link is available below. Feel free to reach out with your questions!

25th January 2026 - Vision Board Workshop