Why self-care is political

"Taking care of myself is not hedonism, but self-preservation – and that is an act of political warfare." Audre Lorde

For a long time, I didn’t take this notion seriously. Honestly, I just didn’t think it mattered. There were always more important things to do, and my own wellbeing never seemed to make the list. It took me years to realise that taking care of myself is, in fact, an act of self-love.

Self-care can be hard. It means saying no. It means setting boundaries, recognising your needs, and asking for support. As a mother, it often means asking for time off — something that can feel almost impossible, especially for single parents, those with partners who work long hours, or anyone without the resources to get help. I’ve been there, and I still struggle to ask for time for myself. And I acknowledge that for people with fewer privileges, self-care can be even more difficult to access.

Yet, even small actions can make a difference. Five minutes of conscious breathing, sending love to your own heart, or a short walk in the woods — these are all forms of care. When I used to work full-time, perfectionism ruled my life. My priorities were upside down. Work came first, then socialising, being busy, constantly doing more. At that time, I was constantly tense and didn’t even know how to “rest.” My nervous system was completely overloaded, and the only way I knew how to cope was through food and television. After work, I would come home and fill myself up with pasta or whatever I could find, then binge-watch series after series. Other times, I would go out, meet people, stay busy until late. Spending time alone (without any additional forms of distractions) with myself felt almost impossible.I forgot that my body, my health, my emotions — my being — are the very foundation I stand on.

While researching this topic, I discovered that the idea of self-care is not new. Socrates already spoke of it in ancient Greece as a practice of knowing oneself. Michel Foucault later wrote The Care of the Self (1986), describing self-care as a path to self-knowledge and transformation. In the 1960s and 70s, however, the term took on a powerful political meaning. For the Black Panthers and women’s rights activists, self-care became a radical act of resistance — a way for marginalised people to preserve their health, their dignity, and their strength in a system that denied them both.

Later, the beauty industry co-opted the term, reducing it to bubble baths and spa days. But true self-care goes far beyond surface-level comfort. It is an act of reclaiming our worth — of saying: I matter. When we take care of ourselves, we begin to see through the noise of consumerism. We question the constant pressure to be younger, busier, more productive. We start recognising what truly nourishes us — time with loved ones, stillness, nature, creativity, rest.

Every time I take a moment to rest, breathe, or simply be, I come back to my family with more love and light. I can give more — because I’ve given nourished myself first. It’s still a challenge; sometimes I don’t even know what my needs are and I have to drop in to myself for a while until I recognize what I need and what would nourish me at this point. And taking snippets of time for myself has also been a game-changer. Allowing myself to rest, even for 5-10 minutes, helps me reconnect with what truly matters.

Self-care is a political act. It is an act of self-love. It’s the quiet revolution of honouring our wellbeing above society’s demands.

When we care for ourselves, we reclaim our power. Because a well-nourished heart is a force of change — for ourselves, our families, and the world.