5 Tips for Self-Care in a Culture That Glorifies Stress

October 29, 2016 / Christine Deneweth

Feeling busy and worn out seems common these days – and we don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing. We often believe that overwork and stress are signs that we’re working as hard as we should be.

So how can you prioritize taking care of yourself when society is encouraging you to push yourself to the point of exhaustion to succeed?

Put those productivity pressures on pause for a moment by taking in the message of this comic. Crass has some reminders of what we often forget when we talk about self-care.

With these tips in mind, you can find your own pace for self-care – and remember that taking time for yourself doesn’t make you less valuable, in spite of our culture’s capitalistic glorification of stress.

With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism

Click for the Transcript

Panel 1

Text: How to Practice Self-Care – Christine Deneweth

Panel 2

Crass talking. She has short curly hair, glasses, and a green shirt.

Crass: Hi, my name is Crass, and I believe self-care is one of the most important things for personal wellbeing.

Panel 3

Crass talking.

Crass: Self-care is becoming more widely recognized, but I feel like there are some aspects of it that get left out.

Panel 4

Yellow light bulb.

Text: So hold up. What is self-care?

Text: Self-care is taking time to attend to your personal wellbeing in constructive and positive ways.

Panel 5

Text: Much of mainstream society pushes people to work beyond the point of exhaustion and strive for success, despite the cost. Self-care is starting to become more prevalent, but we still have a ways to go.

Panel 6

Crass talking and smiling.

Crass: It is important to take our own wellbeing into account. Mental health deserves to be looked after. And we should be allowed to have fun! So let’s get into the list of how to practice self-care!

Panel 7

The racing tortoise and the hare.

Text: 1 – It Isn’t a Race

Panel 8

Text: Any progress you make matters. Don’t compare yourself to where others are at. They are not you, and you each have your own hurdles to overcome. It can be hard watching everyone around you move so fast. But all you need to do is focus on your goals.

Panel 9

Crass talking.

Crass: There is no set pace for progress. As long as you keep moving forward, that’s all that matters!

Panel 10

A selfish shellfish.

Text: 2 – Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Panel 11

Phone with a no sign around it.

Text: Taking time to care for yourself is needed. Even if that means canceling plans or withdrawing socially for a while.

Panel 12

Crass talking.

Crass: It just means you’re taking time so you can be at your best later! It’s not fair to you if you’re not feeling good and people still expect things from you.

Panel 13

Hand reaching out.

Text: 3 – Reaching Out Isn’t Selfish Either

Panel 14

Word bubble, reading “Help!”

Text: Your friends and loved ones care if you’re not feeling well. They can’t know if you don’t communicate.

Panel 15

Crass talking.

Crass: Ask friends and loved ones if you have access. If not, don’t be afraid to reach out in online communities or look up other resources.

Panel 16

A pink heart.

Text: Take Care of Your Body

Panel 17

Crass on her phone.

Text: Give your body some love! Make sure you get enough water. If you have trouble wanting to eat or remembering to eat, try smaller portions or set an alarm.

Panel 18

Crass sleeping.

Text: Take naps, even if it’s just resting your eyes for twenty minutes! And make sure you get some sort of sleep if you can.

Panel 19

An orange sun.

Text: 5 – Take a Personal Day

Panel 20

Crass with tea.

Text: If you can, take a day off for yourself. Do all of the things you’ve been wanting to do. Treat yourself!

Panel 21

Crass talking and smiling.

Crass: Exhaustion isn’t a goal. Mental breakdowns from being overworked should not be glamorized. Balance and inner peace should be.

Panel 22

Crass talking and smiling.

Crass: Surround yourself with positive energy either alone or with friends. There is no set way to do self care. You don’t have to be an introvert to do self-care!

Panel 23

Crass talking smiling.

Crass: Do what will positively add to you. Make sure it’s constructive and not destructive to yourself or others.

Panel 24

Crass talking and smiling.

Crass: Build yourself up and take your time. Self-care is an ongoing process. And you deserve to enjoy your life!

To learn more about this topic, check out:

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Christine Deneweth is a Contributing Comic Artist for Everyday Feminism. A queer cartoonist and artist, Christine lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She is a cartoonist for Eastern Michigan University’s newspaper the Eastern Echo. She writes children’s books about mental disability and has a comic strip that has been published for five years. Comics can be found on her Facebook page, and art can be found on her Instagram @crassaster. Check out her work here!