Self-care has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. Once considered a luxury reserved for the wealthy or those with ample leisure time, self-care has now become an essential part of everyday life. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has accelerated this shift, bringing mental, emotional, and physical well-being to the forefront of global consciousness. As people grappled with isolation, stress, and uncertainty, self-care transitioned from a sporadic indulgence to a vital practice necessary for survival and resilience.

In this article, we will explore the historical evolution of self-care, its modern interpretations, the role of the pandemic in redefining its necessity, and the future of self-care in a rapidly changing world.

The Historical Perspective of Self-Care

Ancient Self-Care Practices

Self-care has deep historical roots that date back thousands of years. In ancient civilizations, self-care was often linked to spiritual and religious practices. In Ancient Egypt, people used essential oils, herbs, and beauty treatments as part of their self-care routines. Similarly, in Ancient Greece, self-care was tied to the concept of “eudemonia,” which emphasized personal flourishing through physical exercise, intellectual pursuits, and social connections.

The Influence of Eastern Philosophies

Eastern cultures have long embraced self-care as an integral part of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes balance through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Tai Chi. Similarly, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, incorporates yoga, meditation, and dietary practices to maintain well-being. These holistic approaches were not seen as luxuries but as essential practices for maintaining health and harmony.

The 20th Century and the Rise of Musicalized Self-Care

By the 20th century, self-care began to shift toward a more musicalized approach. The rise of modern medicine meant that self-care often revolved around diet, exercise, and hygiene, while mental health was largely overlooked. During the 1960s and 1970s, the self-care movement gained traction among marginalized groups, particularly in the African American community, where activists promoted self-care as a means of empowerment in the face of systemic oppression.

The Modern Evolution of Self-Care

The Commercialization of Self-Care

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, self-care became heavily commercialized. The beauty and wellness industries capitalized on the growing interest in self-care, marketing products and services that promised relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-improvement. Spas, skincare brands, and luxury wellness retreats flourished, making self-care appear more like a privilege than a necessity.

The Digital Age and the Rise of Wellness Culture

With the advent of social media and digital technology, self-care took on new dimensions. Influencers, celebrities, and wellness experts began promoting self-care routines on platforms like Integra, YouTube, and Ticktack. Apps for meditation, fitness tracking, and mental health support became widely accessible, allowing people to integrate self-care into their daily lives.

However, the digital age also brought challenges. The pressure to adhere to idealized self-care routines led to a phenomenon known as “toxic positivity,” where individuals felt obligated to always maintain a facade of wellness and happiness.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Care

The Mental Health Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for self-care. With global lockdowns, increased isolation, and economic instability, mental health concerns skyrocketed. Anxiety, depression, and burnout became widespread, prompting people to seek effective self-care strategies. Therapy, mindfulness, journaling, and home workouts gained prominence as people adapted to new ways of coping with stress.

The Normalization of Self-Care

Before the pandemic, self-care was often dismissed as a luxury. However, during lockdowns, governments, healthcare professionals, and employers recognized the importance of self-care in maintaining overall well-being. Remote work policies, flexible schedules, and mental health days became more accepted, highlighting the necessity of balancing work and personal life.

The Redefinition of Self-Care

Post-pandemic, self-care is no longer about indulgence; it is about sustainability. People have redefined self-care to include basic needs such as:

• Getting enough sleep
• Maintaining a balanced diet
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Setting boundaries in personal and professional relationships
• Seeking professional mental health support

The Future of Self-Care

Workplace Wellness and Corporate Responsibility

In today’s fast-paced work environment, self-care is no longer just a personal responsibility—it’s becoming a workplace priority. Employers are increasingly recognizing that when employees take care of their physical and mental well-being, they become more productive, engaged, and satisfied with their jobs. As a result, organizations are investing in comprehensive wellness programs, mental health resources, and flexible work arrangements to support their workforce. These efforts not only improve employee well-being but also contribute to higher retention rates, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced overall performance.

The Growing Importance of Workplace Wellness

For years, companies focused primarily on productivity and performance metrics, often overlooking the importance of employee well-being. However, research has shown that a stressed, overworked, and mentally exhausted workforce leads to:

• Lower productivity and efficiency
• higher turnover rates
• Increased absenteeism and burnout
• more workplace conflicts and dissatisfaction

To combat these issues, forward-thinking organizations are adopting holistic self-care strategies that support employees’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This shift is driven by a growing understanding that healthy, well-supported employees are more motivated, creative, and committed to their work.

Key Workplace Self-Care Initiatives

1. Mandatory Mental Health Leave

One of the emerging trends in workplace wellness is the introduction of mandatory mental health leave. This initiative ensures that employees have the time they need to:

• Recover from stress and burnout
• Seek therapy or counseling when needed
• Recharge and return to work with renewed energy

Many companies are now offering paid mental health days separate from traditional sick leave. This approach acknowledges that mental health is just as important as physical health and encourages employees to prioritize their well-being without stigma.

2. On-Site Wellness Facilities

Another significant shift in workplace culture is the introduction of on-site wellness facilities. These spaces provide employees with convenient access to health and relaxation services without disrupting their work schedules. Some common features include:

• Fitness centers and gyms: Encouraging employees to stay active reduces stress and improves overall well-being.
• Meditation and relaxation rooms: Quiet spaces for employees to practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or simply take a break.
• On-site therapists and counselors: Providing mental health support directly at the workplace makes it easier for employees to seek help.
• Healthy snack stations and meal options: Encouraging better nutrition supports long-term health and energy levels.

Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Sales force have already adopted such facilities to promote employee wellness and productivity.

3. Increased Access to Digital Mental Health Platforms

With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, employers are leveraging digital mental health platforms to support employees regardless of their location. These platforms provide:

• 24/7 access to licensed therapists and counselors via chat, phone, or video calls.
• Meditation and mindfulness apps to help employees manage stress and anxiety.
• AI-driven mental health assessments to identify early signs of burnout or emotional distress.

Popular platforms like Headspace for Work, Better Help, and Calm Business are being integrated into workplace wellness programs to provide employees with on-demand mental health support.

The Future of Workplace Self-Care

As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, self-care will become an even greater focus for organizations worldwide. Future trends may include:

• Personalized wellness plans tailored to individual employee needs.
• Expanded mental health insurance coverage for therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care.
• More companies adopting a four-day workweek to improve work-life balance.

Employers who prioritize self-care initiatives will not only foster a healthier and happier workforce but will also gain a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.

By investing in employee well-being, businesses create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. The future of work is not just about productivity—it’s about creating an environment where people can thrive both professionally and personally.

The Role of Technology in Self-Care

The integration of technology into self-care will continue to grow. AI-driven wellness apps, virtual therapy sessions, and personalized health-tracking devices will provide more accessible and effective self-care solutions. Innovations such as VR meditation experiences and biofeedback tools will offer immersive ways to manage stress and anxiety.

A More Inclusive Approach to Self-Care

Self-care is evolving beyond being an individual responsibility; it is now becoming a social and public health priority. As awareness grows, the future of self-care will focus on inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have equal access to the tools and resources they need for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Traditionally, wellness and self-care services have been unequally distributed, with marginalized communities facing barriers such as high costs, lack of culturally relevant resources, and limited access to healthcare providers. However, ongoing developments in policy, technology, and community-based initiatives are helping bridge this gap, making self-care more affordable, accessible, and personalized than ever before.

Bridging the Gap: Making Self-Care Accessible for All

Historically, self-care has often been associated with luxury services, such as spa treatments, high-end wellness retreats, or expensive therapy sessions. However, the future of self-care is shifting towards equitable access, ensuring that people from all income levels, ethnic backgrounds, and geographic locations can engage in self-care practices without financial or logistical barriers. Several key trends are driving this shift:

1. Affordable and Culturally Relevant Wellness Solutions

Many underprivileged communities face economic barriers when it comes to self-care, as wellness services and mental health resources are often expensive. The future will see:

• More community-led wellness programs offering affordable or free access to fitness, mindfulness, and counseling services.
• Employers and governments subsidizing self-care practices, including therapy, fitness programs, and stress management workshops.
• Culturally relevant mental health and wellness resources tailored to specific communities, ensuring inclusivity in healthcare.

For instance, many mental health organizations are now offering therapy in multiple languages and hiring counselors from diverse cultural backgrounds to create a more inclusive and relatable experience.

2. Expansion of Digital and Telehealth Services

Technology is playing a crucial role in making self-care more accessible and affordable. As digital health solutions continue to expand, people worldwide will gain access to self-care tools regardless of their location. Innovations include:

• Mental health apps and AI-driven catboats providing affordable therapy alternatives.
• Telemedicine services offering remote counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care.
• Wearable health technology, such as smart watches and fitness trackers, that monitor stress, sleep patterns, and heart health.

Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Better Help have already made mental health resources more accessible, and new startups are focusing on creating free or low-cost self-care tools for marginalized communities.

3. Workplace Wellness and Policy Changes

As workplaces evolve, self-care is becoming an integral part of corporate policies. Many organizations are:

• Providing mental health days separate from sick leave to encourage employees to prioritize their well-being.
• Integrating on-site wellness programs such as meditation rooms, counseling services, and stress management workshops.
• Offering financial wellness programs to help employees manage economic stress, which directly impacts mental health.

Moreover, legislative changes in many countries are pushing for mental health to be recognized as a key component of healthcare policies, ensuring employees can access therapy, stress management resources, and financial wellness support through their workplace.

Mental Health Awareness and Its Role in Public Health

Mental health awareness campaigns have gained momentum in recent years, and this trend is expected to accelerate in the future. Governments and non-profit organizations are recognizing that mental health is as important as physical health, and policies are shifting to integrate self-care into public health initiatives.

1. National Mental Health Campaigns

Countries worldwide are prioritizing mental health awareness campaigns, promoting self-care as an essential component of preventive healthcare.

• Schools and universities are integrating mental health education into curriculums.
• Public health agencies are launching social media campaigns to break stigmas around therapy and mental illness.
• More nations are offering free or subsidized therapy sessions as part of public healthcare services.

For example, the United Kingdom and Canada have implemented nationwide mental health strategies that offer free counseling services to citizens, making therapy more widely accessible.

2. Integrating Self-Care into Public Health Policies

Governments are beginning to see self-care as a preventative approach to reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Future policies may include:

• Tax incentives for businesses that provide wellness benefits to employees.
• Insurance coverage for wellness programs, making services like yoga, meditation, and therapy reimbursable.
• Funding for self-care initiatives in underserved communities, including free mental health clinics and stress management workshops.

3. Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities in Self-Care

One of the biggest challenges in expanding self-care accessibility is addressing socioeconomic disparities. Low-income communities often have:

• Limited access to healthy food options, making proper nutrition difficult.
• High levels of work-related stress, with fewer resources for stress management.
• Less access to mental health care, due to cost and lack of providers.

To counter these challenges, future policies and community programs will focus on:

• Providing affordable fresh food options in food deserts.
• Expanding free community mental health clinics in underserved areas.
• Creating more accessible wellness education programs in schools and workplaces.

The Future of Self-Care: A More Inclusive Approach

The future of self-care will be rooted in inclusivity, accessibility, and technology-driven solutions. As global awareness grows, self-care will no longer be a privilege reserved for the wealthy but a fundamental right for all individuals. The movement toward universal access to wellness resources, mental health care, and workplace support systems will lead to a healthier, more balanced society.

Conclusion

The evolution of self-care from a luxury to a daily necessity reflects society’s growing understanding of holistic well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for change, shifting self-care from an occasional indulgence to an essential practice. As we move forward, self-care will continue to be a fundamental aspect of human health, shaped by technology, workplace policies, and a deeper appreciation for mental and emotional resilience. In this new era, self-care is no longer optional—it is a critical component of a balanced and fulfilling life.

SOURCES

Post (2014). Cultured beef: Medical technology to produce food. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 94(6), 1039-1041.

Rubio, Xiang, & Kaplan (2019). Plant-based and cell-based approaches to meat production. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 3, 63.

Thorez & Vanderburgh (2019). Challenges in the quest for ‘clean meat’. Nature Biotechnology, 37(3), 215-216.

Bhatt, Kumar, & Bhatt (2017). In vitro meat: A future animal-free harvest. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(4), 782-789.

Stephens, Di Silvio, Duns ford, Ellis, Glen cross, & Sexton (2018). Bringing cultured meat to market. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 78, 155-166.

Chichi & Coquette (2020). The myth of cultured meat: A review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7, 7.

Zhang, Zhao, Li, & Du (2020). Recent advances in cultured meat research. Journal of Future Foods, 1(1), 9-17.

Coquette (2016). Is in vitro meat the solution for the future? Meat Science, 120, 167-176.

Ben-Are & Liebenberg (2019). Tissue engineering for clean meat production. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 3, 46.

Speech, Welch, Rees Clayton, & Legally (2018). Opportunities for applying biomedical production to clean meat. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 132, 161-168.

Tourist & Roy (2012). Could culture meat reduce environmental impact of agriculture? Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on LCA in the Agra-Food Sector, 28-30.

Smetana, Palanisamy, Mathis, & Heinz (2015). Sustainability of insect use for feed and food. Journal of Cleaner Production, 137, 741-751.

Van der Wile & Dresden (2013). Emerging profiles for cultured meat. Animals, 3(3), 647-662.

HISTORY

Current Version
March 27, 2025

Written By:
ASIFA