Self-Nourishment: The New Self-Care

Self-care has become one of the most talked-about practices in recent years, especially during challenging times like the global pandemic. But what does self-care really mean? Is it all about luxury spa days, pricey pedicures, and indulgent treats? What if we can’t afford those things?

When self-care first became a cultural buzzword, it was often tied to consumerism. The message was clear: spend more on yourself because you deserve it. Whether it was $200 beard oil or a $1,000 spa day, the idea of “treat yourself” quickly became a marketing tool.

While some have moved beyond this notion, many still associate self-care with spending money.

But self-care is so much more than that.

From Self-Care to Self-Nourishment

I’ve started using the term self-nourishment as an alternative to self-care. It’s more aligned with the idea of meeting our basic human needs—not through spending, but through intentional action.

Self-nourishment is about taking care of yourself for the sole purpose of refueling your mind, body, and spirit. It’s inherently self-centered—and that’s the point. In a society that often glorifies self-sacrifice, especially for women, this approach is a necessary shift. If we don’t prioritize ourselves, we risk burnout and emotional exhaustion.

Think of it this way: self-centered self-nourishment is the fuel that helps us show up for others. Without it, our “cup” runs dry, and we lose the ability to support our colleagues, families, and communities effectively.

The Role of Discipline in Self-Nourishment

Discipline is the foundation of self-nourishment. It’s about following through on actions even when you don’t feel like it, because you know they’ll benefit you in the long run.

Discipline involves:

• Abiding by your boundaries that reflect your values.

• Staying organized and managing your time.

• Recognizing when something isn’t working and making the necessary changes.

Self-nourishment and discipline are inseparable. To meet your needs, you must first listen to your body and identify what those needs are. Then, you create an action plan and commit to it with consistency.

Building Momentum for Self-Nourishment

If you’re struggling with self-nourishment, don’t rush to start a new routine or invest in trendy tools. Instead, begin by assessing your current ability to follow through on your existing intentions.

Ask yourself:

• Are you getting up when your first alarm goes off?

• Do you stick to your self-prescribed work hours?

• Are you following through on plans you make with friends?

  
  

If the answer is “no” to any of these, that’s your starting point. Building momentum with pre-existing intentions helps boost your sense of accomplishment and prepares you to tackle new goals.

Tips for Following Through

Here are strategies to help you stay disciplined and achieve your self-nourishment goals:

1. Set Visual Reminders: Use sticky notes or phone alerts to reinforce your intentions.

2. Optimize Your Environment: Arrange your space to make success easier (e.g., keep your guitar out for practice or lay out gym clothes the night before).

3. Find an Accountability Partner: Partner with someone who shares similar goals to keep each other motivated.

4. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Treat excuses like an unhelpful acquaintance—acknowledge them and proceed with your action anyway.

   
   

The Point

Self-nourishment isn’t about indulgence or consumerism. It’s about creating a life that supports your well-being through intentional, disciplined actions. By starting small and staying consistent, you can build habits that align with your needs and values.

Remember, self-nourishment is the ultimate form of self-care—it’s about showing up for yourself first, so you can show up for the world around you.