Since the early 2010s, self-care has become linked with conspicuous consumption. Even before Ariana Grande sang “Happiness is the same price as red-bottoms” (referring to Christian Louboutin shoes, a pair of which could set you back up to $6,000 USD) in her 2019 bop “7 rings“, or Tom and Donna on Parks and Recreation told to us to “treat yo’ self” by going all out at least once per year on “massages, mimosas, [and] fine leather goods.” It’s an attractive proposition, the dopamine rush of an impulse splurge combined with the esteem boost of building our mental wellness – but it’s important to ask ourselves who benefits most from these messages.
The self-care industry is massive and growing. Projected by the Global Wellness Institute to reach US $7 trillion by 2025, there has never been more pressure from retailers to buy our way out of a bad day. But the illusion of quick fixes with free shipping can serve to distract us from the real work of self-care: processing our most difficult emotions and cultivating our mental resilience. Buying yourself a small, thoughtful gift may occasionally improve a low mood (tip: check your love languages for gift-receiving!) but remember there are many other activities that will also enhance your long-term wellbeing.
In a recent presentation for CPA Assist, Building Wealth is a Form of Self Care, Janine Rogan makes the case that financial wellbeing is a component of our overall health, and that saving and investing can ameliorate stress and build self-esteem. Reports showing Canadians now hold nearly twice as much debt as disposable income indicate that this attitude could benefit our bottom lines as well. On International Self-Care Day, July 24th, consider whether an impulse splurge will provide a benefit to your long-term wellbeing – or whether those funds would be better off invested for your future self-care.
If you’re looking to invest in your self-care for free, CPA Assist is here for you! CPA Assist provides up to six hours of counselling per issue, per year, for all CPAs in Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as your immediate families. Unlimited 24/7 crisis support is also available at 1-855-596-4222. If you’d simply like to learn more about a specific topic, please visit our website to check out our archive of hundreds of articles and webinars.
Resources:
CPA Assist webinar: Janine Rogan – Building Wealth is a Form of Self-Care
Psych Central article: Applying the 5 Love Languages to Self-Love
