Editor’s Note
Despite our general actions as a species, human beings have aimed for self-betterment and self-actualisation for millennia. Whether it’s through religion, spirituality, New Year’s resolutions, self-help books or podcasts, the quest to — and I’m cheekily quoting Melania Trump here — “be best” has been a major focus for millions, although it usually starts when people hit middle age — some find god, some find younger bodies to bury their existentialist crisis in.
But my generation, the muchmaligned Millennials, are following the Oprah Winfrey school of nourishing our spirits younger than many of our parents did. This could have something to do with the fact that we haven’t managed to move out of home yet (wasting all our money on avocados instead of buying houses).
But I think it’s mainly because we live in a time of so much pressure — both internal and external — that we’re struggling to cope, and since many can’t afford to medicate it away (or just don’t believe in it), we’re drinking the Self-Care Kool-Aid. People might mock the hell out of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her Goop lifestyle brand (other celebs such as Jessica Alba, Kourtney Kardashian, Reese
Witherspoon and formerly Meghan Markle all have lifestyle brands), but self-care is mega business.
Whether we get facials and massages or attend silent retreats or do rooftop yoga, self-care is almost like a new religion (at most; a ritual at the least) that lives online and has snaked its way into our lives.
In our main story, Binwe Adebayo looks at what self-care means and why it’s so necessary. Anna Tyzack takes us through gokotta, the latest Scandi buzz word in the world of “better you”. And Yolisa Mkele encourages another touted form of self-care — travelling — but not without scepticism.
So, what does self-care mean to me? Going boxing most mornings, sleeping in on Sundays, having facials, seeing my psychiatrist every six weeks, taking my pills, ignoring my WhatsApp messages and blocking people on Twitter.
What does self care mean to you?
Meanwhile, this week I’m ...
Still recovering from that terrible Game of Thrones season and its finale. Listening to Tyler the Creator’s brilliant latest album, IGOR, on loop. Reading late Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina’s classic essay, How To Write About Africa. ● L S. @pearloysias