Don’t Let Grind Culture Convince You That Self-Care Doesn’t Matter

Pay attention to yourself.

With news on COVID-19 constantly commanding our full attention, we know that it may be difficult to slip into this alternative lifestyle.

Quarantining ourselves with our families or roommates, changing the way that we eat, and working remotely (if given the option) are just a few of the adjustments that we’re making for the benefit of ourselves, and our communities. We’re used to a “go, go, go!” lifestyle that’s no longer feasible.

With that, we understand that it’s still a transition, and some of us may be having a harder time than others. But through it all, it is paramount that we take care of ourselves. Even though grind culture may try to convince us otherwise.

Grind culture, a spawn of capitalism that glorifies hustling at the expense of mental wellness, has made it to where we feel as if this time of isolation is about productivity and nothing more. You may be under the impression that this period is exclusively an opportunity to start a new business, write a book, or drop a mixtape. While it’s true that creativity helps in times of stress, it’s important to check the intentions of your activity. Are you creating simply because capitalism has you wanting to work when the world is advising you to relax? Are you further avoiding caring for yourself because you’re so unaccustomed to it? Ask yourself questions, and answer honestly, so that you can figure out what’s necessary, and what can wait.

It may feel frivolous to do your hair, take an extra-long bath, or simply sit and do nothing for a few hours. It’s so easy to feel as if you need to be doing something at any given moment. But that’s just not true.

We know that people are afraid, and we know that fear can immobilize you, or put your on grind autopilot. It doesn’t need to be that way, though.

You can breathe, you can care for yourself without consequence.

It’s okay.

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