For some of us, it feels intimidating to try to put energy into social contact, which makes a lot of sense after the levels of isolation of the past few years. But the origins of the concept are far more community-focused – and far less about consumerism.
A brief timeline of the origins of individualism and products
- 1950s – self care becomes a way of taking care of your health at home without medical intervention.
- 1960s – the term self care is used by political activists and feminist groups, as a political act of caring for yourself.
- 1980s – the rise of the wellness industry leading to demonising ‘ageing’ and all its signs, leading to a greater frenzy for always taking care of yourself.
- 2010 and beyond – ‘Health’ becomes conflated with thinness, whiteness and youth in western countries. The mirror becomes our ultimate test.
Targetting young people
Where earlier the beauty and health industry used to largely focus on adult women, young people are now being targeted. With the rise of the influencer, the internet is being used to capture the attention (and money) of the increasingly disillusioned youth population. From make-up hauls and protein shakes, the codes of wellbeing have shifted.
The impact of Covid-19
As the pandemic hit, and isolation was thrust upon the world, self care was sold as a way to feel better about everything happening around us – and if we didn’t feel better, maybe it was just because we weren’t self caring hard enough – we didn’t have the right skin cleanser or kitchen gadget that would make life easier, and that was our own fault.
What is it really costing us?
Data from the 2023 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey show that levels of social isolation in people aged 15-34 have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels, putting people at risk of experiencing loneliness, which can negatively impact their health (no matter how long their skin care routine is!)
Follow these simple methods to bring back social care
- Attend the Social Networking Event for Introverted and Awkward People on the Bundoora campus Tuesday 12 August.
- Join a club or society at La Trobe. Find out how you can do that here.
- Connect in public spaces like libraries. Find out about some events which are on here.
- Clean up your consumption – spend a month writing down everything you buy, and reflect – have you found use for all of those things? Read more about it here.
- Remember, humans thrive in community but equally, you can’t be your best without considering your social wellbeing as well as your alone time.
- Can’t quite manage people? Start with a trip to the zoo or spending time with a pet.
If you’re finding yourself feeling isolated or lonely, you may want to talk to a member of the Wellbeing Services team. You can find more information at www.latrobe.edu.au/wellbeing