The term “self-care”, the concept of consciously tending to your well-being, has been around for more than a half-century. First, it caught on in the medical community in the 1950s. Doctors talked about it as a way for patients—often the mentally ill or those in long-term care—to treat themselves and adopt healthy habits. Then, academics looked for ways to help those with occupational pressures—social workers and paramedics, for example. Self-care surfaced as one of the solutions to help combat stress brought on by the job. 

Though self-care officially went mainstream in the 2000s, it took on new importance as we all went through a pivotal time in world history: the pandemic. Suddenly caring for oneself was not self-indulgent, it was self-preservation.

Self-care comes in many forms. It can be physical, like eating a healthy meal, drinking water, or sitting in the sunlight, mental, like listening to a podcast, reflecting on things you’re grateful for, or taking a break from work, or spiritual and social, like praying, connecting with nature, or meditating. 

The Pandemic and the Other Side of Self-Care

During the pandemic, the rise of virtual meetings definitely kept everyone safe by providing the ultimate social distancing option. But it also led to the emergence of videoconference anxiety. More and more people came face to face with their reflections—and many of them were unhappy with what they saw.

From this came a spike in the demand for medical aesthetics, something that was flagged as the “Zoom Boom” phenomenon. Melissa and I definitely noticed an increase in the number of bookings at the clinic too. 

I honestly think of Be Beautiful Medical treatments as self-care. 

I know there are people out there who will write off medical aesthetic procedures—or any services that you make you look better and feel better about yourself—as acts of vanity. 

But here’s the thing: self-care means many things to many different people. 

Nobody gets to define what self-care means for you. 

Most women don’t NEED to get their nails done, their lashes lengthened, their forehead Botoxed or their lips filled. We don’t NEED to go to salons, spas, and clinics. 

This isn’t about need, though. These places of escape are about shedding stress, taking a break from everyday life, prepping for important events in your life, putting that extra kick in your step, boosting your mood, and/or making you feel more like yourself! We ALL have something that makes us feel better. Let’s also not forget that these acts of self-care ultimately lead to stronger mental health.

The Bottom Line

Getting Botox or an IPL treatment can absolutely change how you feel about yourself. I’ve seen it time and time again in my practice. Investing in yourself does not mean you’re indulgent or vain any more than taking a vacation or enjoying retail therapy. 

If you think about it, finding ways to improve how you feel about yourself is the opposite of vanity. People who are truly vain don’t pinpoint any of their flaws because they think they’re perfect. In other words, they see nothing to improve. 

So if you’re on the path to self-betterment and self-care, please keep at it. We’re right behind you!

If you’re ready to start a discussion about medical aesthetics as part of your self-care journey, reach out to us to book your free consultation. 

We’re here to help you feel beautiful.