TikTok Subcultures: SelfCareTok The Glamourization of Self Care

by Mehreen Zahid, Contributing Author

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Introduction

Embracing everyday joys and mindful moments—but remember, self-care is personal! SelfCareTok is a subculture on TikTok that emphasizes self-care practices such as journaling, meditation, mindfulness, skincare routines, and other things that can enhance mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Whether it’s using fine china for a regular weekly dinner or adding essential oils in your daily shower to create a spa like atmosphere, SelfCareTok is giving permission to slow down and treat one’s self to the available pleasures in life. The community creates a space for viewers to share their own tips and tricks of unwinding. The trend also focuses on positivity, reflection, and being grateful. Some influencers will title their video “My 5-9pm after my 9am-5pm,” to show viewers that self-care can be possible for busy, working individuals. While this trend promotes many positive practices that can be swapped with screen time, it’s important to realize that self-care is not a one glove fits all, and viewers should use it as an inspiration instead.  

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TLDR:  SelfCareTok is a TikTok subculture that promotes self-care practices like journaling, meditation, and mindfulness by glamorizing everyday routines to make them more appealing. It encourages viewers to embrace self-care by sharing tips, focusing on positivity, and showing that self-care is possible for busy individuals. While the trend offers great inspiration to replace screen time with healthier habits, it's important to remember that self-care isn't one-size-fits-all.

Tips for Clinicians & Parents

1. Explore Self Care Interests: From skin care to journaling, there are many ways in which we selfcare. Define unwinding to your children and ask them what their idea of unwinding might look like.

   
   

2. Unwind Together: Unwinding together can be a great way to bond and relax with your children. Maybe start a morning or nighttime routine together which involves reading the same book, cooking, playing a game, or journaling. 

   
   

3. Set Family Goals: Establish goals for self-care activities, like having a "tech-free" evening, cooking a healthy meal together, or scheduling regular family exercise sessions.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Inspiration by routine

• Encourages healthy practices 

• Decreased screen time 

Cons:

• Can lead to time consuming practices, potentially taking away from other responsibilities 

• Pressure to conform

Relevant Links

1. https://guavahealth.com/article/tiktok-self-care-trends-unconventional-health-rituals-that-went-viral

   
   

2. https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowsunshineandclover/video/7247185761013943598?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7378695916398855726

   
   

3. https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/sep/14/fashion-statement-tiktok-everything-shower