Should You Prioritize Capitalism or Self-care?

How capitalism, in its current form, often prioritizes profit over people, leading to burnout, poor health, and exploitation. In a world where the systems seem to demand endless productivity and consumption, the concept of self-care becomes not just a personal choice but a radical act of resistance. It’s about reclaiming agency over your body, mind, and life in a society that often values you for what you can produce rather than who you are.

Here are a few ways you can help others understand the importance of self-care in a capitalist society:

1. Reframe Self-Care as Radical Resistance

Self-care is not just about bubble baths or face masks—it’s a form of self-preservation in a world that constantly pushes you to give more than you have. Reframe self-care as an act of resistance to systems that exploit your labor, energy, and time. By taking care of yourself, you are asserting your worth beyond your economic productivity.

2. Educate on the “Capitalist Wellness Industry”

Many self-care practices are commodified in ways that ultimately support capitalism. The wellness industry has made self-care a business, pushing products that people often feel they “need.” By unpacking this, you can help people see that real self-care doesn’t have to be tied to consumption. It’s about setting boundaries, saying “no,” and prioritizing your own needs over external expectations.

3. Highlight Mental and Physical Health’s Connection to Systems

Help people understand how mental and physical health are often the first casualties in a capitalist society that prioritizes efficiency over well-being. Long work hours, job insecurity, and economic stress can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness. Emphasize that self-care isn’t just about “feeling good”; it’s about preserving your ability to function in a system that often doesn’t support you in doing so.

4. Promote Collective Care Over Individualism

Self-care doesn’t always have to be a solitary act. In fact, it’s often more powerful when it’s collective. Community support, shared resources, and mutual aid networks are forms of self-care that help combat the isolation capitalism fosters. Encourage people to build strong support systems, where well-being is not an individual responsibility but a shared one.

5. Encourage Rest and Downtime

A culture obsessed with constant productivity leaves little room for rest. Yet, rest is essential for both mental and physical recovery. Help people recognize that taking breaks, having time off, and resisting the idea that you should always be “doing” are vital components of long-term well-being. Rest is resistance.

6. Support People in Setting Boundaries

Boundaries are a crucial part of self-care in a capitalist society, where expectations often overflow into personal time. Help others learn how to set boundaries, whether it’s at work, with family, or in social situations. Saying no to things that drain you and no to overwork is a powerful act of self-respect.

7. Encourage Simplifying and Slowing Down

Capitalism thrives on a fast-paced, “hustle culture,” where more is always expected, but less is often better for your well-being. Encourage a return to simplicity and slowing down—whether through minimalism, mindful living, or simply cutting back on unnecessary commitments. Help others see that slowing down can create space for joy, reflection, and peace.

8. Advocate for Policy and Systemic Change

While personal self-care is essential, systemic change is necessary for long-term, collective well-being. Advocate for policies that support work-life balance, better healthcare, paid family leave, and mental health resources. Self-care can also mean fighting for a society where the systems we live in prioritize human health over profit.

9. Be a Role Model for Self-Care

Lead by example. Practice self-care and encourage those around you to do the same. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to show that it’s possible to prioritize well-being in the face of external pressures. Normalize conversations about mental health, self-worth, and the need for rest in your community.

Ultimately, helping others understand self-care in this context is about empowerment. It’s about teaching people to reclaim their own power in a system that wants to drain it. The more people realize that self-care isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity for survival, the stronger and healthier they will become—physically, mentally, and emotionally—no matter how much the world around them demands.

Taking control of your health and wellness isn’t just about willpower—it’s about having the right strategies, support, and mindset. If you’re ready to break free from unhealthy habits and create a lifestyle that truly works for you, personalized coaching might be the missing piece. lina@linawarnercoaching.com

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