Self-Care or Just Shopping? The Fine Line Between Relaxation and Capitalism

You ever feel like self-care is just capitalism in a bathrobe? Like, somewhere along the way, taking care of yourself went from "get some rest" to "buy this $60 lavender-infused weighted eye mask." It’s wild.

Self-care should be about reducing stress, improving well-being, and, you know, not having a meltdown in the cereal aisle. But thanks to clever marketing, it's often presented as an activity that requires a credit card swipe. Suddenly, your self-care routine costs as much as your rent, and you’re left wondering if stress relief is only available to those with disposable income.

Let’s talk about why self-care has become so expensive—and more importantly, how to do it without spending half your paycheck on artisanal bath bombs.

Why Self-Care Is So Freaking Expensive

1. Marketing Has Us Fooled

Somewhere along the way, companies realized they could slap “self-care” on a product and charge double. A $5 face mask? Meh. A "self-care ritual" face mask with Himalayan clay and ethically sourced unicorn tears? $50, and it’s selling out fast.

Brands know we’re stressed, and they’ve figured out that nothing says "treat yourself" quite like overpriced serums and spa weekends. And honestly? It works. Because who doesn’t want to feel pampered? But do we really need luxury candles to be happy, or is that just what Instagram wants us to believe?

2. The "Exclusive" Problem

Sure, free self-care options exist—walking, deep breathing, aggressively ignoring emails—but they’re not as visible as the expensive ones. Why? Because no one is making money off of you taking a nap. Meanwhile, high-end wellness retreats and boutique fitness classes dominate the conversation, making self-care seem like an exclusive club where membership requires at least a $200 yoga mat.

3. Social Pressure Is Real

Scroll through social media, and self-care looks like bubble baths, perfectly arranged smoothie bowls, and expensive skincare routines. But in reality, it’s often just staying hydrated and going to bed on time. The problem? That’s not exactly “aesthetic.” Nobody’s posting a TikTok of themselves saying, “Here’s my self-care routine: I drank some water and told myself I’m doing my best.” But honestly? That’s the real self-care we need.

4. Professional Services = $$$

Massages, facials, therapy—these are great self-care tools, but let’s be real: they’re pricey. While therapy is absolutely worth the investment (seriously, get the therapy), it’s still inaccessible to many due to cost and availability. And let’s not even talk about wellness retreats that cost more than a vacation to Europe. If your “relaxing weekend getaway” requires taking out a small loan, it’s not self-care—it’s financial stress in disguise.

5. We’ve Been Trained to Buy, Not Do

Somewhere along the way, self-care became less about doing things that help us and more about buying things that promise to help us. Expensive skincare instead of simply getting enough sleep. Pricey supplements instead of a balanced diet. A new journal instead of just...writing on the back of an old notebook. Consumerism tells us that happiness is just one purchase away, but real self-care often costs nothing at all.

Self-Care That’s Actually Free (or Close to It)

Good news: You don’t have to go broke to take care of yourself. In fact, some of the best self-care methods are completely free. Try these instead:

✅ Take a walk – No membership required, and nature is still free.

✅ Read a book – Your local library exists. Use it.

✅ Listen to music – Blast your favorite playlist and have a solo dance party.

✅ Take a bath – If you already have water, you’re halfway there.

✅ Nap – The OG self-care. No purchase necessary.

✅ Cook at home – Because $20 for avocado toast is a scam, and you know it.

✅ Say no – Protect your time and energy like it’s the last slice of pizza.

✅ Meditate – Free apps exist, and deep breathing doesn’t cost a dime.

✅ Spend time with loved ones – Connection is self-care, and your friends probably won’t charge you. (If they do, get new friends.)

Final Thoughts: Do You Actually Need It?

Before buying into the latest self-care trend, ask yourself:

1. Do I actually need this, or am I just being marketed to?

2. Will this genuinely improve my well-being, or just look good on my shelf?

3. Is there a free alternative that works just as well?

Self-care isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about what actually makes you feel better. So if an expensive spa day brings you joy and fits your budget, go for it! But if your version of self-care is sitting in a park, drinking a homemade latte, and blocking toxic people? Even better.

The bottom line: Take care of yourself, but don’t let capitalism convince you that the only way to do it is with a hefty price tag. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice some radical self-care—by drinking some water and ignoring my responsibilities for five minutes.