Let's Unpack That #3: Self-Care or Self-Sabotage?

Send us Fan Mail"Is it self-care, self-sabotage, or something else entirely?" In this thought-provoking episode, counselors Marisa and Victoria tackle the complex reality behind our wellness practices. They unravel how the genuine professional concept of self-care has been transformed by pop culture into something often unrecognizable – and sometimes counterproductive.When bubble baths and retail therapy dominate our understanding of self-care, we risk missing the true intention behind this essential practice. The American Counseling Association defines self-care as activities that sustain our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being – not just indulgent behaviors that can be easily marketed to us through social media. As our hosts reveal through personal anecdotes (including Victoria's confession about her weighted stuffed animals collection and Marissa's attachment to her high-tech alarm clock), we all fall prey to marketed "wellness solutions" from time to time.Through insightful discussion, they distinguish between basic self-maintenance and genuine self-care, exploring how different domains – physical, emotional, social, practical, and spiritual – can feature both restorative practices and potential sabotage. When does a Netflix marathon cross from needed rest into avoidance? How can we tell if our emotional venting is processing or just dwelling? The answers lie in intentionality and understanding our true motivations.The episode culminates in a playful "Unpack or Put It Back" game evaluating trending self-care products and practices, from crystal-infused water bottles to solo dinner dates. Their verdicts might surprise you, revealing that effective self-care isn't universal but deeply personal – what works wonderfully for one person might be completely ineffective for another.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us Stay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood