Self-care as a radical act: Why looking after your body matters more than ever
If you’re like me then you know that feeling when you’re checking the news and your shoulders immediately tense up? When the headlines make your stomach clench and you find yourself doom-scrolling until your eyes burn? It’s hard isn’t it. If you've been watching the current political climate, whether in the UK or globally and feeling unsettled, you're not alone.
There's a lot of uncertainty out there. Institutions many of us grew up trusting, like the NHS, are under pressure. The future of funding, access, and even fairness feels shaky. It's enough to make anyone want to retreat into worry and helplessness. I totally understand why and how you can feel.
But while none of us can control the outcome of elections, other people’s opinions, wars or the decisions made in government, there is something we can control: how we look after ourselves.
Why your health is your power
When things feel chaotic, it's easy to slip into the sofa, scroll the news, and stew in stress. But the truth is: sitting around worrying is one of the most damaging things you can do for your health.
Moving your body, fuelling it well, and getting stronger aren't just "nice extras." They're acts of resilience. They keep your joints moving, your heart beating strong, your mind clear. They prepare you not only for the challenges of everyday life but also for the bigger ones that might come down the line.
This isn't a new idea, in fact, it has revolutionary roots.
The radical roots of self-care
We often think of "self-care" as candles, bubble baths, or spa days. But the term really comes from: the civil rights movement. Women and activists in the 1960s embraced self-care as a way of preparing themselves to keep fighting, to protest, to demand change.
As poet and activist Audre Lorde famously wrote: "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." Looking after your body wasn't indulgent; it was necessary, powerful, and political.
What you can control
No, you can't single-handedly rewrite policy or guarantee funding for public health services. But you can:
Eat in a way that nourishes and sustains you (nutritionally, not restrictively)—think colourful plates, regular meals, and foods that give you steady energy rather than crashes.
Move daily- a 10-minute morning walk, stretching while watching TV, dancing to three songs in your kitchen, or lifting weights in your living room.
Build strength that will carry you into your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, strong muscles, stable joints, and the confidence that comes with both.
These are choices within your power, and they compound over time. Every rep, every nourishing meal, every walk in the fresh air is you saying: I matter. My health matters. My future matters.
My final thought’s
If the world feels heavy right now, don't underestimate what a radical act it is to look after yourself. Strong bodies and clear minds don't just help us feel better, they prepare us to show up for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Because yes, the political climate may shift. But your body is your constant. And protecting it is one of the most powerful things you can do.
Start today: Choose one small thing, a five-minute walk, a glass of water, three deep breaths. Your future self is counting on you.
