Self-care approaches range from micropractices to avoiding self-surveillance

Recent psychological perspectives highlight two distinct approaches to self-care: the risks of excessive monitoring and the benefits of brief, intentional actions.

On one hand, there is a growing concern regarding self-surveillance. While tools for tracking fitness, sleep, and nutrition can support healthy habits, they may inadvertently lead to the objectification of the body. This constant monitoring can transform physical well-being into a series of metrics to be scored and corrected, potentially increasing anxiety and stripping the joy from wellness activities.

Conversely, research suggests that self-care does not require long sessions to be effective. Psychologist Eli Susman notes that ‘micropractices’—actions lasting 30 seconds or less—can provide significant benefits for stress reduction and mood enhancement. By utilizing short bursts of movement, touch, breathing, or flow, individuals can effectively stimulate the nervous system without the time commitment of traditional routines.