What is “Self-Care” for Young Adults
For parents of emerging adults, the term "self-care" can sound like a trendy buzzword that excuses laziness, bubble baths, or endless scrolling. However, from a psychological perspective, true self-care is not about surface-level pampering or self-indulgence; it is the active practice of building executive functioning skills, regulating emotional stress, and taking personal responsibility for one’s health. During the transition into adulthood, self-care represents the bridge between being taken care of by parents and learning how to sustainably manage one's own physical, mental, and emotional resources in a high-demand world. Depending on how closely this has been monitored by parents over the years, this can be more challenging as they try to individuate.
In an effort to help parents understand this concept of self-care for young adults, it can be broken down into three essential pillars of daily functioning:
Physical Maintenance: Securing basic physiological needs, including maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule, consuming nutrient-dense food, engaging in physical movement, and managing personal hygiene and healthcare appointments independently.
Emotional Regulation: Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and disappointment without resorting to avoidance behaviors, substance use, or social isolation. This includes recognizing when to take a break and when to seek professional support.
Practical Life Management: Setting boundaries around work and social media, managing personal finances, maintaining a clean living environment, and balancing daily obligations to prevent burnout.
When parents shift their perspective from seeing self-care as a luxury (i.e. massage at a spa, monthly pedicures, weekly facemasks, etc.) to viewing it as essential self-management, it changes how they support their young adult. And the earlier you can start this process, the less hard the transition will be. Encouraging self-care doesn't mean funding a leisure lifestyle; it means supporting your emerging adult as they develop the resilience, self-awareness, and discipline needed to sustain their own well-being independently. What it boils down to is that you are trying to build a strong foundation for lifelong independence for your child. Let’s not wait until they’re in their mid-20’s to tackle the importance of brushing their teeth.
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
