The new trend popping up on various social media is the act of “self-care" which, don’t get me wrong, is a great thing to be trending and practiced. Only the trend being demonstrated isn’t an accurate depiction of what self-care really is.

According to many youths' Instagram and Twitter statuses, self-care is applying a face mask, taking a bubble bath, going on a shopping spree, reading a book, eating ice cream, etc.

Yes, these are all great things to do to help ourselves feel better, but in the long-run, are any of these actions going to better ourselves?

Self-care should be steps we take to better ourselves so that we are content with the life we are living, rather than actions that help us take our mind off the problem at hand for a few moments.

Self-care can be found in a person cutting ties with a toxic relationship. Or, it could be a new diet and exercise plan to improve health.

Perhaps, it is sitting in the waiting room of a therapist for the first time as you are reaching out for help.

Self-care can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it is, in the long run, the best thing we can do for ourselves to improve our overall well-being.

Self-care includes the choices we make to reach the best self we can be, rather than the distractions we give ourselves in order to forget about whatever it is we are unsatisfied with in our life.

This is not to say you shouldn’t treat yourself. This is just to say that it isn’t a way to care for yourself.

Yes! Treat yourself! You deserve it! But, no, a facemask and a pizza after a break-up are not considered self-care. Learning to love and forgive ourselves, which can be very difficult in a time of vulnerability... that is self-care.

Don’t throw away those face masks and bath bombs; just don’t use them as a supplement to what self-care really is. Take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Don’t runaway if what you need to do is hard for you to do. Change is not comfortable, but it is necessary for growth.