Self-Improvement vs. Self-Care:

Are They the Same?

By Sheetal Ajmani, MD 

 

Self-improvement versus self-care? Are they the same or different? This was an interesting question and perspective brought up by a senior leader at a recent company workshop that I facilitated.

 

This particular leader reflected that he had always viewed self-improvement as self-care. In other words, he thought self-care meant actively improving his performance and productivity through gaining new knowledge or refining his skills.

 

The workshop offered new insights about self-care, grounded in the Oxford dictionary definition:

 

"the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress."

 

Through group discussion, we explored ways that self-care can show up in daily life. He realized that engaging in activities simply because of the joy that it brings him can also be self-care. It does not need to be something with clearly defined and structured goals; rather, activities that feel energizing can translate productively into how he shows up at work and home.

 

So, while self-improvement activities—like reading professional development books or taking continuing education courses—can be forms of self-care, they are not the only methods of caring for oneself. 

 

A few real-life examples of self-care that surfaced during the workshop were:

• Date nights with significant other
• Standing barefoot in the grass for a few minutes every morning
• Using the commute an opportunity to decompress by listening to music
• Noticing what went well each day instead of focusing on what went wrong

 

What are some ways that you currently care for yourself? 

 

Many of my clients have a hard time answering this question and are seeking tailored solutions to navigate ongoing pressures. 

 

If you are seeking support in this area of your life, this is exactly the type of work I do with my coaching clients.

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