As the holiday season approaches, we often hear familiar refrains: “Take care of yourself,” “Set strong boundaries,” “Prioritize self-care.” In conventional wellness spaces, these concepts are promoted as essential strategies for nurturing oneself, emphasizing self-reliance as the pathway to well-being. We hear that we should wait to be more resourced before stepping out to support or be supported by others.
We maybe missing a big component of the web of care we give and receive from each other. While there are important moments in life for self care and firm boundaries, this perspective can overlook a crucial part of our well being: the collective web of support we create with a sense of community.
So, how do we choose a web of care over isolation when we’re feeling low on capacity? How do we redefine “support” when life feels heavy, even if that support doesn’t look exactly the way we might imagine?
At the Community Well Being Centre, we recognize the expectation of being fully resourced is unrealistic for many individuals managing the complexities of daily life. Yet, the need for connection and support from others remains just as vital. This is where community care steps in.
The Power of Community Care
Community care is grounded in the belief we are interdependent, capable of both giving and receiving support. Unlike the individualistic view of self-care, which suggests, “You need to rely on yourself,” community care says, “If you need help, there are people you can turn to.” Building a network of care reinforces that we are not alone; it empowers us to lean on one another.
These social connections translate into the tangible benefit of simply feeling a sense of belonging. Studies have shown that even the perception of being part of a supportive community can boost mental well-being. Community care invites us to broaden our willingness to support each other, extending ourselves to help those in need.
Redefining How We Show Support
What does community care look like in practice? It can be as simple as noticing someone struggling and asking how they’re doing or working with them to find solutions. You don’t need to have all the answers or be an expert in mental well being, you just need to show that you care. That takes a lot of the burden off the person, letting them know they’re not alone and that there are people who care.
Reframing how we perceive care helps us recognize support doesn’t have to be grand or perfect. It could be a friend checking in or a quick text with a heart emoji. These gestures matter, contributing to a shared sense of well-being and breaking down barriers to connection.
Finding Balance: Community Care and Self-Care
It’s important to remember that community care and self care are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they reinforce one another. Ultimately, resilient communities produce resilient individuals.
The real work lies in balancing the individual and the communal. Embracing community care doesn’t mean giving up on taking time for ourselves; rather, it enriches our understanding of well being by situating it within a supportive network. When we practice care as a community, we don’t just uplift others—we cultivate resilience and strengthen our own capacity for empathy and support.
As we approach the holidays, let’s expand our view of care to include the collective. Let’s recognize community care isn’t just an alternative to self care; it’s a complement that enriches our lives. Supporting one another through acts big and small helps create the conditions for true well being. After all, caring for each other is not just an option—it’s an essential part of thriving together.
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