Let’s Bust those Self-Care Myths
Ready to bust those myths about self-care? Let’s go…
Myth: Self-care is just about pampering yourself
Self-care is so much more than pampering!
It’s all the activities that help you to protect, maintain and improve your health and wellbeing.
Pampering yourself can certainly form a part of your self-care routine. Bubble baths, manicures, and massages are all lovely. If these kinds of activities help you feel nourished, calm or refreshed then go for it!
However, don’t stop there. Incorporate other activities to replenish your body, mind and spirit.
Myth: Self-care is indulgent and/or selfish
Many of us feel guilty about putting ourselves first.
I know I have in the past. Not anymore though!
I’ve come to realise a very important truth – if you are not taking care of yourself, how can you take care of anyone else?
If you are stressed, overwhelmed or burnt-out, you certainly can’t be your best self, for you or for your loved ones. Remember, you can’t serve from an empty vessel.
Myth: Self-care takes too much time
So many of us are time-poor these days, and “I don’t have time for self-care!” is a common excuse. However, the truth is, self-care doesn’t need to take a lot of time.
In my article below 15 Self-Care Tips for Busy Days, all of the ideas take 5 minutes or less.
Absolutely everyone has 5 minutes they can allocate to self-care. Including you.
Still don’t think you have time? Take a look at my second article below How to Find the Time for Self-Care
Too busy? You've still got time for self-care. Try one of these quick and simple self-care tips that take 5 minutes or less.
Do you need help finding time for self-care? Here are 5 ways you can make sure that you have time for self-care in your life.
Myth: Self-care is expensive
Self-care is not about heading off to luxury spas, or long vacations, or treating yourself to new clothes, makeup or shoes.
In fact, it’s not about buying anything at all.
Self-care is a mindset.
It’s about accepting that you are important and that you deserve your own care and compassion.
There are lots of easy, simple, low-cost or free activities you can do.
Myth: Self-care requires sticking to a strict routine
Routines are important. They help you live intentionally and they ensure that you get the most important things in your day done, including self-care.
But routines will be just as effective when you allow for flexibility.
It is important to schedule time in your day for self-care, and that you protect that time.
However, you don’t need to be strict about the type of self-care activities you do.
Your needs, and the self-care activities that support you will change depending upon what’s going on in your life.
During more difficult or challenging times (for example, during a house move, after a break-up, or when starting a new job) your self-care needs will be very different to the times where you have fewer pressures and more energy.
Pay attention to what you need, and adjust your self-care activities, and routine, as you need to.
Myth: Self-care is anything that makes you feel better
Sometimes the things that make us feel better in the moment, make us feel worse in the long run (I’m looking at you giant-size block of chocolate!)
Self-care is about knowing the difference between what you want and what you need.
Be mindful about what you really need. Ask yourself, does it…
- nourish you?
- calm you?
- energize you?
- recharge you?
Myth: Self-care can wait
Self-care can’t wait until you’ve completed your to-do list, or until that big project is finished, or until you feel like you’ve earned it, or deserve it.
Self-care isn’t a treat, and self-care isn’t optional.
It can’t wait until the kids are older, or you’ve quit your job. It can’t wait until someone else gives you permission.
Give yourself permission to practice self-care now.
What type of self-care is best?
Keep reading to find out…