You’re Wrong About Self-Care
Think you've got self-care all figured out? Think again. In the era of #selfcare, wellness influencers, and #softera we've lost sight of what true self-care really means. Let's bust some myths and get real about what taking care of yourself actually looks like.
Myth #1: Self-care is all about feeling good in the moment
Reality: Sometimes, real self-care feels uncomfortable or even difficult. It's not always about bubble baths and face masks. True self-care often involves:
- Having tough conversations
- Setting boundaries
- Doing things you don't want to do (like going to the dentist or managing your finances)
- Facing your fears and insecurities
Myth #2: If it doesn't spark joy, it's not self-care
Reality: Long-term wellbeing often requires actions that don't feel great in the moment. Self-care can look like:
- Waking up early to exercise
- Meal prepping when you'd rather order takeout
- Going to therapy to work through issues
- Cutting back on habits that don't serve you
Myth #3: Self-care means always putting yourself first
Reality: While prioritizing your needs is important, radical selfishness isn't the answer. Healthy self-care involves:
- Balancing your needs with the needs of others
- Maintaining relationships and connections
- Contributing to your community
- Finding purpose beyond just self-indulgence
Myth #4: Self-care is all about treating yourself
Reality: Sometimes, self-care looks more like self-discipline. It can involve:
- Sticking to a budget
- Saying no to things that drain you
- Creating and maintaining healthy routines
- Doing the hard work of personal growth
The truth is, real self-care isn't always Instagram-worthy. It's about making choices that support your long-term wellbeing, even when those choices are tough. It's about building a life you don't constantly need to escape from, rather than just finding ways to temporarily check out.
So the next time you're tempted to equate self-care with self-indulgence, remember: true self-care is an investment in your future self. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.
