Self-care is a set of practices you do that don’t involve a medical care professional. It is an act of care that one administers to oneself. It is self-initiated and mostly done to make yourself feel better.
Self-care has expanded from that definition to being used by brands and companies to sell their items under the self-care category label. Therefore, we’re here to bust some myths regarding self-care.
Myth 1: It’s All or Nothing.
People think that to practice self-care, you have to have a spa day every month. However, self-care could be as simple as showering regularly and being mindful of yourself.
Myth 2: It Requires Resources Not Everyone Has.
If your definition of self-care is a deep tissue massage every week, it’s likely that not many people have the time nor money to administer that. Ten minutes of meditation is accessible and also self-care.
Myth 3: It’s Selfish.
If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else is likely to. There’s nothing wrong with taking out time to look after yourself. It’s not sustainable to constantly take care of others with taking care of yourself.
Myth 4: No One Understands Me or Wants To Take Care of Me.
If you’re feeling this way, you’re likely struggling with communicating your needs to those around you. Take stock of your feeling and then reach out to those closes to you and ask for help. They likely want to help you and don’t know-how.
Myth 5: I Don’t Have Time.
You have time when you make time. Make sure that you’re prioritizing yourself properly and not just putting things on the back burner so you can deal with things later. Later is now, and now is an as good time as any.
Myth 6: Self-Care Is Optional.
It’s not that you have to start taking care of yourself or you’ll hurt yourself and others severely. If you aren’t meeting your own needs, you’re likely self-sabotaging, and that’s harmful in the long run.
Myth 7: Men Don’t Practice Self-Care.
Gender has nothing to do with practicing self-care. It would be best if you listened to your own needs to communicate them, and so, self-care is imperative to be a good friend or partner.
Myth 8: Self-Care Is Not Feminine.
Women are generally portrayed as the servers in media. This portrayal makes some women feel like they need to take care of others to be worthy. This idea could not be further from the truth.
Myth 9: I Must Practice Self-Care Perfectly.
Self-care doesn’t have any set rules. So, you might not be able to practice it perfectly. Self-care is a mindset that prioritizes your well-being and actions that follow through.
Myth 10: Self-Care Costs Money.
Some self-care may cost money, like buying yourself brownies on a bad day. However, self-care doesn’t always have to cost money. Breathing exercises and taking a walk is self-care, but it doesn’t cost a dime.