Feeling guilty about self-care?
You know that feeling when you try to take time for yourself, but instead of feeling relaxed, you end up feeling guilty? It’s happened to all of us.
We all know that taking care of ourselves is important, so why do we feel so bad about it?
Well, there could be many reasons, including:
- Upbringing: Women especially are often taught to put everyone else’s needs before their own. So, when we finally do something for ourselves, it can feel like we’re being selfish or lazy.
- Self-judgement: We may think we’re not doing enough, or that we don’t deserve to rest.
- Fear of consequences: We worry that people will judge us or be disappointed in us for taking time out instead of doing something else.
It’s important to remember that self-care is essential. Just like eating and sleeping, we need to do things that make us happy and reduce stress. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Taking care of ourselves can actually make us more productive and better able to make decisions.
So, how can we stop feeling guilty about self-care? Here’s some suggestions:
- Reframe: Change the way we think about it. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. We also need to practice self-compassion and remember that we’re allowed to rest and relax.
- Refocus: Instead of feeling guilty about taking care of yourself, remind yourself of the benefits that self-care provides. For example, self-care can help you reduce stress, improve your mental and physical health, and increase your overall happiness and well-being.
- Set boundaries: Learning to say no to things that don’t align with your self-care needs can help you feel less guilty about prioritizing yourself.
- Realistic expectations: Avoid comparisons with others and remember that everyone’s self-care needs are different. Figure out what works for you within your lifestyle, budget and other considerations.
- Create a habit: Set a routine that you can do easily so that becomes a habit. Then it’s a regular thing you do, rather than a big deal that causes stress and guilt.
- Have support: Supportive people around you who understand the importance of self-care can make it easier to prioritize your own needs.
Feeling guilty about self-care is a common experience, but it’s not necessary or helpful. By being kind to ourselves and prioritizing our needs, we can overcome those feelings and feel happier and healthier.
