When you really think about it, what exactly is self care? Is it just taking care of yourself? Or is it something deeper? Self care has become more and more popular over the years and it can take many forms… It can be mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual. It can be routine or something you do occasionally. Really, it can be anything that you do for yourself that impacts your attitude, mental health, or life in a positive way. It’s about finding balance in a world where we are constantly overstimulated and inundated with information. For a more detailed explanation of self care, check out The Papaya Podcast: The One Where We Get Curious About Self Care with Johnathan Van Ness.
As with any mainstream or popular trend, there are tons of myths out there about self care that can make it hard to focus on what really matters…you! But, don’t worry – we’re here to set the record straight! Self care is absolutely necessary for an overall happy and healthy life. So believing myths about self care can cause way more harm than good. So, let’s talk about the most popular myths surrounding self care and why you should stop believing them ASAP!
5 Self Care Myths
Self Care is Optional
Here at Dear Meida, we think one of the biggest myths about self care is that it is optional. Self care is absolutely essential to a happy and healthy life, which means it is not an option to practice self care…it’s a necessity. There is much to be learned from Being Bumo: Let’s Talk about Self-Care with Alex Taylor, but the most important thing we can take away from this podcast is that you must take time for yourself. Take steps to ensure that your mind, body, and spirit are fulfilled and nurtured. It is only when we take proper care of ourselves that we can truly begin to care for others.
Self Care is Selfish
So much of what we do each and every day revolves around the people in our lives. We take care of our families, we show up to work, we listen to our friends, and so on. And then, when we finally take time for ourselves, we feel selfish for putting everyone else on the back burner. THIS IS A MYTH WE MUST DEBUNK RIGHT NOW!
Self care is not selfish. You can’t expect to be at the top of your game if you haven’t taken the time to take care of yourself! In order to be there for the people around you and handle all of the things the world throws at you, you have to practice self care. And when your self care needs are finally met, you can give more positive energy to the people around you. Wondering how to start your self care regimen? We’ve got you covered. Get the Fuck Out Of The Sun: Kristin Cavallari – Personal Skincare & Health Routine, Facialist Secrets, & Evolving Your Self Care is all about how to take better care of yourself and can help you begin an awesome self care routine.
Self Care Takes Too Much Money or Effort
Self care does not have to be expensive and it does not have to require too much energy or effort. It’s about making yourself feel happy and healthy and there are plenty of budget friendly or even free ways to accomplish this. Lipstick on the Rim: A Model’s Guide to Beauty Secrets, Skincare Hacks, & Tips for Insane Confidence with the Self-Love Queens of Model Citizens is chock full of cheap and easy ways to take better care of yourself.
The ways to practice self care that won’t break the bank but will still provide actual benefits are endless. You can do a face mask, take a relaxing bubble bath, meditate, take a walk, get some fresh air, take a break from social media, go for a long run, and the list goes on and on. Don’t let this myth hold you back from showing up for yourself. Self care absolutely does not have to be hard or expensive to make a real difference in your life.
Self Care is Feminine
Let’s make this crystal clear. Self care is not bound by gender, sexuality, race, or anything. Everyone requires a certain level of self care to live a happy, healthy, and overall positive life. There is a common misconception that being sensitive, having good hygiene, and taking care of yourself is girly or feminine…and we’re here to tell you that this is straight up FALSE. Each and every person must have their self care needs met in order to improve their mental health and realize their full potential. Sit down with Jill Dunn, Carlene Higgins, and Whitney Port in Breaking Beauty: Whitney Port Opens Up About Self-Care, Her Exact Skincare Routine and Reality TV 2.0 to hear more about how self care looks different for everyone!
Self Care Must be Earned
Self care does not need to be earned! Many people think that doing something nice for yourself has to be a reward for accomplishing something else…and this is a complete and total myth. Self care isn’t a reward for accomplishing goals or having a good day – self care is essential to your health and happiness and thus, should be practiced no matter what!
For more on the myth of “earning” self care, check out The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast: Self-Care 101 with Lauryn Evarts – Tips on Morning Routines, Self-Care, and Living Your Best Life to hear about how self care can help you live your best life, irregardless of failures/successes in other parts of your life. And also be sure to check out The Art of Being Well: Serena Poon: The Mindset of a Manifestor, Culinary Alchemy, Transcendental Meditation + Self-Trust as The New Self Care to hear about how self care requires self trust…trust that you deserve your self care and that it is essential to your health and happiness.
Debunking All Those Self Care Myths
As you can see, self care is absolutely essential to our lives. Self care can make you feel good, improve your mental health, reduce stress, help you create better social relationships, and more! The most important thing to remember today is that you can not help and care for others properly until you’ve taken good care of yourself. Self care gives you the energy and motivation needed live your best life. So you can be the best version of yourself! When you’re ready to start your self care routine, feel free to come back to this article for awesome tips and podcast episodes that can provide guidance and advice on all things self care. And for more interesting blogs like How to Forgive Yourself or Stress Management Techniques at Home, be sure to check out the Dear Media Blog!
