In this article, we will be talking about the 5 common misconceptions about self-care and how does self-care look like.
- Self-care is just about the Physical aspect
I consider this as the biggest misconception of people about self-care. People often asked me how I care for myself and if I did, why am I overweight. As you can observe, people usually think that self-care is all about caring for the physical part and just disregards the other aspects of our health. But clearly, it is more than that. Self-care is performing and doing things that would benefit and improve our holistic health. This means this includes protecting and nurturing our mental, social, and emotional aspects as well. I believe that mental and physical health are very close to each other.
- Self-care is selfishness
This is one of the most controversial misconceptions about self-care. Caring for yourself isn’t an act of selfishness but rather, selflessness. Yes, you read it right. I believe that when we start to practice self-care and be kind to ourselves, it enables us to be the best version of ourselves and through that, we can extend it even more to the people around us. When we know how to care for ourselves, we will also know how to care for the people. Besides, we all know that we cannot give the things we do not have. This means that if we really wanted to care for others, we should start within ourselves first to be effective.
- Self-care is expensive
This is certainly a big NO! Self-care shouldn’t be expensive. We can practice it without needing to spend that big amount of money. There may be times that we have to buy things for convenience and necessities in order to make this form of self-care more effective, but that doesn’t always need to be that expensive. Find self-care practices that won’t dig a hole in your pocket.
- Self-care is for women
Please stop this stereotyping. Self-care has no gender and everyone should know that. Even if you are a man, you can still practice self-care and it will not make you less of a man. You have the right to care for your skin, mind, and body. To all the women reading this, encouraged every man you know to practice self-care.
- Self-Care is optional
People often think that self-care is optional and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Well, we can’t blame them because there are a lot of people who don’t understand what self-care is. They usually think that self-care isn’t a priority in life and feel guilty when they do something other than the tasks that were given to them. Self-care should be more prioritized when we are stressed and overwhelmed with our work and responsibilities. Through this, it will help us loosen up a bit and become the best version of ourselves in our works and tasks.
Given all those misconceptions, maybe you are now asking what self-care looks like. No worries because I got you. Let us clarify things about self-care.
What does self-care look like?
What makes you feel alive? What makes you feel happy and fulfilled? What are the things that you do that create positive energy in your surroundings? What satisfies you and relieves your stress?
The answer to those questions is the answer to what self-care looks like. Establish a goal and create a plan to constantly achieve it. Self-care varies for each one of us. But one sure thing about it is that it allows you to function and be the best version of yourself.
Here are some examples of self-care:
- Planning about your healthy diet. I always make sure to have this one. Always remember that what we eat will be what we become. People would often ask me why am I overweight if I am planning carefully for my diet. Well, this is not because of my diet, this is because of the medications that I take. Be more active. This doesn’t only mean going to the gym and doing vigorous stuff. This could also mean taking a walk, jogging, dancing, or taking the stairs and alike.
- Read more. Aside from gaining knowledge and learning, this will also allow you to ignore the noisy world. Try finishing reading a book in a month and make it a goal.
- Connect with your friends and the people you value the most. Spend time with them. Sometimes time spent with those people is the kind of therapy that we need to keep going. Social support is very important to human beings.
- Practice type of breathing technique, meditation or yoga. Make sure to spend some alone time with yourself to relax and just reflect. This will allow you to evaluate yourself and get a clearer view of things.
- Say motivational and encouraging words to yourself every morning before you start your day. The way we speak towards ourselves smatter and will reflect on us.
- Listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel unwell or something is wrong, do not hesitate to ask for some medical help. Health should be prioritized more than anything else.
- Play with your pets. Did you know that our furry friends could help us relieve our stress?
- Spend time on your hobbies and passion. Nothing beats the happiness we get when we do the things that we love, right? Go write that poem, sing that song, play that instrument. Do what it takes to make your life more meaningful.
- Organize a vacation/quick vacay/ trip. Explore the world. Travelling is one of the best ways to self-care. Allow yourself to see new places and see the world from a different angle.
- Get a massage. After a long day at work, you deserve to get a massage.
- Focus on yourself. Stop listening to the opinion of other people.
You are the one in charge of your holistic health. Be kind to yourself and practice self-care. Always remember that at the end of the day, you only have yourself.