Self-care

Myth 1: Self-care is all about indulgence and pampering.

Fact: While self-care can include activities like indulging in a bubble bath or treating yourself to a spa day, it encompasses much more. Self-care involves taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being in various ways, including practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking support, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

Myth 2: Self-care is selfish and self-centered.

Fact: Self-care is often mistaken for selfishness, but it's crucial to understand that taking care of yourself is not inherently selfish. In fact, practicing self-care enables you to better care for others. When you prioritize your well-being, you become more effective in your relationships, work, and overall life, which benefits those around you.

Myth 3: Self-care requires a lot of time and money.

Fact: While some self-care activities may involve time and financial investments, self-care doesn't have to be extravagant or costly. Small, consistent acts of self-care, such as taking short breaks throughout the day, engaging in hobbies, practicing deep breathing exercises, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, can have a significant impact on your well-being.

Myth 4: Self-care means always feeling good and happy.

Fact: Self-care is not solely about pursuing happiness at all times. It's about recognizing and addressing your needs, including those related to mental health. Sometimes self-care involves facing difficult emotions, seeking therapy or counseling, and taking necessary steps to improve your overall well-being. It's a holistic approach that acknowledges the ups and downs of life.

Myth 5: Self-care is a one-size-fits-all concept.

Fact: Self-care is highly personal and unique to each individual. What works for one person may not work for another. It's important to explore and experiment with different self-care practices to find what resonates with you. It could involve a combination of physical activities, creative outlets, social connections, or solitude. The key is to discover what brings you a sense of rejuvenation and fulfillment.

Myth 6: Self-care is a luxury for those with ample free time.

Fact: Self-care is for everyone, regardless of how busy or hectic their lives may be. It's about making small but meaningful choices to prioritize your well-being, even in the midst of a busy schedule.

Myth 7: Self-care is an individual endeavor.

Fact: While self-care often involves personal practices, it can also include seeking support from others, such as talking to a trusted friend or seeking professional help when needed. Social connections and community support are vital aspects of self-care.

Myth 8: Self-care is only for people with poor mental health

Fact: Self-care is for everyone. In fact, you’re already doing it. Even the most basic functions of life count as self-care. If you’re brushing your teeth, you’re practicing self-care. If you’ve gone to bed early to get a good night’s sleep, that’s self-care. If you’ve sung in the shower lately, that can even be self-care. The reason self-care is more well-known to those struggling with their mental health is because life’s curveballs can sometimes make the most basic acts of self-care difficult.

Myth 9: Myth: Self-care is only about taking care of your mental health

Fact: We are complex beings and there are many things that make up the self. Think of all the things that make you you. Self-care is caring for your mental and emotional needs, physical needs, social needs, spiritual needs, practical needs and intellectual needs. If you neglect one or more of these buckets, it can be difficult to feel balanced and well.

Myth 10: Myth: If you practice self-care regularly, you will always have good mental health

Fact: Having good mental health is not an individual responsibility. Yes, practicing self-care can boost your mood and help you feel well, but it is not a magical cure for mental health problems and illnesses. For example, fresh air is not a cure-all. Someone who is grieving a loss cannot shrug off their sorrow with scented candles and steamed vegetables. And baking banana bread cannot erase the uncertainty and anxiety we have faced with this pandemic.

There are many factors that play a role in well-being, and self-care is something that we can control and act on. Sometimes that’s enough to soften the blow of a bad day. Remember, self-care is an ongoing process, and it's essential to listen to your own needs and adjust your self-care routine accordingly. By debunking these myths and understanding the facts, you can create a sustainable and effective self-care practice that supports your overall well-being.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation: Set aside some time each day to focus on your breath and be present in the moment. Meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
• Engage in regular physical exercise: Find an activity you enjoy, such as jogging, yoga, dancing, or swimming, and make it a regular part of your routine. Exercise not only benefits your physical health but also releases endorphins that improve your mood.
• Eat well-balanced meals: Nourish your body with nutritious foods that make you feel good. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet.
• Read a book or listen to an audiobook: Escape into a different world or gain knowledge through reading. Choose a genre or topic that interests you and set aside some dedicated time to indulge in reading. It can be a great way to unwind, expand your knowledge, and escape into different worlds.
• Take a relaxing bath: Create a calming atmosphere with scented candles, soothing music, and a bath bomb or bath salts. Allow yourself to unwind and relax in the warm water.
• Practice deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Spend time in nature: Go for a walk in a park, hike in the woods, or visit a nearby beach. Connecting with nature can have a rejuvenating effect on your mind and body. It can help reduce stress, increase relaxation, and improve overall well-being.
• Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal. It can be a therapeutic way to reflect on your day, release emotions, and gain insights into yourself.
• Connect with loved ones: Spend quality time with family or friends. Engage in activities you enjoy together, have meaningful conversations, or simply share a meal. Social connections are essential for well-being.
• Engage in a creative activity: Paint, draw, play a musical instrument, write poetry, or engage in any other creative pursuit that brings you joy. Allowing yourself to express your creativity can be incredibly fulfilling. It can be a therapeutic and fulfilling self-care practice.
• Pamper yourself: Treat yourself to a spa day at home, give yourself a manicure or pedicure, or indulge in a favorite hobby or activity that brings you pleasure.
• Get quality sleep: Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable and free of distractions.
• Treat yourself: Take time to indulge in activities or experiences that bring you joy. It could be going for a spa day, getting a massage, taking a long bath, or enjoying your favorite hobby.
• Practice gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude by reflecting on the things you appreciate in your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or expressing gratitude to others.
• Unplug from technology: Take a break from screens and disconnect from social media periodically. Engage in activities that don't involve technology, such as going for a walk, engaging in a hobby, or spending time with loved ones.
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind and compassionate toward yourself. Treat yourself with the same care and understanding you would extend to a loved one.

What is your favourite self-care activity?

The purpose of the self-care activity jar is to:

1. Get an empty jar.
2. Write down your favourite self-care activity on strips of paper.
3. Whenever you're feeling down, stressed out, or drained - pull out a strip of paper and then do that activity.

Let's start a list of self-care activities to add to our Holistipedia jar!

Write your favourite self-care activity or activities below and get a chance to win a surprise self-care activity!