Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Here’s Why and How

As an experienced psychotherapist and coach, I’ve seen people struggle with their emotional health, feeling overwhelmed and stressed. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you discover the power of self-care and empower you to take control of your life.

Self-Care Is Not a Privilege

First, understand what self-care means. It’s about looking after yourself, recognising your needs, and prioritising your mental and emotional health. It’s not selfishness; it’s about valuing yourself and taking action to stay balanced and healthy.

No, it is not a privilege. It is necessary! Just like we need good food and exercise for physical health, self-care is vital for our emotional well-being. It’s not a luxury; it’s essential for resilience, stress reduction, and a better life overall.

Now, you might ask, is self-care selfish? No, not if done right. Self-care turns selfish when it neglects others or fuels harmful behaviour. But with healthy boundaries, self-care helps you be your best for yourself and others. It helps you to be the best version of yourself!

Practical Self-Care Examples

Let’s explore some simple examples of self-care. It can be as easy as taking a peaceful walk in nature, soaking in a bubble bath, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea and a good book. Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or gardening can also bring happiness and fulfilment. Remember, self-care is personal, so find what works best for you to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

The good news is that self-care doesn’t have to cost anything. While some activities may require spending money, there are plenty of meaningful practices that are completely free. Spending time with loved ones, practising mindfulness, or simply taking deep breaths to centre yourself are all examples of budget-friendly self-care strategies that offer significant benefits.

Free Self-Care Ideas

I’ve even put together a bunch of ideas with simple instructions for self-care tips that are free of charge, complimentary gifts from the universe that just landed on your doorstep. Some of them you can implement in your daily life, even if you only have 5 minutes. So the options are for extremely busy people, too. You can download it here.

Now, let’s address self-care without guilt. It’s common to feel guilty, especially for parents, when prioritising your own needs. But remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for your well-being and benefits those around you. Just like on an airplane, you must secure your oxygen mask before helping others. By practising self-care without guilt, you set a positive example for loved ones and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life.

It is selfish not to take care of yourself. Guilt can prevent you from looking after yourself, but neglecting your own needs is ultimately selfish. If you are running on empty, your nervous system will gradually start to crash. You will experience frustration, small noises will drive you mad, and you will snap at people easily. You will experience mood swings, with anger or sadness coming over you suddenly. Most importantly, you are gradually and slowly losing the part of yourself that craves to smile, to feel joyful and colourful, to feel alive. This aliveness is your vital life force that creates loving and caring relationships in your life, which will make your soul thrive, grow, and glow.

See, it is a powerful habit for reclaiming your inner strength, joy, and vitality. By embracing self-care, you honour your worth, nurture resilience, and enhance overall well-being. So go ahead, prioritise self-care, and watch your inner glow shine brighter than ever.