**Are These Self-Care Myths Holding You Back?**

For a long time I was constantly denying myself self-care, only I didn’t know it! I was so busy trying to meet other people’s needs and live up to their expectations, that I forgot about myself.

But by doing this, the universe caught up with me in the form of physical symptoms and circumstances that forced me to slow down. This is what can happen to us when we let our self-care fall through the cracks.

Besides lack of awareness, there are other roadblocks to self-care that can hold people back from reaping its benefits. So let’s talk about some of these, including the false belief that self-care is unaffordable, is a quick-fix, or just too time consuming.

Read on and ask yourself if any of these myths apply to you…

Myth #1 – Self-Care is a Luxury You Can’t Afford

Self-care does not need to be expensive, in fact it often costs next to nothing. But when people hear self-care they sometimes think of fancy spas or a long vacation filled with bills.

However it can simply mean taking 5 minutes for deep breathing during your lunch break. Self-care can also be saying no to that party on Saturday night so you can have much needed time to yourself or with family.

Myth #2 – Self-Care is a Quick Fix

Self-care is not a quick fix! It is a lifelong practice. It is a rhythm that develops over time that brings you joy and self love.

Sure a trip to the day spa will bring you temporary relief from stress. But it is the slow building of a self-care routine that can bring lasting benefits to the body and mind. It helps to focus on one area at a time and incorporate into your life what you need most.

Myth #3 – Self-Care is Just Another Chore

In the beginning, self-care does require self-reflection to determine which areas of your life need attention. But far from a chore, the journey of self-care is an incredibly rewarding and joyful experience because you get to focus on YOU!

That means really looking at what you like to do, what you need, and how you envision your life. Yes, that does mean there will be moments of making difficult decisions, but once you decide to make yourself a priority, those decisions get easier and easier.

Myth #4 – Self-Care Means Other People Suffer

A major myth about self-care is that if you take care of yourself, other people in your life will be deprived or suffer in some way. Self-care means you tend to your needs first so that you can serve others you love better.

I compare it to the the oxygen mask on a plane – if you don’t give yourself oxygen first, you won’t be able to help others. Ignoring our own needs sends us into a deprivation cycle which sucks up our energy and emotional reserves. We have nothing left and then…that’s right… we become more needy!

Myth #5 – Self-Care Takes Up Too Much Time

There was a point in my life when I didn’t think I had time to really take care of myself and chose to ignore my health instead. I found that approach can backfire and not only do I suffer, but so do the other things I care about.

An act of self-care can be as simple as taking 5 minutes twice a day to check in with yourself and ask “What do I need?”.

Myth #6 – Self-Care Is Whatever Brings You Comfort

One of the best parts of self-care is getting to focus on what makes you happy and brings you joy. At times this may mean a special dinner out, buying yourself something special (I know that makes me feel good!), or going out for a drink with friends.

But let’s face it, we all have an inner voice that knows when too much is too much. True self-care is about doing what is healthy for your body, mind, and soul. It’s about having fun and it’s about balance.

Lastly, remember this…Self-Care is NOT selfish in a bad way. It is an essential way to reassure yourself that you are indeed cared for without waiting for someone else to do it for you.

Of course it’s okay to need people to care for you. But while they can’t always be there, YOU can always be there for yourself.

So now the question is… when is the best time to start a self-care program?

The answer is always the same…

right now.

With Love & Healing,

Lynn

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6 Big Myths About Self-Care