5 Myths About Self-Care
In recent years, self-care has become a buzzword that is often paired with things like bubble baths, face masks, and scented candles. While those things can absolutely be a form of self-care, they really only scratch the surface. True self-care is about meeting your emotional, mental, and physical needs in sustainable and sometimes uncomfortable ways. Yet, many myths continue to shape our understanding of what self-care should look like
Myth 1: Self-care is always relaxing and enjoyable
The truth: Sometimes self-care is hard.
Self-care isn’t always about doing what feels good in the moment. It's about doing what's good for you, even if it's uncomfortable. Going to therapy, setting boundaries, saying no, or finally starting that workout routine you’ve been avoiding - these can all be forms of self-care, even if they don’t feel fun at first. The key is long-term benefit, not instant gratification.
Myth 2: Self-care is expensive
The truth: Self-care doesn’t require spending money.
You don’t need a spa day, luxury skincare products, or a yoga retreat in Bali to take care of yourself. True self-care can be as simple as getting enough sleep, cooking yourself a nourishing meal, going for a walk, or journaling. Many meaningful self-care practices are low-cost or free, like unplugging from your phone, talking to a friend, or finally making that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.
Myth 3: Self-care means being alone
The truth: Sometimes self-care is reaching out.
There’s a popular idea of self-care as a solo activity like spending cozy nights in, reading a book, or meditating alone. While solitude can be incredibly valuable, it's not the only or best form of care, as this is determined by a persons individual needs. In fact, many of our emotional needs are rooted in connection, not isolation. Emotional self-care might mean scheduling regular check-ins with a friend, joining a support group, or simply asking someone to listen without offering advice. For people who struggle with vulnerability or feel pressure to be self-sufficient, reaching out can feel like a weakness. But the reality is, it often takes more courage to say “I need support” than to push through alone. Community, friendship, and shared understanding are deeply healing and often more effective than anything you can do in solitude.
Myth 4: Self-care is selfish
The truth: Self-care is necessary for your well-being.
One of the most harmful misconceptions about self-care is that it’s self-indulgent or that it takes away from others. This belief is especially common among caregivers, parents, and professionals in helping roles. However, neglecting your own well-being doesn’t make you more generous. Instead, it leads to burnout, irritability, and emotional depletion.
Imagine you’re a phone on 1% battery. You can’t make calls, send texts, or use apps. In the same way, when you're drained, it becomes harder to be patient, attentive, or emotionally available. Taking time to recharge through rest, healthy boundaries, or activities that restore you is not selfish. It’s how you show up fully and sustainably for the people who depend on you.
Self-care isn't about putting yourself before others. It’s about taking care of yourself.
Myth 5: Self-care is something you do after burnout
The truth: Self-care is preventative, not just reactive.
A lot of people only think about self-care once they’re overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally fried. By that point, your body and mind are already in crisis mode. Just like you brush your teeth to prevent cavities, self-care is most effective when it’s practiced regularly instead of when things are falling apart and the damage is already done.
Preventative self-care can look like setting consistent sleep routines, maintaining social connections, taking breaks before you feel exhausted, or checking in with your emotions daily. Think of it as building a foundation rather than patching up cracks. When practiced consistently, self-care creates resilience, making it easier to cope when life inevitably gets hard.
Self-care is more than a feel-good activity or a trend on social media. It is the foundation of mental and emotional health and well-being. Sometimes it looks like rest, sometimes it looks like action. Sometimes it feels good, and sometimes it’s uncomfortable. But in every form, it’s essential.
You don’t have to earn it. You don’t need to justify it. And you definitely don’t need to wait until you’ve hit rock bottom to start it.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an important part of staying healthy.
If you are finding your self-care strategies aren’t helping, or would like some assistance to establish a more sustainable self-care routine, we can help! Please get in contact with our friendly reception team on 0477 798 932 to book an appointment today.
James Grgetic is a Psychologist at Progressive Psychology.