Self-care feels challenging for us all at some point. Usually, when you begin a self-care practice, it can be hard to determine what works and what doesn’t. If self-care feels challenging for you, it’s time to recover now with the techniques below.
Why is Self Care so Hard?
If you are new to the world of self-care, you may find that self-care feels challenging. You know the benefits of self-care but still cannot muster up the energy to create a self-care routine and stick with it.
As with anything involving mental health, self-care isn’t always straightforward. Some reasons self-care feels hard may include:
- Feeling like it’s one more thing you have to put effort into
- Shaming yourself when you don’t follow your self-care routine
- Putting too much pressure on yourself to do too many things at once
- Thinking you’re acting in self-care when you are really just over-indulging
- Struggling with sleep due to mental health, resulting in less motivation
- Not knowing where to start
If self-care feels hard, take some baby steps to get a routine that works for you. Self-care techniques and self-care routines others swear by may do nothing for you. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, and experiment until you find what works!
The Truth About Self-Care and Why It Isn’t Working For You
Try these tips below if you feel like self-care is challenging and want to learn how to back into your self-care routine.
If Self-Care Feels Challenging, Give Yourself a Break
Self-care techniques are methods to gain more in life and not feel like you’re taking more life away. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is do nothing.
Stop Putting So Much Pressure on Yourself When Self-Care Feels Challenging
You may struggle with self-care because you put so much pressure on yourself. Perfectionism is quite common for those who struggle with our mental health, and it doesn’t stop at self-care.
Determine Which Feelings You Want to Feel
Go deeper than wanting to feel “happy” or “successful.” Do you feel like you need more freedom? Adventure? Relaxation? Space? Take a few minutes to close your eyes, breathe, and search within yourself.
Find a way to tap into those feelings now. If you crave more adventure, go for a day trip somewhere. On the other hand, if you desire more relaxation, choose relaxing activities that suit your needs.
Don’t Do What Everyone Else Does
When we think of self-care, we often imagine a bubble bath or getting our nails done. I, for example, prefer to shower rather than take a bath. I kept trying it, which didn’t do anything for me. I also like doing my nails myself as I get bored sitting around at a nail salon. Though I kept trying the popular self-care techniques, none did much for me.
Perhaps, you’re the same way. What are the things that really light you up? For me, I enjoy digital art, doodling, playing with my dog, etc. You know yourself better than anyone else, so only you know what a perfect self-care routine looks like.
Be Real With Yourself
Self-care can often get mixed up with over-indulgences. Sometimes, having a glass of wine and a large slice of chocolate cake after a hard day is an act of self-care. Other times, especially when it becomes a habit, you’re overindulging rather than caring for yourself.
Choose a Self-Care Ritual and Let it Be Enough
A ritual doesn’t mean it has to be a 10-step self-care plan. Your practice may be drinking coffee and writing in your journal or using shower steamers for your morning shower.
Often, self-care feels hard when we overdo it. The last thing you want to do is take something that is supposed to benefit your mental health and use it to take away from it.
Whatever you choose to do for your self-care, let it be enough.
How Do You Define Self Care?
Self-care can mean a variety of things. Sometimes, self-care means to promote health by working out when you don’t feel like it. Other times, self-care promotes your mental health by choosing not to work out when you’re genuinely exhausted and then not beating yourself up for it. Self-care isn’t always bubble baths and mani-pedis. Self-care is taking care of your mind, body, and soul in the ways that suit you best.
Why is Self-Care Important, And What Are The Benefits?
Without self-care, we can quickly feel apathetic, overwhelmed, and under-appreciated. Taking care of yourself is a form of loving yourself. Benefits of self-care can include better management of mental health, more energy, increased happiness, and better relationships with those around you.
Why Does Self-Care Feel Selfish?
Self-care intends to care for yourself, not take away from others. Self-care may feel selfish if your routine takes time away from your family or friends. However, you can be a more present and happier significant other, friend, parent, and co-worker by taking care of yourself. Just like your friends and family deserve time for themselves, you deserve a set time for your self-care practice.
Why is Self-Care Important For Your Mental Health?
Everyone can benefit mentally from a self-care ritual. However, self-care is even more essential for you if you’re struggling with mental health. Self-care can help you deal with your stress, increase your energy, promote better sleep, and even reduce illness. Even performing daily, low-time-consuming acts of self-care can have a significant impact.
So, How Do You Recover When Self-Care Feels Challenging?
Self-care may feel challenging if it is new to you, you’re putting pressure on yourself, or you’re choosing self-care acts that are wrong for you. Play with self-care rituals and have fun experimenting! Do your best to let whatever you choose to be enough.
