As a population, we are becoming more aware of the importance of self care and the impact that making time for ourselves can have on our wellbeing. However, with everything in life and especially in the realms of wellness at the moment, I fear that some people just don’t get what self care is really about and assume that the popularisation of ‘me time’ is making people lazy.
Lounging in your pajamas, with a tub of ice cream for one and a Netflix box set is about more than avoiding the massive pile of laundry that you haven’t touched for weeks. Giving yourself the permission to ‘tune out’ for a while and focus just on you is a way to recharge your batteries and fill up your cup. It should never be looked on as selfish or lazy because it’s an act of kindness to yourself and a necessity.
Perhaps it’s this mindset that is causing you to neglect your own self care practice?
In today’s fast-paced society, everything tends to be all about work and planning for the future, sadly we don’t focus on rest and playfulness enough. Taking your foot off the pedal doesn’t make you a failure and taking some time out doesn’t make you lazy. In fact, if you don’t make any time for yourself, the chances are that you will end up with a massive dose of burnout.
I think it’s time to blow up the mindset around laziness because looking after your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. Self care isn’t about being lazy, it’s about making yourself a priority and nurturing a positive relationship with your mind and body by practicing kind acts and making more space for joy.
To give out you need to receive something to refill your stores. When I make the time to refill my cup, it actually makes me more productive, which may sound counter-intuitive to some. However, I would like to argue that when I carry on throughout my day working without any rest, the brain fog creeps in, I feel lethargic and demotivated. Taking a break by going for a walk, reading, stretching, whatever feels good at the time, helps to restore my energy levels and interest in what I’m doing. My brain and body feel rejuvenated and I can then focus on my work with more vigour had I not taken some time out just for me.
Moreover, when we’re stressed and run down our inner critic turns up the volume and this is when we need to take note and amplify our self care. When we’re over-worked, it’s in these moments when we tend put limitations on ourselves, have reduced confidence and low self-esteem. Practicing self care shows to ourselves that we are valuable and worthy of compassion and our own care.
As an advocate of self care, I’m not perfect and there are times when I don’t prioritise my own emotional health. These are the times when I check myself and pull back to be present in my life to live it and enjoy it. I’ve done this a lot recently and found that reducing the times I post on the blog each week so I could create more valuable content has also made space in my life for self care and looking after my emotional health.
Self care should be a massive part of everyone’s life, it can have a significant impact on how we show up in our lives and affects who we are as a person. I reiterate self care isn’t about creating a nation of couch potatoes or being selfish, it’s a deliberate act of kindness towards yourself to take care of your wellbeing, and subsequently being able to give your 100% to your loved ones.
Don’t forget to tune into my live workshop that I’m running with the lovely Karen from 365 Pearls of Wisdom on Thursday 22nd June at 8.30pm GMT. We’ll be digging into how to refind your balance and your WOW when things feel impossible. You can join us live here.
I agree, looking after your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. That’s why I try and make time each day for some self-care x
This is great and yes, I do think some people think ‘me time’ or self-care is just being lazy, which is definitely isn’t! This is even more important if you have a busy life!
It makes me sad that people may think self-care is really just people being lazy – it is so much more than that and so not about being lazy but about looking after and caring for yourself, instead of everyone else for a change.
I agree that self care is not being lazy. As a mom, self care is important for me so that I can better take care of my children and family. I hope those that view self care as lazy will stop viewing it like that and realize it is important for everyone to take some time to breath from every day life.
I always feel like I’m being lazy and fault myself for not achieving anything when I take time out. I think I’ve worked myself into the mentality that if I’m not doing something productive all of the time, then it’s a waste of time which is a damaging thought! Thanks for making me realise it’s ok to chill once in a while 🙂
Self care is extremley important, but often neglected…great that you have helped raise awareness 🙂 x
I feel that self-care is very important for our mental health. Its nice to have a sofa day watching boxsets!
I don’t think it’s being lazy. Self care is really important, i have met people who do think it is being lazy
I think theres nothing better than having a day when you do nothing! Self care is important not lazy 🙂
I can’t advocate self care enough, and this post is a great way of highlighting the issue. People can tune in too much to the inner critic and tune out themselves. Great post and I’ll make time to join the live workshop.
I agree. Time out for yourself but sometimes by yourself is important. I recharge best when my partner is out and I stick some comfy clothes on, sit and watch tv eating snacks. I need time to myself to do what I want. I don’t have to talk to anyone and just de-stress!
I don’t really practise self care. I haven’t got time to think about me at the moment unfortunately.
My mummy needs to make herself more of a priority especially as shes been in hospital a lot recently. Sometimes you do feel guilty as a mum to put yourself first x
Self care is so important and it’s something I do a lot to make sure I look after myself, mentally and physically. Especially with having chronic conditions.
Self care is so important and it should be done consistently! Thank you for all your amazing tips!