MYTH # 1: Self Care is Selfish
FACT: Self-care is the innate instinct in all living beings to protect and preserve themselves from harm or destruction.
There are two things I know to be true. The first is that self-care is at the foundation of what it means to "Be well." Secondly, women are the world's worst at self-care.
When it comes to healthcare, women make decisions not only for themselves but for the entire family. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women make about 80% of healthcare decisions. It’s a demanding task that includes choosing the best healthcare plan for the family; understanding insurance benefits, deductibles, and co-pays; deciding when to see a provider; scheduling appointments, and more as circumstances dictate.
And here’s what's troubling, most women do this while juggling a full-time job, possibly taking care of elderly parents and their healthcare decisions, and the day-to-day responsibilities of running a household. It's no wonder that self-care gts put on the back burner or, at best, given attention only on special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
What women and men tend to forget or ignore is that neglecting your personal needs comes with a wide range of negative consequences. It leads to poor physical health and is a precursor to chronic illnesses. It's a major contributor to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. It strains relationships. And ultimately, it leads to dissatisfaction, lack of fulfillment, and a reduced overall quality of life.
So, what do you do when cultural and societal expectations keep you believing it is selfish to put yourself first? You change the way you think. You squash the myths and remember these five truths:
1. All living beings have an innate instinct to protect and preserve themselves from harm or destruction!
2. Self-care ensures that you are in a better position to care for others, just as the safety instructions on an airplane remind you to secure your oxygen mask first! It just makes good sense!
3. The most important relationship you will ever have is your relationship with yourself! It sets the tone for all other relationships.
4. You can't serve well from an empty vessel.
5. Self-care is not just about "Me first." It's "ME TOO!"
An excellent place to begin practicing self-care is with gratitude journaling, one small change at a time! Begin by taking a few minutes to re-read the five truths listed above. Next, use the power of the pen to describe what each truth means to you and how you can use it to change how you think about what it means to live a fulfilled life.
I'd love to hear from you! Email me your feedback at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com
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