Of Adenike Baderin

November 21, 2024 | 10:58

When we hear self-care, images of candlelit baths, boutique therapy or luxury retreats come to mind. But is that what it really means? And where do we draw the line between self-care and selfishness? For some, self-care is seen as a luxury – a reward to indulge in when there is time or extra money. But…

When we hear self-care, images of candlelit baths, boutique therapy or luxury retreats come to mind. But is that what it really means? And where do we draw the line between self-care and selfishness?

For some, self-care is seen as a luxury – a reward to indulge in when there is time or extra money. But it’s more about maintaining mental, emotional and physical health in the face of life’s constant demands – hectic schedules, responsibilities and relationships can all trigger stress and burnout.

UNDERSTAND SELF-CARE

Many of us face relentless demands from work, family and social commitments, which can create overwhelming anxiety and mental strain. Robin Goldsbro, CEO of Level 7 coaching, defines self-care as replenishing one’s resources without depleting others’. In other words, it’s about nurturing ourselves so that we can better emerge as spouses, parents, employees, managers, and friends.

Self-care does not mean:

• Neglects responsibilities
• Prioritizing yourself over others
• Indulging in expensive luxuries

Instead, it contains:

• Mindfulness exercises
• Record keeping
• Connection with nature
• Healthy boundaries
• Make sleep a priority
• To help others

ALSO READ: Did you know that your skin care routine can improve your mental health?

THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SELF-SEARCH AND SELF-MANSHIP

Dr. Stephanie Grunewald describes selfishness as a “me, me, me” mindset, while self-care involves being open to others, fulfilling personal needs, and finding joy. Selfishness isolates us from others, while self-care allows us to recharge so we can bring our best selves to our relationships and responsibilities.

On the contrary, self-care is in its name. It means taking time to restore and renew our thoughts so that we can apply ourselves to be more helpful in our home life and the people around us. This could mean watching your favorite YouTubers, enjoying quiet nights in, going to the gym very early in the morning, or denying yourself harmful habits and practices, such as smoking or eating excessive sweets.

Psychologos Magazine – a publication focused on mental health reminds us that there must be a balance between taking care of oneself and taking care of the needs of others. It keeps our well-being a priority while maintaining healthy relationships. In contrast, selfishness makes us self-centered and affects our relationships with loved ones.
Self-care is not selfishness; it is essential for a balanced, healthy life. Prioritizing oneself makes us more resilient, compassionate and productive.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.