How to Stop Feeling Guilty for Taking Care of Yourself

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How to Stop Feeling Guilty for Taking Care of Yourself

Picture this: it’s 8 pm. You’ve had a long and busy day, so you make yourself a cup of herbal tea. You desire a nice, relaxing bubble bath while you sip your tea and read a book. This almost comes to fruition, but then the familiar feeling of guilt creeps in. You have laundry to do and dishes in the sink, so shouldn’t you be doing them instead of practicing self-care?

Does this scenario sound familiar to you? If so, you are surely not alone.

There are many people, especially women, who feel guilty about self-care—so much so that they may just not even practice it at all.

It’s important to know that self-care is crucial for your well-being and not something to feel selfish for needing.

It’s time you stop feeling guilty for taking care of yourself and start making yourself your first priority.

What are some reasons why you may feel guilty about self-care? 

There are many different reasons why you may feel guilty about self-care.

Especially if you are a woman, it’s typical for you to put everyone else before yourself. This may have become the norm in your life, and anything else just feels wrong and uncomfortable.

Because of this, you may feel like self-care is taking time away from others in your life. It also may just feel like you’re being lazy. You might want to pour a glass of wine and read a book, but hustle culture teaches you that you need to work constantly and be productive. Why rest when you could be knocking more and more off your to-do list? 

There is ALWAYS more to get done. There is always more work, more cleaning, more emails to send, and more people who need your help.

This is why self-care so often gets put on the backburner instead of being a routine part of your day.

Don’t let the other things distract you from this time, that should be non-negotiable for yourself. 

How to Practice Self-care without Feeling Selfish

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Make yourself your top priority

What if you were always priority #1 to yourself?

How would things change?

Would you fuel your body with healthier foods, try your best to get more sleep each night, and take time to quiet your mind and rest?

You should be your top priority because when you take care of yourself, all your relationships and interactions with others become more positive.

Believe that you are worthy of self-care

You must have the core belief that you are WORTHY of self-care in order to be successful at practicing it.

Remember that rest is not something you “earn” after working tirelessly; it is something that you deserve and need, no matter what.

Don’t wait until the end of a busy season to take care of yourself, but instead try to take care of yourself daily.

Schedule it during the same block of time each day

Pencil in your “me time” every day.

Perhaps between the hours of 6 am-8 am, you are doing whatever your mind and body need each day.

You may choose to journal, meditate, go for a walk, or read a book.

Scheduling this self-care time during the same block of time each day will make it feel natural and routine for you.

This professional dentist in Huntington Park recommends scheduling doctor’s appointments in advance as well.

Encourage others in your life to take time for themselves

When you begin prioritizing yourself and honoring yourself through self-care, you’ll inspire others in your life to do the same.

How much better would our world be if everyone listened to their mind and body and gave them what they needed?

People would probably be more patient, empathetic, and productive. You can be an example for others, and encourage them to take that time for themselves as well. Celebrate them when they do.

Incorporate activities that bring you joy

When it comes to self-care, don’t try to force anything.

If you really dislike meditation because you don’t like to sit still, try a different form of self-care involving movements like yoga or pilates, or walking.

Your self-care time should always leave you feeling relaxed, recharged, and more at peace with your life.

If the activities don’t bring you joy, then change them up!

Set boundaries with family and friends, so they are aware of your time

You may have to give family and friends the heads up that you are going to be taking time for yourself each day.

Explain that you are doing this so that you can show up better for them in your lives, and they should respect that boundary.

Let them know the times you will be unavailable, and encourage them to schedule time for themselves each day as well.

Turn off your phone and any notifications that may distract you

The feeling of guilt may creep in if you think someone needs you during your self-care time.

To avoid this, turn off your phone and any notifications that could distract you.

Thinking you should be doing something else may pull you away from finishing your self-care practice, so don’t let calls/texts/social media take away from your time.

Note how you feel and how much more productive you are after practicing self-care consistently

After a week or month of practicing self-care, have a little check-in.

Are you more patient?

Do you feel more calm and relaxed throughout your day?

Are you able to get more accomplished in less time?

Do you feel more creative and energized?

Has anyone else noticed these changes in you?

Sometimes just taking note of how this is positively impacting you and those around you will make the guilt melt away.

Final Thoughts

In a culture that romanticizes the “grind” and celebrates being busy, it can be extremely difficult to take time to slow down and practice self-care.

Feeling guilty or selfish is a normal response, but the more you make self-care a priority, the more it will become part of your regular routine.

You should also notice that you feel happier, more patient, easy-going, and more productive with consistent self-care in your life.

Be the leader in your circle and encourage your loved ones to practice self-care as well. You may just start a movement!