Guilt of Self-Care

[SurvivingEveryday]

Does anyone else struggle with feeling guilty for practicing self-care? I find myself feeling awful for taking the time to rest, read, meditate, or do anything for myself. I try to practice this during the early morning hours- or late at night- when I know there is nothing I can be doing (work, chores) or anyone needing help (parents, friends.)

If you also struggle with this... what are you doing to overcome it? And, what self-care practices do you do?

[Wakeboarder24]

Are you trying to be perfect?

[SurvivingEveryday in reply to Wakeboarder24]

I think I am trying to make everyone else happy before I take care of myself.

[CLB1125]

I’m the opposite. I have to force myself to do things that are necessary. There isn’t anything to be guilty about. You are doing necessary things for your health just like you would go to the doctor or dentist.

[Hidden]

If you break down - who is going to take care of you - look after yourself and self care good on mental level too - you have only one body and mind

[SurvivingEveryday in reply to Hidden]

That is a good point!

[LifeIsThePitts]

I visited your website. You're amazing and don't have prove anything to anyone but yourself. I'm almost 49 and have just started to allow myself guilt free Self Care days. Mine is a long luxurious Epsom salt bubble bath 🛀 while listening to music or something on YouTube, until I turn into a prune. Then follow with a meditation or body scan session to assess where I'm storing pent up energy and anger. I just try to relax my tense places... shoulders, stomach, jaw, legs.

I have to start writing again. I always dreamed of being a writer. But ADHD and me don't like to sit still for long and my attention span can be challenging at best.

I named my inner child/ego, Bertha. She's no longer running my executive functions. I'm in control and trying to turn the Titanic around...at least that's how it feels.

If you can't love yourself, how ya gonna love someone else? ~RuPaul

[SurvivingEveryday in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

I love this, you have brought up some great points! Thanks for the support

[CLB1125]

this reminds of the oxygen mask saying. You are supposed to put the oxygen mask on your self first in an emergency on a plane. Then you will be able to help someone else.