Navigating Self-Care: Common Pitfalls for Women and How to Overcome Them

Hey there, wonderful readers! Today, let's delve into the world of self-care, a topic often fraught with challenges for women. At Virago Wellness, we know that self care is an important tenet of mental health, so let's chat about some common pitfalls many of us encounter along the way, and, of course, share some practical tips on how to navigate through them. 

Before we start, an important acknowledgement: Dr. Laura Brown, who wrote the book Feminist Therapy, a book popular with the Virago team, acknowledges that self care is not “a corporatized, individualistic, commodified activity”. Self care is much more complex than that. Dr. Brown tells us, “Self care is a liberatory, anti-patriarchal thing to do”. So, keep that in mind and let’s dive in!

Pitfall #1: Feeling Guilty for Prioritizing Yourself

Ah, the guilt trip – a familiar companion for many of us. As women, we often carry the weight of others' needs on our shoulders, making it easy to feel guilty when we prioritize our own well-being. But here's the truth: self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. So, when guilt comes knocking, remind yourself that you deserve love and care just as much as anyone else. We’ve all heard the old adage “you have to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others” so let’s put that into action. 

Tip: Practice catching yourself acting on the impulse to put your own needs aside and care for others self. Even if you realize you did this after the fact. Reviewing the scenario will help you learn to put yourself first next time! Remember, taking care of yourself isn't a luxury – it's a necessity.

Pitfall #2: Comparing Your Self-Care Journey to Others'

In today's social media-driven world, it's all too easy to compare our self-care routines to those of others. Who has time for all those mud masks and bubble baths when the laundry pile is sky high? But here's the thing: your self-care journey is uniquely yours, and what works for someone else may not work for you – and that's perfectly okay.

Tip: Focus on what makes you feel good, regardless of what others are doing. Trust your instincts and listen to your body's needs.

Pitfall #3: Treating Self-Care as Another Chore

Raise your hand if your self-care routine sometimes feels like just another item on your never-ending to-do list. Raises hand. We've all been there, maybe you even find scheduling self care time to be stressful but self-care isn't about ticking boxes; it's about nourishing your mind, body, and spirit. 

Tip: Shift your mindset from "I have to" to "I choose to." Approach self-care as a gift you give yourself, rather than a task you have to complete.

Pitfall #4: Neglecting the Basics

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the basics of self-care, like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating nourishing foods. But here's the truth: self-care starts with the fundamentals.

Tip: Prioritize the basics – sleep, hydration, nutrition, and movement. When you take care of your body's needs, everything else falls into place. 

Pitfall #5: Waiting for the Perfect Moment

Perhaps you find yourself saying, "I'll start taking better care of myself when things calm down." Here's the reality check: there will never be a perfect moment to prioritize self-care. Start where you are, with what you have. 

Tip: Start small and build from there. Incorporate tiny acts of self-care into your daily routine, even when life feels hectic. Self care can take as little as 10 seconds if that is truly all the time you have.

Pitfall #6: Ignoring Your Emotional Well-being

Self-care isn't just about pampering your physical body; it's also about nurturing your emotional well-being. Yet, it's easy to overlook our emotional needs in favor of more tangible forms of self-care. 

Tip: Prioritize activities that nourish your soul and uplift your spirit. Whether it's journaling, practicing gratitude, feeling your feelings or spending time with loved ones, make time for activities that feed your emotional well-being.

Pitfall #7: Not Asking for Help

As women, we often feel pressure to do it all, but in truth, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. 

Tip: Surround yourself with a supportive community who lifts you up and encourages you to prioritize self-care. Remember, you don't have to do it all alone.

So, there you have it – some common pitfalls of engaging in self-care for women, along with some tips on how to overcome them. Remember, self-care is a journey, not a destination, and it's okay to stumble along the way. And if you find you need support, ask your therapist for some tangible strategies catered to your unique needs. 

No therapist? No problem, Schedule a free consult with someone on our team today! The most important thing is to keep showing up for yourself, with kindness, compassion, and love. 

You've got this Viragoes!