Shining the torch on the Barriers to Self Care

Self-Care is truly the most beautiful gift that you can give to yourself. Self-care is your way of saying that your emotional well being matters. Self-care is your survival toolkit. Without a self-care strategy in place, your risk of having burnout will increase significantly. What is self-care? What does Self-care mean to you. Self care can be defined as the act of attending to one’s physical health or mental health. There are some definitions which exclude or separate medical or professional consultation from personal self-care. I am afraid I disagree with this exclusion. In my opinion, a dental appointment, or a physical health checkup or session with a therapist is also key to your self-care and your overall well-being.

Why do people struggle with self-care? What are the real barriers stopping you from taking time out for self-care. I have shared my reflections on four reasons why people commonly experience blocks to self care.

Firstly, guilt may be a barrier. You may feel guilty or feel as if you are committing a crime for taking time out for yourself. Why? Where do these thoughts come from? Do you feel unworthy for taking time out for yourself? Is your subconscious mind screaming that you are being ‘selfish’ for taking a break? Is the inner critic accusing you of looking after yourself more than others or others need you more? Friend, take authority and tell that inner critic now to shut-up. Friend, you are worthy. You owe it to yourself and your family to take that timeout to refresh, to rest and relax.

Secondly, Parental influence may be one of the barriers stopping your from taking time out for yourself. You may have grown up in a family where either one or both parents worked round the clock. You probably couldn’t recall them ever taking a break or going anywhere on holiday to relax. In your early formative years, you may have developed a belief system that families just don’t breaks

Thirdly, we may have adopted unhealthy coping practices, which are physical and emotional detrimental to our health and can potentially harm us.

Finally, fear may be another barrier stopping you from taking time out for self-care. Were there people who interrupted your timeout? Were you made to feel ashamed for taking time for yourself? Do you feel ashamed for blocking time to tend to your emotional well-being? Do you feel stigma. Do you fear the opinions of others? Do you fear that you will be cajoled or reprimanded if you take that step towards. If your answer to any one of these questions is yes, stick with me, there is hope. Together, we will look at key tools and strategies to break any interruptions to self care once and for all.