Is taking time out for self care selfish?

First Published 14 April 2022

How many times have we heard about the importance of taking time for self care?  But how often do we actually block out time for ourselves to do it?

Then there is the challenge of not letting other things get in the way… I’ll just answer one more e-mail; I’ll just return that phone call; I’ll just tidy/clean x y and z – or any other manner of excuses, to not look after ourselves by taking time out.

My kinesiologist (yes I have one too!) set me the task to take 40 minutes a day to rest – every day for two weeks… I wasn’t best pleased!  Especially, as it has to be done in silence – so here goes 40 mins of silent meditation every day.  As it was the homework from my session the feeling that it was selfish of me to take that time out for me just wasn’t there.  Interesting isn’t it?

I’m a week in to it and I would love to say it’s getting easier – the worst days are when I end up with a song stuck in my head – on day one it was a comedy song and I only know the words for the chorus… but I know it is important for me so I will keep going – not sure I’ll continue beyond the 2 weeks though!.

If you cast your mind back to the last time you were on a plane (I know for me that’s been years!!!) during the safety briefing we are advised to put our oxygen masks on first.  And that is a great piece of advice to live by. 

If we don’t look after ourselves – by putting on our own oxygen masks first – how can be of any use to anyone else.

So, yes – be selfish!  In the end, the people around you will be grateful as you will still be sane enough, relaxed enough and not burned out or overwhelmed, and so you can continue to support them. 

By looking after yourself first, you are looking after everyone else – and if there was ever a reason to be selfish, I think that is a blooming good one!

Do you have a self care routine?  Do you have a little ‘bank’ of things you can do when you take time out for yourself?  

If you don’t, I would like to recommend that you create one.  Even if there are only a handful of options to start with.  Here’s a wee list of suggestions to get you started below – but remember the self-care is all about you – pick only the ones you like the sound of, or pick none of them.  The important thing here is to do what helps you to take time out, relax and/or recharge your batteries.

Suggestions to add to your self-care toolbox – only pick what works for you:

• Go for a walk
• Have a nap
• Paint your nails
• Have a bath – or a steam room/sauna
• Colour in
• Talk to a friend on the phone or in person
• Go out for food
• Meditate (it doesn’t have to be in silence)
• Read
• Bake/Cook
• Exercise
• Have a kinesiology session 😉

Do you have any other suggestions you would like to add?  I’d love to know what works for you – and remember you don’t have to stick to just one!

If you are struggling to take time for yourself or to decide on what you would like to do, then do please book in for a zoffee.  Alternatively you can book a discovery call to see how we can work together.