We've all heard of FOMO (fear of missing out), but what about the fear of self-care?
Many of us struggle with feelings of guilt or judgment when it comes to taking time for ourselves. We worry that we're being selfish or missing out on something important. Who is done with constant FOMO, and wants self-care without guilt?
We are living in a quite noisy and often superficial world. We have to function preferably every day at work, for family and friends. We have to have a rich social life and travel to exotic places. In the best case, we juggle all obligations and busy family life with a smile on our faces, full of action and enthusiasm. And then we tell the world on social media, how awesome we feel, how happy and fulfilled we always are. Are we?
Who likes to admit, they like to do nothing special? That just hanging around and binge-watching Netflix on the sofa sounds like heaven when coming home from work being tired and exhausted? That doesn't bring a lot of likes on Facebook or could make a motivational meme on Instagram, does it?
What if quality time for you can mean just being lazy, watching TV, or the fly on the wall? This could be fun and relaxing too, if there wouldn't be the little inner voice saying, that is not good enough, all my friends are going out and having the time of their lives (check Facebook)...
Just being with me is not quality, at least I should meditate, do some mindfulness or yoga, jog through the park, or climb mountains.
There is nothing to say against pushing yourself from time to time to get up and out. This can be fun and relaxing if you do it voluntarily and you really enjoy doing it.
So how do you overcome the fear of self-care?
Start by recognizing the signs of FOMO.
Do you find yourself saying yes to every invitation, even when you're exhausted?
Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself?
These are all signs of FOMO and self-judgment.
Next, challenge those thoughts.
Remind yourself that self-care is important and necessary. It's not selfish to prioritize your mental and physical health. Taking care of yourself can help you be more present and engaged in other areas of your life.
Finally, create a self-care routine that works for you.
This could be anything from a relaxing bath to a walk in nature. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that brings you joy and helps you recharge.
I plea for just being.
Being all you want, when you want it, and how you want it. Not feeling guilty, not feeling bored, not living in fear of missing out. Enjoying the movie on Netflix or TV, having a great time taking a refreshing shower, and going to bed early, with or without a book. Have a calming walk all on your own around the block or go alone to the cinema. Create something beautiful or silly or useless or don't.
Whatever it is you want to do or not to do, you can do it with your best friend, yourself, and enjoy your best time ever, free of judgment, free of guilt, and fear. Self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary.
It's important to prioritize your mental and physical health, and that means taking time for yourself. Self-care is: appreciating your time alone without feeling lonely, respecting your needs and wishes, and living your life the way you want and not the way that makes your social image look amazing.
Quality time with yourself is quality time the moment you like, what you are doing and you can relax and decompress yourself after a challenging day. Mental stress from not wanting to do anything doesn't help. Forcing yourself to go out and take selfies of your "BesTimEver" at a pub, although the evening was less than mediocre, instead of really celebrating your own free time with "YourBestFriendEver", you, will just eat your energy and won't do anything for your positive inner mood and peace.
Remember, FOMO and self-judgment can hold us back from living our "best lives". By embracing self-care without guilt, you can prioritize your mental and physical health and live a more fulfilling life. So go ahead, ditch the fear, and start prioritizing yourself today!
