“Self-care is just bubble baths and face masks, right?”
That’s one of the biggest myths floating around and it’s hurting more people than you’d think.
In a world that constantly glorifies hustle culture and burnout, the concept of self-care often gets reduced to surface-level pampering. And while there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself, true self-care is much deeper than that. It’s not always pretty, and it’s not always convenient but it’s essential.
In today’s blog post, we’re diving into the world of self care myths and facts, clearing the fog around what self-care really is, and what it isn’t. Whether you’ve been putting it off or feel guilty when you try to slow down, this post will help you understand how to care for yourself in a way that actually works.
By the end of this read, you’ll be able to separate feel-good fluff from meaningful habits, so you can show up better for yourself and the people around you.
Myth #1: Self-care is selfish
Fact: Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury
Let’s get this straight: Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting others. In fact, it’s the opposite. Ever tried pouring from an empty cup? Yeah, doesn’t work too well.
A few years ago, I hit a wall. Between work deadlines, family obligations, and trying to be “available” 24/7, I felt like I was constantly running on fumes. Saying yes to everyone else left me no space to even check in with myself. And then came the crash, burnout, anxiety, and a deep sense of resentment I couldn’t shake.
That’s when I learned this truth: self-care isn’t indulgent; it’s foundational. You can’t show up for others when you’re drained.
So no, taking time to rest, say no, or prioritize your well-being doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you sustainable.
Still unsure? Psychology Today backs this up, self-care is proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase emotional resilience.
Myth #2: Self-care is all about spa days and retail therapy
Fact: Self-care often looks like boundaries, sleep, and hard conversations
There’s nothing wrong with a spa day or a shopping spree but if that’s the only time you feel cared for, something’s missing.
Real self-care is unglamorous.
It’s:
-
Going to bed early even when you want to binge-watch one more episode
-
Setting boundaries with toxic people
-
Saying “no” when you mean it
-
Drinking water and moving your body
-
Scheduling therapy sessions
-
Unplugging from your phone on purpose
These things might not look good on Instagram, but they’re the ones that actually nourish your soul.
I once thought buying things would fix my burnout but after the thrill wore off, the stress was still there. What helped? A consistent sleep schedule, journaling, and finally decluttering my time.
So the next time you’re tempted to equate self-care with surface-level stuff, ask yourself: What do I really need right now?
Myth #3: Self-care is only for women
Fact: Everyone needs self-care, yes, even you, fellas
Somewhere along the way, self-care got branded as “feminine.” Candles, yoga, skincare routines, it’s all marketed toward women. But that stereotype is limiting and frankly, dangerous.
Men, women, non-binary folks, we all need space to recharge.
Neglecting your needs because you think it's not “manly” or “urgent enough” just sets you up for burnout or emotional exhaustion.
Whether it’s journaling, exercising, taking mental health days, or just unplugging from responsibilities for a bit, self-care has no gender.
Encourage the men in your life to embrace care in their own way and if you’re a guy reading this, know that giving yourself permission to rest doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise.
Myth #4: You have to earn self-care
Fact: You are worthy of care, even when you’re not “productive”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought, “I’ll relax after I finish this project,” or “I don’t deserve a break until I’ve done more.”
That mindset? It’s toxic.
You don’t have to exhaust yourself to justify rest.
You don’t need to hit rock bottom to finally say, “I need help.”
Think of self-care like brushing your teeth, you don’t wait until they fall out to start brushing. You do it consistently to maintain your health. Same goes for emotional and mental care.
Give yourself permission to pause without guilt.
Myth #5: Self-care is a one-size-fits-all solution
Fact: Self-care is personal and ever-changing
What works for your friend might not work for you and that’s okay.
Some people recharge through solitude, others through community. Some need a brisk run, others need a nap.
Your self-care might look different during different seasons of your life. And that’s the beauty of it, it’s flexible.
So forget the trendy checklists and tune in to you. Ask yourself:
-
What drains me right now?
-
What restores my peace?
-
What do I actually enjoy?
The best self-care routine is the one that honors your needs not someone else’s version of “balance.”
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest, self-care has been misrepresented for too long. It’s not always pretty. It’s not always fun. And it’s definitely not always Instagrammable. But it’s necessary. And it’s yours to define.
To recap:
-
Self-care is not selfish
-
It’s deeper than spa days
-
It’s for everyone
-
You don’t have to earn it
-
And it looks different for every person
The next time someone dismisses self-care as “just pampering,” feel free to educate them. Or better yet, model what it looks like to choose rest, boundaries, and balance over burnout.
Now, over to you:
What’s a self-care myth you used to believe?
Or better yet what’s one small act of self-care you’re committing to this week?
Drop a comment below. Let’s learn from each other.
And if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
P.S. Want more content like this? Subscribe to our newsletter at www.dariesblog.com and get weekly stories, insights, and tips straight to your inbox.