Last Monday was National Strawberry Sundae Day, and while it’s always great to treat ourselves to something we really love, there are many out there who feel guilty about enjoying themselves. Whether it’s eating or drinking something we love, or doing something we enjoy, some of us feel bad for treating ourselves. We thought we’d explore this a little more and look at the surrounding topics, such as self-care. Because everyone should feel able to treat themselves without remorse.
What’s Behind The Guilt?
It’s actually fairly typical for people to ask a very specific question when they think about getting or doing something they love. It’s usually something along the lines of: “do I deserve this?” or “what’s the occasion?” For people who work super-hard to make ends meet, that can ring especially true.
But perhaps you don’t need to wait for a special occasion, or wait until you feel you’ve earned something. Often, we feel selfish for treating ourselves to something we like, and maybe we feel good about denying ourselves that little treat, but it can have a negative effect in the long run as we may end up feeling like we don’t deserve to feel good, or that we’re not worthy of nice things.
We’re not saying you should live beyond your means. We’re just saying that it’s okay to be kind to yourself. So, what is it that normally makes us feel guilty? Has someone told you that you don’t deserve to treat yourself? Do you need someone to give you permission to enjoy yourself?
Growing up, maybe you couldn’t have the things you wanted, so now it feels frivolous. Whatever the reason, it’s important to track the source of your guilt before it gets worse.
Time To Think Differently About Self-Care
Once you determine what makes you feel guilty, you can start to change how you think about it. Try to replace self-recriminations with self-compassion, and see if you can transform your negative thoughts into kinder ones. Try to keep in mind that feeling shame will bring nothing positive, and that you don’t need a special reason to have special things.
Self-care is not selfish, it’s necessary if you don’t want to suffer from burnout as it helps to regulate our mental and physical health. Time treating ourselves helps us to replenish ourselves and avoid burnout.
We cannot keep pushing ourselves full-throttle and expect to keep going indefinitely. Neglecting ourselves will eventually mean not being able to care properly for our loved ones.
Remember The Positives
Don’t forget that being kind to yourself is a way of showing yourself compassion, and – providing you don’t feel guilty afterwards – it is an excellent way to boost your mood. Looking after our mental health and keeping anxiety, depression, and stress at bay has never been more important. So caring for yourself is essential and learning to treat yourself with kindness is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
If you’re caring for a loved one and trying to hold down a job, there may not be a lot of time left over for self-care. That’s where EJAI Loves Homecare can help. With our bespoke care plans, we can provide you and your loved one with the care and medical expertise they deserve, and to a schedule that suits you.
What’s Your Ideal Treat?
One person’s ideal treat differs from the next person’s. One person might think of a new pair of shoes as a treat, whereas for another, a pack of their favorite cookies would rock their world. So what works for you? What would be your ideal treat? It’s important to remember that a treat doesn’t necessarily need to be something material. It could just be taking time for yourself.
Maybe, if you haven’t treated yourself in a while, you’re at a point in life where you need to reconsider what you term “a treat”. What does being kind to yourself look like to you?
Final Thoughts
Self-care is vital, for your mental health, and so you can keep on living your life. You can’t look after the people you love if you don’t take care of yourself. Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. So don’t deny yourself the self-care you need. Treat yourself to that strawberry sundae, or whatever treat floats your boat.
If you have a loved one who needs a little care and lots of smiles, contact EJAI Loves Homecare in Florida to discuss their in-home care service. The team is ready to take your call and go through the options to give your loved one the assistance they deserve to stay in their own home. Greater independence through compassion and quality care together at home.
EJAI Loves Homecare is waiting to tell you more
Seize the day and contact EJAI Loves Homecare today to see how they can help you and your loved ones