It isn't always a good idea to "just take it easy"

I want to preface this post by stating that I don't, by any means think that Self Care is bad. On the contrary, Self care can be some of the best things you do for yourself, but what I do think is that taking too much time to "just take it easy" can be bad for you.

We live in a world where being productive is becoming more and more desirable. The more you get done in the day the better you are as a person. This has been shown to be damaging for some of us, (myself included).

Not all of us can be productive every day, it's just not possible. Whether it be due to a Chronic illness or just that your brain doesn't allow it. We all have our own reasons for being as productive as we can be from one day to another. There are some days when you need to take the whole day to just lay down, play a game or even just read and not have any responsibility for the day. Your brain needs it sometimes. This can be very good for you and I highly encourage it in moderation.

However, like with many other things, it can be too much of a good thing. Take into consideration, the Pinterest version of self care. Being Sometimes outright selfish can be a good method, but that can't be all the time.

Yes it's good to stand up for yourself.

Yes, it's good for you to have boundaries.

Yes, it's good for you to not to sacrifice your mental health for anyone, or anything.

Yes, this can be all the time.

But when does it become too much?

When does it start to become and excuse?

That is when it becomes a problem.

When it's not a rule, but an obsession, a coping mechanism on it's own.

What do I mean by this?

Let's say, you have a self care routine. You do this every night at the same time every day.

When does that go from being a routine, to being an obsession.

When it starts to get in the way of your life. When you need to get that done at such time or else everything is ruined. When you need to have it be done just so, or else it just can't do the job.

That is when something is wrong.

When what you did to relax and to unwind and to take care of yourself is covered in stress. That is when it's a problem. It's good to have a routine, but you need to be flexible, for your own sake, just like with all other obligations, once it starts to take a tole on your mental health, it is no longer good for you. And unlike something like a job, school or a social obligation. No one is putting this on you. It's something that you placed on yourself and that means that it's something that you ultimately have full control over.

What is the perfect way to Self Care?

In short, self care is what brings you joy, what can bring you down from the stress of life.

For some that's painting a beautiful picture. For others, it's taking a bath after a long day while watching a dirty movie.

It's 100% personal to you and only you know what it is and how, in turn, it can become a problem.

So friends, I take my leave, but first I want to say, pay attention to how you feel. If you feel desperate to do the thing that is supposed to bring you joy and relaxation, maybe take a step back and think if that is really what it is doing, or is it causing another stress that you don't need at this time. Pay attention to your body, to your emotions and your mind. They can tell you what you can't see with your own eyes.

And remember if you need a second pair of eyes,

Mine are always available.

Care for yourselves, and remember, you can always become your favorite version of you.

-Emma