Having been a therapist for 15 years, specialising in chronic pain for almost 10 years. In that time, I have seen many people grapple with the daily challenges of pain, often putting their own needs last. However, prioritising self-care and self-love is not only essential for your well-being but also a crucial part of the healing process. I want to share why taking care of yourself is far from selfish and how it can be a transformative step towards better health and emotional resilience.
Self-Care is Not Selfish
In our fast-paced world, self-care is often misunderstood as selfishness. However, taking time for yourself is a vital act of self-respect and preservation. When you allow yourself moments of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation, you are sending powerful messages to your brain that you are important, deserving, and worthy of care. This mindset shift is crucial for those living with chronic pain, as it helps to break the cycle of neglect and overexertion that many fall into.
The Importance of Self-Care in Healing
Chronic pain can drain your energy, making it tempting to use whatever little energy you have on tasks you feel obligated to do—like work, housework, or other responsibilities. While these tasks are important, they should not come at the expense of your well-being.
Many people with chronic pain feel a constant pressure to meet societal and personal expectations. This "should" mentality—believing you should always be productive, available, or accommodating—can be detrimental to your health. Recognize that your worth is not determined by your productivity. It’s important to shift your focus from what you should do to what you need to do for your well-being.
Valued-based self-care activities, on the other hand, nourish your mind, body, and spirit, contributing significantly to your overall health.
Allowing time for yourself to sit with your emotions, reflect on your needs, and engage in activities that bring you joy is crucial. Creating this space not only helps in managing pain but also enhances your emotional health. It’s about finding a balance between what you must do and what you need to do for yourself.
Personalised Self-Care: Finding What Works for You
Self-care looks different for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to explore and identify what activities help you feel rejuvenated and happy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Spending a few minutes each day in quiet reflection can help reduce stress and increase your awareness of your body's needs.
Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga, tai chi, or a simple walk can improve physical and mental health without overexertion.
Creative Expression: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing, or playing music can be therapeutic and fulfilling.
Social Connection: Spending time with loved ones, even virtually, can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Rest and Relaxation: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is allow yourself to rest. Listen to your body and give it the downtime it needs.
Professional Support: Seeking therapy or joining support groups can provide valuable tools and companionship on your journey.
Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. By prioritising your needs and making time for yourself, you are taking a crucial step towards healing. It’s about giving yourself permission to be the priority, understanding that by nurturing your own well-being, you are better equipped to handle the challenges of chronic pain. Embrace self-love, listen to your body, and honor your journey.
You are important, deserving, and worthy of every bit of care you give to yourself.
Sheena xx
Excellent article Sheena.
I know for sure that people don’t value themselves enough or at all and definitely don’t consider self-care and self-love. And they tend to put themselves at the bottom of a hierarchy (whether they are aware of doing this or not) and put the needs of others before themselves.
I guess it’s about acknowledging their core beliefs and their values and standards too!
Excellent reading 🪷
Thank you Carol. I completely agree, it’s something a lot of people need to work on xx