When you think of self-care, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Bubble baths? Cupcakes from your favorite bakery? An online shopping spree?
One of the biggest misconceptions about self-care is that it’s all about indulgence. While these things can provide temporary comfort, they are not what true self-care is about.
Let’s take a look at how you can cultivate habits that truly support your mental health—and how our team can provide the support you need on this journey.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it’s about creating a foundation for long-term well-being. Mental Health First Aid, a course that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, found that self-care leads to enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), and greater happiness (71%).
Examples of positive forms of self-care include:
- Prioritizing sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental and physical health. Try setting a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing nighttime routine that helps you unwind.
- Eating nutritious foods. Food is fuel, and what you eat has a direct impact on your energy levels and mood. Strive for balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Try meal prepping or adding one extra vegetable to your plate each day to start.
- Engaging in movement. Exercise doesn’t have to mean intense gym sessions. Find something you enjoy—dancing, yoga, hiking, or even a 10-minute walk outside. Moving your body releases endorphins that help combat stress and boost your mood.
- Setting boundaries. Whether it’s saying no to an extra work commitment or limiting time with draining people, establishing healthy boundaries allows you to focus on what truly matters to you. You deserve to make yourself a priority.
- Practicing mindfulness. Daily mindfulness activities like meditation, yoga, journaling, or deep breathing exercises can help you stay present and manage overwhelming thoughts. Even five minutes of focused breathing can reset your mindset and lower stress levels.
- Seeking support. Whether it’s seeing a therapist, joining a support group, or simply reaching out to a friend, connecting with others can provide much-needed relief and perspective.
What Behaviors Are Considered Self-Indulgence?
Self-indulgence typically refers to forms of short-term gratification that don’t contribute to your long-term well-being. While it’s important to enjoy life’s pleasures, using self-indulgence as a coping mechanism can often make mental health conditions worse. You may feel better temporarily, but you’re not making the sorts of positive changes that can lead to a sustained improvement in how you feel on a day-to-day basis.
Examples of self-indulgence that can become problematic include:
- Excessive screen time. While watching your favorite shows or scrolling through social media can feel like an easy way to unwind, too much screen time can leave you feeling disconnected, sluggish, and even more anxious.
- Overeating unhealthy foods. It’s natural to crave comfort food during stressful times, but regularly turning to processed or sugary foods for emotional relief can lead to energy crashes and negative impacts on your physical and mental health.
- Avoiding responsibilities at home, work, or school. It’s okay to take breaks, but procrastinating on important tasks or avoiding responsibilities can lead to increased stress and guilt.
- Retail therapy. Treating yourself to something nice can be uplifting, but excessive or compulsive shopping as a way to cope with emotions can lead to financial stress and regret.
- Misusing alcohol or drugs. Using alcohol or other addictive substances to self-medicate your mental health symptoms can lead to the development of a substance use disorder that places additional strain on your well-being and relationships with others.
Finding a Healthy Balance
Striking a healthy balance between self-care and self-indulgence requires intentionality and self-awareness. The key is to nurture yourself in ways that contribute to your well-being rather than simply provide a temporary escape.
- Listen to your body and emotions. Pay attention to how your habits affect you over time. If an activity leaves you feeling refreshed and energized, it’s likely a form of self-care. If it leaves you feeling drained, guilty, or unfulfilled, it may be a self-indulgence that you should reconsider.
- Shift from avoidance to restoration. If you’re engaging in something to escape stress or negative emotions, ask yourself if there’s a healthier way to address those feelings. Instead of binge-watching TV to avoid dealing with emotions, for example, you may want to consider journaling, talking to a friend, or taking a walk to process your thoughts.
- Balance pleasure with growth. Self-care should include a mix of restorative and growth-oriented activities. While it’s fine to treat yourself to a new outfit occasionally, you want to also make room for actions that challenge you in a healthy way—like learning a new skill, exercising, or setting meaningful goals.
- Practice mindful indulgence. Enjoy indulgences, but do so intentionally. If you decide to treat yourself, savor it fully and without guilt, but also recognize when indulgence becomes excessive and starts to negatively impact your well-being.
A useful way to distinguish between self-care and self-indulgence is to ask yourself: “Is this action helping me build the life I want, or is it temporarily distracting me from what I need to address?”
You Deserve True Care and Support
Life throws a lot at us. True mental health support goes deeper than Instagram-worthy self-care routines—it’s about building a foundation that helps you thrive, not just survive.
At Eagle View Behavioral Health in Bettendorf, Iowa, our experienced team of mental health professionals is here to help you navigate your well-being with personalized strategies that truly nurture your mind and body. You don’t have to figure this out alone—reach out today and take the next step toward feeling better. Free, confidential consultations are available 24/7.
