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This self-care mistake often looks productive but quietly increases burnout.
ignoring needs by staying busy
This form of self-care feels uncomfortable at first but reduces stress long-term.
Setting boundaries
This is the act of saying "no" to a visitor or a phone call when you need time alone.
Setting a boundary
Doing this only when you’re overwhelmed makes self-care less effective.
waiting until crisis to use coping skills?
This type of self-care is often skipped because it doesn’t give immediate relief.
Preventative self-care
This is the act of "checking in" with yourself to see if you need a nap or a snack.
Listening to your body or body awareness
This belief blocks self-care more than lack of time.
"I don't deserve it" or feeling guilt
When self-care feels pointless, this underlying issue is often present.
Emotional numbness or Burnout
This 4-letter word is what you give yourself when you realize you’re doing the best you can in a hard situation
Grace
When self-care becomes another task to “do right,” it loses this benefit.
Restoration or relief
This happens when self-care is used only to avoid discomfort instead of address it.
Emotional Avoidance
This is the act of being mindful of your body from head to toe to see where you might be holding onto stress.
Body Scan
Overusing distractions can interfere with this purpose of self-care.
Emotional Processing
Real self-care isn’t about feeling good all the time—it’s about feeling this more often.
Regulated, balanced, and stable
This is the name for a "Mental Vacation," where you spend 5 minutes imagining you are back in your favorite chair at home
Visualization or safe space