Everyone gets busy, but if you’re spending so much time working, looking after other people, or trying to stay on top of other responsibilities that you neglect yourself, that’s a problem.
Obviously, most people don’t have time for long baths and pamper sessions 24/7, and that’s fair enough. However, self-care isn’t all about lounging in luxury. In reality, it’s about looking after your basic needs so that you can present your best self in the world. If you relate to any of the following experiences, however, it’s clear you’re struggling in this department and need to give yourself a bit of TLC.
1. Your personal hygiene is taking a nosedive.
Remember when showering daily was a given? Now it’s more like a special occasion. Your dry shampoo is working overtime, and you’re pretty sure your deodorant has given up on you. Brushing teeth? That’s become a ‘when I remember’ kind of thing. You’ve started to wonder if ‘eau de yesterday’ could be marketed as a new fragrance. It’s time to face facts: if you can’t remember the last time you had a proper scrub, you might be neglecting yourself.
2. Your living space looks like a disaster zone.
Your home used to be your sanctuary, but now it’s more like an obstacle course. Dirty dishes have piled up so high they’re practically a modern art installation. Laundry mountain is threatening to avalanche at any moment. You’re pretty sure there’s a floor under all that clutter, but you can’t be certain anymore. If navigating your living room requires parkour skills, it might be a sign you’re letting things slide.
3. You can’t remember the last time you ate a vegetable.
Your diet has become a parade of takeaway containers and microwave meals. The idea of cooking something that doesn’t come in a box feels like rocket science. You’ve convinced yourself that ketchup counts as a vegetable serving. Your body is probably sending out an SOS for some actual nutrients. If your food pyramid is more like a food flat line, you might be neglecting your nutritional needs.
4. Sleep has become a foreign concept.
What even is a sleep schedule? You’re running on caffeine and pure willpower. Nighttime has become a blur of scrolling through social media and binge-watching shows until the birds start chirping. Your dark circles have dark circles. If you’re treating sleep like it’s optional rather than essential, you’re definitely neglecting your body’s need for rest.
5. You’ve become a pro at cancelling plans.
Remember when you used to look forward to hanging out with friends? Now, the thought of socialising feels exhausting. You’ve mastered the art of the last-minute cancellation. Your excuses are getting more creative each time. If your social life has become non-existent and you’re okay with that, it might be a sign you’re neglecting your social needs.
6. Exercise is a distant memory.
Your workout clothes have become lounge wear, and your gym membership card is collecting dust. The only running you do is running late. You get winded going up a flight of stairs and wonder when they made them steeper. If the idea of physical activity feels like a foreign concept, you might be neglecting your body’s need for movement.
7. Your emotions are all over the place.
One minute you’re fine, the next you’re ready to cry over a pizza commercial. Your mood swings are giving you whiplash. You can’t remember the last time you felt genuinely happy or content. If your emotional state feels like a roller coaster you can’t get off, it might be a sign you’re neglecting your mental health.
8. You’re constantly stressed but do nothing about it.
Stress has become your default state. Your shoulders live somewhere around your ears, and you can’t remember what relaxation feels like. You know you’re stressed, but you just push through it without addressing the root causes. If you’re treating chronic stress like it’s just part of life, you’re neglecting your overall well-being.
9. You’ve stopped pursuing your hobbies.
That guitar in the corner is gathering dust. Your half-finished painting hasn’t been touched in months. Reading for pleasure? What’s that? You can’t remember the last time you did something just because you enjoyed it. If all your free time is spent zoning out in front of screens, you might be neglecting your need for creative fulfilment.
10. Your appearance has become an afterthought.
Matching socks are a luxury you can’t be bothered with anymore. Your hair has two styles: messy bun and messier bun. Ironing? That’s what doorknobs are for, right? You’ve started to wonder if the ‘just rolled out of bed’ look could be considered high fashion. If you can’t remember the last time you made an effort with your appearance, you might be neglecting your self-image.
11. You’re ignoring health issues.
That persistent cough? It’ll go away eventually. The weird pain in your back? Probably nothing. You keep putting off doctor’s appointments because you’re ‘too busy’. WebMD has become your primary care physician. If you’re treating your body like a car you never take in for service, you’re definitely neglecting your health.
12. Your self-talk has turned nasty.
The voice in your head has become your harshest critic. You beat yourself up over the smallest mistakes. Positive self-talk feels like a foreign language. If your internal monologue sounds more like a mean-spirited bully than a supportive friend, you’re neglecting your self-esteem.
13. You’ve stopped setting goals for yourself.
Remember when you used to have dreams and ambitions? Now you’re just trying to make it through each day. The future feels like a hazy concept. You can’t remember the last time you felt excited about your prospects. If you’re living on autopilot with no direction, you might be neglecting your personal growth.
14. You’re always saying yes, even when you want to say no.
Your calendar is packed with commitments you don’t even want to keep. You agree to things out of guilt or obligation, not desire. The word ‘no’ feels like it’s been erased from your vocabulary. If you’re constantly putting other people’s needs before your own to your own detriment, you’re neglecting your right to set boundaries.
15. You can’t remember the last time you treated yourself.
Self-care has become a foreign concept. The idea of doing something nice for yourself feels selfish or frivolous. You can’t recall the last time you bought something just because it made you happy. If treating yourself feels like an unnecessary luxury rather than a vital part of self-care, you’re neglecting your own happiness.
16. You’re always waiting for ‘someday’ to start taking care of yourself.
You keep putting off self-care until some mythical future when you’ll have more time, money, or energy. “I’ll start eating better after this project.” “I’ll get more sleep once things calm down at work.” If you’re constantly postponing your own well-being, you’re actively neglecting yourself in the present.
