Six Lies About Self-Care—And the Truths That Set You Free
Tired of self-care advice that sounds more like a sales pitch than a lifeline?
If you’re a newsroom professional running on fumes, “self-care” can feel like another job—or worse, another way to fall short. Let’s flip the script. Here are six lies—and the real truths that actually restore your spark.
⚡ Lie #1: Self-care is selfish
Truth: When you’re running on empty, everyone around you feels it, too. Real self-care lets you show up as your best self—for your team, your sources, and especially for your family. The kindest act for others? Refueling yourself.
Prompt:
Think back: When has caring for yourself helped you be more present for someone else?
💸 Lie #2: Self-care is expensive
Truth: Joy doesn’t always come with a price tag. Some of the best self-care is free—a deep breath, laughter, sunlight, or a cuddling a pet. Sure, cozy sheets help. But don’t let Instagram guilt you into thinking you need a spa weekend.
Prompt:
What’s one free or low-cost thing that brings you comfort or joy, even on a hard day?
⏳ Lie #3: Self-care takes too much time
Truth: Small moments matter. A deep breath before deadline, saying “no” just once today, or five minutes of music in the car—these count more than grand gestures.
Prompt:
Is there a quick recharge (under five minutes) you can weave into your news day?
💔 Lie #4: Self-care should always feel good
Truth: Not every healthy choice feels magical in the moment. Growth can be uncomfortable. Setting boundaries can sting; journaling can stir up what you’d rather avoid. But the afterglow of real relief? That’s as refreshing as a summer rain.
Prompt:
Recall a time when a hard self-care step (like saying “no”) led to real relief later on.
🌀 Lie #5: You’re never doing enough self-care
Truth: You’re probably already doing more than you think. Do a quick self-inventory: Did you eat? Brush your teeth? Text a friend? Care often hides in the basics, not the latest trends. Start there, then build.
Prompt:
Give yourself credit: List two “basic” self-care habits you already practice, no matter how routine.
🔄 Lie #6: Self-care is a static routine
Truth: Flex and adapt. What worked last month (or last year) might not fit today. Experiment, mix things up, and rediscover what actually fuels you right now. The only “right” way is the one that works for you, today.
Prompt:
Is there an old self-care practice you want to revisit, or a new one you’ve been curious about?
✨ Your challenge: Name one “tiny” act of self-care you did this week—even if it felt ordinary. That foundation is your hidden superpower.
💡Pro tip: If you want to go deeper, turn these prompts into a private self-inventory—or invite your team to reflect together. Your spark starts small, but its impact can ripple widely.
✨ Ready to explore what sustainable self-care could look like—in your newsroom, and in your life?
Let’s build practices that fit your reality: no guilt, no gimmicks, just tools that spark real wellbeing. Schedule a free call to co-create your next steps.