We all know that taking care of ourselves is important, but why do so many of us feel guilty for doing it? Whether you’re an executive, a parent, a mentor, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities, the sense of guilt that comes with prioritising your own wellbeing can be a real obstacle.
Recently, I’ve been speaking at a number of events where this issue of guilt keeps coming up: “How can we help people overcome the guilt of prioritising their own wellbeing?”
Why Do We Feel Guilty?
The guilt often stems from the belief that taking time for ourselves—whether it’s for recovery, self-care, or mental wellbeing—is somehow selfish. We’re conditioned to think that our productivity, availability, and responsibilities to others should always come first. But falling into this guilt trap, and having this mindset can lead to burnout, stress, and poor performance in all areas of our lives.
Reframe Self-Care as Essential
Here’s the key: Self-care is not an indulgence—it’s a necessity. In principle, it’s simple to understand, but putting it into practice can be more challenging. You need to start seeing recovery, self-care, and wellbeing as integral parts of your role, whether that’s in the workplace, at home, or in any other capacity.
The truth is, being your best self requires time for recovery. By looking after your own wellbeing, you’re not only helping yourself, but you’re also making sure you’re able to give your best to those around you—your team, your family, and your community.
Think about your phone: You wouldn’t leave the house in the morning with your phone battery at 10% without bringing a charger, right? You know your phone won’t last through the day, and you’ll need to recharge it. So why do we expect our brains and bodies to function at their best when we’re running on empty? We need regular recharging, just like our devices.
Taking time for yourself—whether it’s physical rest, mental recovery, or simply taking a break—ensures you’re not pushing through when you’re undercharged and under-recovered.
Guilt-Free Self-Care: A Mindset Shift
Think of self-care not as a “nice to have,” but as a fundamental component of your success. Whether you’re leading a company or managing a household, performing at your best means taking time to recharge. So, let go of the guilt.
Next time you feel guilty for taking a break, going for a walk, or taking time to relax, remember: these are key steps to being the best version of yourself. Prioritising your wellbeing isn’t a luxury—it’s what enables you to show up in all areas of your life and deliver your best.
Self-Care is Essential
Don’t see wellbeing and self-care as something to feel guilty about. They’re not just additions to your life—they are essential parts of how you thrive and succeed in everything you do.
Take the Cadence Wellbeing Scorecard: a tool that helps you assess and track your progress in achieving work-life balance, managing energy and improving overall wellbeing. You’ll receive a free, personalised report with actionable insights you can take into your daily life to optimise your health and wellbeing.