The Self-Care Paradox

"Over the past decade or two, self-care has become a cultural priority, with apps, retreats, and more growing in popularity. Entire industries have formed around the idea that taking better care of oneself leads to happiness. And research supports this- mindfulness reduces stress, better sleep improves mood, and movement helps combat depression. But here's something less talked about: too much inward focus can backfire. Several studies show a concerning fact: Increased self-focused attention consistently links to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and negative mood."

"There is a difference between reflection and rumination. Reflection involves stepping back and applying what one has learned in life. Rumination happens when someone keeps dwelling on the same problems and gets stuck on them. Excessive rumination often goes hand in hand with self-preoccupation. When attention and worry are mainly focused on one's own interests, it can cause a person to feel more isolated from others and trapped in a self-created bubble. A person may lose touch with their natural empathy and become disconnected from the world around them."

Self-care has grown into a major cultural priority, with evidence that mindfulness, better sleep, and movement support mental health. However, excessive inward focus can worsen distress: increased self-focused attention correlates with higher depression, anxiety, and negative mood. Reflection differs from rumination; reflection leads to learning and action while rumination keeps people stuck on problems and fuels self-preoccupation. Persistent self-focus can isolate individuals, reduce empathy, and disconnect them from others. Some people perform self-care rituals without taking meaningful action, leaving them anxious and unsatisfied. Flourishing requires balancing self-care with service, meaning, and purpose.

Read at Psychology Today