While taking breaks and relaxing are essential components of self-care, it can be abused when it becomes a way to escape from real-life problems, commitments or responsibilities. Constantly avoiding challenges or difficult emotions in the name of self-care can hinder personal growth and problem-solving. Escapism is not necessarily self-care.

It’s not about not experiencing negative self-talk or not experiencing uncomfortable life events. Eventually, you panic less and less until you hardly speak negatively to yourself. In the beginning, once you identify that you speak untruths in your mind, let it happen. Do not suppress or judge it. HOWEVER, correct it immediately to a more constructive tone! IMMEDIATELY. It will take a lot of energy, and you will correct yourself a lot at first, but if you’re consistent and stick to it for as long as it takes, you will get better at it, and you will eventually only (or primarily) speak respectfully and honestly with yourself.