The Dilemma of Excessive Self-Care: When Caring Too Much Hurts

When it comes to caring about one's health, is it possible to go too far? The answer might surprise you—yes. Constantly fixating on your health can lead to irrational worries and even physical ailments, as I will detail below.

Excessive Self-Care Can Backfire

Take my aunt, for example. She was convinced that she had some health problem or another, putting an undue burden on her and her doctor. Her constant anxiety eventually caused high blood pressure, a condition she never would have developed without her excessive health concerns. This anecdote underscores the potential dangers of obsessive self-care.

Overthinking and Overhelping

One of my friends exemplifies another aspect of this issue. She is excessively caring about others, which exacerbates her own sense of worthlessness. Instead of focusing on her own well-being, she dedicates excessive time and energy to making others feel good, often neglecting basic self-care tasks like cleaning and personal hygiene. This imbalance can lead to mental and physical exhaustion.

Reversing the Course with Knowledge

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Understanding what you're doing can make a world of difference. Five years of my vigilance successfully reversed liver cirrhosis, a condition previously thought to be irreversibly. This case underscores the importance of informed self-care.

Mental Health and Worry

Worrying isn’t just about physical health; it also affects our mental and emotional state. Excessive worry can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and a feeling of worthlessness. These mental health issues can manifest physically, leading to conditions like high blood pressure, stress hormones, fatigue, and even weight gain. The cycle of worry can be self-perpetuating and detrimental to overall health.

A Balanced Approach to Self-Care

To avoid the pitfalls of excessive self-care, it’s crucial to adopt a balanced approach that considers all aspects of your health. Consider these three dimensions:

Material Self: Focus on physical senses, objects, possessions, etc. Deeper Self: Focus on thoughts, feelings, desires, needs, concerns, longings, etc. Higher Self: Focus on meaning, purpose, worth, knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, etc.

Aligning these dimensions can help prevent an imbalance that fosters worrying. Instead of letting negative thoughts and feelings dominate, shift your focus to curiosity and finding solutions. Ask yourself:

Is worrying serving me well? Am I getting good ideas by worrying? What wisdom can I derive from my worries?

By shifting your focus to curiosity and finding answers, you can prevent the adverse effects of worry and maintain a healthy balance. Embrace life, find the best in it, and work towards becoming a better version of yourself.

Conclusion

Excessive self-care can indeed be harmful, leading to physical and mental health issues. By understanding the concept and adopting a balanced, questioning approach, you can navigate the complexities of self-care and lead a healthier, happier life.